Disney Channel Fans

So I’m sure I’m not the only one that’s been wondering what 21 year old Anna Maria Perez de Tagle, of Disney’s Hannah Montana and Camp Rock, is currently up to.

Well, Anna is actually performing as a featured soloist in the musical Godspell on Broadway!

Anna sings the hit song “Day By Day” in the production and in the new Godspell cast album that was just released on iTunes this past Tuesday.

In addition, on February 28, Anna will appear live after the show as part of their Tuesday Night Talkback Series. She will discuss her journey with Godspell, and hold a Q&A with audience members.

And even better, Save Disney Shows is giving away two FREE tickets to the show! Just tweet @savedisney with why we should pick you and be sure to include the hashtag #godspellsds A winner will be chosen Sunday night at or around 10PM PST. For more info on Tuesday Night Talkbacks you should visit the Godspell News section.

Congrats to Sean Cocchia! Along with Gary Marsh who was recently himself promoted to president of Disney Channel, Mr. Cocchia has had a significant role in shaping the direction of the channel for the past few years.

Disney’s full press release follows:

SEAN COCCHIA PROMOTED TO SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT,
BUSINESS OPERATIONS AND GENERAL MANAGER,
DISNEY CHANNELS WORLDWIDE

Sean Cocchia has been promoted to the new role of Senior Vice President, Business Operations and General Manager, Disney Channels Worldwide, it was announced today by Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, to whom he reports. Cocchia has been with Disney since 1998 and was most recently Senior Vice President and General Manager, Radio Disney.

Marsh said, “Sean is a brilliant strategist and a strong manager, with an incredible perspective on our global businesses. He will be an invaluable partner as we build DCWW for the future.”

In his new role, Cocchia will work with Marsh on crafting strategic direction and optimizing business operations for the burgeoning portfolio of brands serving kids and families across multiple platforms: Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior and Radio Disney.

Reporting to Cocchia are Disney Media Sales and Marketing. Business Planning and Strategy, Radio Disney and the business functions of both Disney Junior and Disney XD channels.

Cocchia will also oversee the group’s interactions with Walt Disney International, the Finance and Distribution teams and with Disney ABC Television Group’s Franchise Management group on new business models and opportunities.

From 2008-10, Cocchia was Senior Vice President, Business Planning and Development, Disney Channels Worldwide. He was previously Vice President, Business Development (2005-08) and Executive Director, Business Management (2004-05) for Disney Channel U.S. Cocchia joined Disney in July 1998 as a Senior Analyst in its Strategic Planning area. He previously served as an investment banking analyst with Credit Suisse First Boston’s Media and Telecommunications Group. Cocchia graduated magna cum laude from the University of Notre Dame with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance.

Disney Channels Worldwide is a portfolio of 100 kid-driven, family inclusive entertainment channels and/or channel feeds available in 167 countries in 35 languages, spanning Disney Channel, Disney XD, Disney Junior, Disney Cinemagic, Hungama and Radio Disney brands. Through cable, satellite and digital terrestrial television channels and a strategic partnership with Disney-ABC-ESPN Television for the third-party distribution of Disney-branded kids’ programming across the globe, Disney Channels Worldwide reaches hundreds of millions of viewers. Disney Channel properties continue to rapidly expand into new markets across the world, playing a key role in introducing the Disney brand to new consumers.

Save Disney Shows January 2012 Events

Save Nine Lives Of Chloe King Day – 01/09/12

Save Save Lilo & Stitch Weekend Bash – 01/13-16/12

Save Jake Long Day – 01/20/12

It’s important to remember that paper letters are the key to our efforts, and events are spaced out so you have at least a week to prepare as many as you can. Please refer to our how to help section for addresses and more information.

Then on the day of the event, you can also send faxes, make phone calls, and use our email program at SDSmail.org

Fond Farewell to Wizards of Waverly Place

Well, it’s over. But talk about going out in a big way. The Wizards finale was exceptionally well done and caps of a very thoughtful and well put together fourth season of this beloved show. Wizards marks the end of an era at Disney as the last of the big four series (WOWP, Suite Life, SWAC, and Hannah) and a passing of the torch to the new largely untested shows.

On behalf of the entire Save Disney Shows network we want to take a moment to thank the cast and crew for the fourth season with a special thank you to Selena Gomez who put her own music career on the back-burner in order to finish her show right. We wish you all good luck in your future endeavors.

Disney Channel January Highlights

Looking forward we see a busy month for DC in “JaNEWary” with new episodes of A.N.T. Farm, Austin & Ally, Fish Hooks, Jessie, Phineas and Ferb, Shake It Up, and So Random.

Read more on the DC Fans Blog.

Big Ratings for Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas

Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas was the highest rated live action cable movie of 2011, and second only to the Phineas and Ferb movie overall!

“Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas” became the No. 1 live-action cable movie of 2011 in Total Viewers, and the No. 1 live-action scripted telecast across all TV in Kids 6-11. Along with the premiere of “Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension” in August, Disney Channel owns the year’s Top 2 scripted TV telecasts in Kids 6-11, and the Top 2 across all cable TV overall.

Read more on the DC Fans Blog.

Reminder: Frenemies Premieres January 13th

Disney Channel’s next DCOM is coming up next week.

Bella Thorne and Zendaya (both of “Shake It Up”), Stefanie Scott (“A.N.T. Farm”), Nick Robinson (“Melissa and Joey”) and Mary Mouser (“Body of Proof”) star in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Frenemies,” an anthology that follows three pairs of friends as they navigate the delicate balance when besties go to worsties, and back again. With themes of staying true to yourself, celebrating family and friendship, and following your dreams, the movie is set to premiere on FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.

Read more on the DC Fans Blog.

Demi Lovato’s Meet and Greet for Seventeen Magazine

Our very own Webmaster Greg went to see 19 year old actress Demi Lovato again at her Seventeen Magazine signing at the Barnes and Noble store at The Americana at Brand in Glendale, CA last week. Did he think to ask her about a possible return to So Random, if she knew of our movement, or really anything at all useful? Of course not; he was far to nervous to actually speak.

But if you’d like to see his amazing photos from the event (plus a video) be sure to click over to the DC Fans Blog for the full story.

“Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas” was the highest rated live action cable movie of 2011, and second only to the “Phineas and Ferb” movie overall!

Disney’s rightfully smug press release follows:

BABY OH BABY! “GOOD LUCK CHARLIE: IT’S CHRISTMAS”
DELIVERS ANOTHER BIG PREMIERE FOR
DISNEY CHANNEL ORIGINAL MOVIE FRANCHISE

Ratings for Sitcom Debut of “Austin & Ally” Hit all the Right Notes

The significant ratings force known as the Disney Channel Original Movie franchise has done it again, delivering 6.9 million Total Viewers with Friday’s (8:00 p.m.) premiere of “Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas,” inspired by the hit sitcom “Good Luck Charlie.” The premiere also delivered 3.3 million Kids 6-11, 2.4 million Tweens and 1.4 million Adults 18-49. The premiere was sponsored by Nintendo Mario Cart 7. The movie led into the very strong debut of the music-centered sitcom, “Austin & Ally” (9:30 p.m.), which delivered 5.7 million Total Viewers, 2.7 million Kids 6-11 and 2.1 million Tweens. It premieres in its regular timeslot Sunday, December 4 (8:00 p.m.).

“Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas” became the No. 1 live-action cable movie of 2011 in Total Viewers, and the No. 1 live-action scripted telecast across all TV in Kids 6-11. Along with the premiere of “Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension” in August, Disney Channel owns the year’s Top 2 scripted TV telecasts in Kids 6-11, and the Top 2 across all cable TV overall. Furthermore, “Austin & Ally” ranks as Disney Channel’s
No. 2 series launch on record in Kids 6-11 and its No. 1 series debut ever in Boys 6-11 (1.0 million).

“Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas” stars the cast of the hit series — Bridgit Mendler, Jason Dolley, Leigh-Allyn Baker, Bradley Steven Perry, Mia Talerico and Eric Allan Kramer — and finds the Duncan family getting hopelessly separated during a trip to Grandma’s house, scrambling to reunite in time for Christmas. The storyline revealed that the stork is on the way to the Duncans next year. At the telecast’s conclusion, Disney Channel invited viewers to choose from among 10 names for the baby sister or brother who will debut in spring 2012 during a special hour episode of “Good Luck Charlie.” Baby name voting continues through December 16 at DisneyChannel.com/BabyVote.

19-year-old actress and Hollywood Records recording artist Bridgit Mendler co-wrote and performs the song “I’m Gonna Run to You” in the movie.

Disney Channel Original Movies dominate basic cable TV’s ratings, delivering the No. 1 movie in Total Viewers for five consecutive years and the No. 1 movie telecast among Tweens for 10 consecutive years. They are “Cadet Kelly,” “The Cheetah Girls,” “Halloweentown High,” “Twitches,” “The Cheetah Girls 2,” “High School Musical 2,” “Camp Rock,” “Wizards of Waverly Place The Movie,” “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” and “Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension,” respectively. The latter is also cable television’s No. 1 animated telecast of all time among Kids 2-11.

“Good Luck Charlie: It’s Christmas” was filmed in Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah. The movie is executive-produced by Sheri Singer along with the three executive producers of the series, Dan Staley, Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen. The script was written by Geoff Rodkey and directed by Arlene Sanford.

“Austin & Ally” stars Ross Lynch, Laura Marano, Raini Rodriguez and Calum Worthy. It was created and is executive-produced by Kevin Kopelow and Heath Seifert.

And another baby? This is getting excessive now. xD

IT’S A BOY…OR GIRL! EXPECTED DUE DATE, SEASON THREE!

DISNEY CHANNEL REVEALS SURPRISE THAT THE STORK IS ON THE WAY
TO THE DUNCANS; VIEWERS INVITED TO SELECT BABY’S NAME FOR
DEBUT IN UPCOMING SEASON OF HIT SERIES “GOOD LUCK CHARLIE”

Happy news that the Duncans are expecting a bundle of joy was revealed during the premiere of the Disney Channel Original Movie, “Good Luck Charlie, It’s Christmas!,” and now Disney Channel viewers around the world can vote for their favorite from among 10 names for the baby sister or brother who will debut in an hour-long special planned for spring 2012 on the hit series “Good Luck Charlie.” Voting began Friday, December 2 at 9:30 p.m., ET and runs through December 16, at DisneyChannel.com/BabyVote.

(Editors please note: Images are available for downloading at www.disneychannelmedianet.com. Registration Required).

• If it’s a Boy – Noah, Jonah, Toby, Bobby Jr. and Bo
• If it’s a Girl – Sydney, Erika, Mallory, Talia and Jenny

Adam Bonnett, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channels Worldwide, said: “There’s no greater excitement than the arrival of a new baby in the house, and we are eager for our viewers to share in the relatable anticipation of a baby girl or baby boy joining the Duncan family that they’ve come to know and love.”

“Good Luck Charlie,” a sitcom geared towards the whole family, ranks as TV’s No. 1 program on Sundays (8:00 p.m.) among Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14. Overall, the series ranks No. 2 for the year among Kids 6-11 (1.9 million/7.6 rating) and No. 3 among Tweens 9-14 (1.6 million/6.6 rating). [Source: NTI, 12/27/11-11/27/11, most current trackage data with minimum 10 telecasts]

Joy of joys in Season Three — the Duncan household prepares to expand with the impending arrival of a new baby, rubber duckies and choo-choo trains, while parents Bob and Amy juggle their jobs, and their kids, PJ, Teddy and Gabe, cope with both their teen years and their mischief-making toddler sister, Charlie.

Starring are Bridgit Mendler as Teddy Duncan, Leigh-Allyn Baker as Amy Duncan, Bradley Steven Perry as Gabe Duncan, Mia Talerico as Charlie Duncan, Eric Allan Kramer as Bob Duncan and Jason Dolley as PJ Duncan.

“Good Luck Charlie” was created by Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen (“Suddenly Susan” and “What I Like About You”) and is executive-produced by Baker, Vaupen and Dan Staley (“Cheers,” “Love & Money”). The trio, along with Sheri Singer, also executive-produce the Disney Channel Original Movie based on the series. “Good Luck Charlie” is a production of It’s A Laugh Productions, Inc. It carries a TV-G parental guideline.

Good new for my fellow animation and/or Ashley Tisdale fans, Disney has renewed Phineas and Ferb for a fourth season.

The official press release follows:

DISNEY CHANNEL ORDERS FOURTH SEASON OF EMMY AWARD-WINNING ANIMATED SERIES “PHINEAS AND FERB”

Disney Channel has ordered a fourth season of Emmy Award-winning “Phineas and Ferb,” TV’s #1 animated series in Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14, and will have new episodes rolling out through 2014. Upcoming episodes include a musical featuring the one-hit wonder “Phineas and the Ferb-tones,” commemoration of Platypus Day, and a winter vacation special featuring seasonal sports and a New Year’s celebration.

Created and executive-produced by Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh, the series is a production of Disney Television Animation.

“Phineas and Ferb,” TV’s #1 animated series among Tweens for four years in the U.S., exceeded 289 million unique viewers airing on Disney Channels and Disney XD and third party broadcasters — and in July, premiered on China’s CCTV, reaching 145 million total viewers in its first six weeks. Its latest offshoot, the Disney Channel Original Movie “Phineas and Ferb: Across the 2nd Dimension,” is the #1 animated cable telecast of all time among Kids 2-11 in the U.S. and just recently broke Disney Channel ratings records in India, Japan and France.

With over 100 episodes and counting, a live action/animated talk show and a hit TV movie, the success of “Phineas and Ferb” has created opportunities for other Disney divisions including Disney Interactive Studios (Nintendo Wii, Nintendo DS and Sony PlayStation 3 video games), Walt Disney Records (soundtracks), Disney Consumer Products (toys/consumer electronics, apparel, accessories, food, health and beauty items), Disney Publishing (over 5 million books, comics and a magazine in 45 countries), Walt Disney Studios Distribution (DVDs), Disney Parks and Resorts (interactive live entertainment experience) and Disney Theatrical Group (a live touring stage show). Disney Studios has a feature film in development for July 2013.

The voice cast includes: Vincent Martella as Phineas Flynn, Thomas Sangster as Ferb Fletcher, Ashley Tisdale as Candace Flynn, Mitchel Musso as Jeremy, Caroline Rhea as mom Linda Flynn-Fletcher, Richard O’Brien as dad Lawrence Fletcher, Dee Bradley Baker as Perry the Platypus, Alyson Stoner as Isabella, Jeff “Swampy” Marsh as Major Monogram and Emmy Award-winning Dan Povenmire as the nefarious Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

Good news for Disney this quarter!

Walt Disney Co. reported strong fourth-quarter earnings, buoyed by gains at Disney Channel and ESPN and at the Burbank company’s theme parks.

The entertainment giant reported net income of $1.08 billion for the quarter ending Oct. 1, a jump of 30% compared with a year earlier. Revenue also rose 7% to $10.4 billion.

Disney achieved record revenue, net income and earnings per share for fiscal 2011. Net income for the year reached $5.26 billion on revenue of nearly $41 billion.

“Given the challenging economic environment this year, I’m particularly proud of our excellent management team, which has consistently delivered on our strategy of creating high-quality content, expanding our platforms and growing our iconic brands and assets worldwide,” Disney President and Chief Executive Robert A. Iger said on a call with media analysts Thursday.

Disney’s media networks group, which includes the ABC television network, its collection of local TV stations and its cable channels, continues to be a profit engine for the company. Media networks posted operating income of $1.4 billion, a gain of 20% from a year earlier.

The TV group’s results were driven by sales of Disney Channel programming and higher fees paid by cable and satellite distributors, as well advertising growth internationally.

ESPN, which set viewership records for the fourth consecutive year, also benefited from fee increases and ad growth. Even the struggling ABC network is gaining traction with new dramas, including its modern-day take on fairy tales, “Once Upon a Time,” and its comedy about suburban life, “Suburgatory.”

Disney’s parks and resorts saw a 33% surge in operating income, which rose to $421 million for the quarter. The improved results at the company’s domestic parks, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Paris helped to partially offset costs associated with the September opening of the new Aulani hotel and vacation resort in Hawaii.

Iger said the company is beginning to reap the rewards of five years of investments in Disney’s theme parks. In the coming year, the company will open “Carsland,” which is the centerpiece of its $1-billion overhaul of California Adventure in Anaheim and the opening of Fantasyland in the Magic Kingdom park in Orlando, Fla.

Walt Disney Studios reported operating income of $117 million in the fourth quarter, up 13% from a year earlier, even though revenue fell 8%.

The studio’s domestic movie ticket sales benefited from this fall’s 3-D re-release of the 17-year-old animated classic “The Lion King,” which grossed about $150 million in worldwide box office receipts, Iger said.

Pixar Animation Studio’s sequel, “Cars 2,” had $559 million in global ticket sales but compared unfavorably to the 2010 summer blockbuster “Toy Story 3.”

Iger said the “Cars” franchise continues to spur consumer product sales, noting that it has surpassed “Star Wars” and “Toy Story” in retail sales of movie-themed merchandise. The consumer products group reported operating income of $207 million for the quarter, up 13% from the same period a year ago.

The upcoming Thanksgiving release of “The Muppets” is expected to “rebuild another beloved franchise,” Iger said. He noted that the film cost “less than $50 million to produce” and illustrates Disney’s strategy of releasing a mix of expensive event films like Marvel Entertainment’s 2012 superhero picture “The Avengers” with lower-cost movies.

Disney’s long-struggling interactive group reported a 19% gain in revenue, which rose to $223 million. Operating losses for the group fell to $94 million, compared with $104 million in the same period last year.

Iger said the interactive unit plans to introduce eight social networking games in the coming year, taking advantage of established Disney and Marvel brands, as well as creating original characters.

The chief executive expects the group to post a profit in 2013.

dawn.chmielewski@latimes.com

A little bit of corperate news today. Disney has named their new President of Disney Consumer Products, Mr. Robert Chapek.

Robert Chapek, left, Walt Disney Studios President Alan Bergman, actress Moira Kelly, studio executive Lori MacPherson and producer Don Hahn at premiere of The Lion King 3D in LA.

Full article follows:

The Walt Disney Company President and CEO Robert A. Iger announced today Robert Chapek, President of Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios, has been promoted to President of Disney Consumer Products, reporting to Iger.

With this announcement, Chapek will oversee a newly formed companywide consumer products organization, which will consolidate retail and licensing across Disney’s lines of business including Walt Disney Studios, Pixar, Marvel, Media Networks, Interactive Media and Consumer Products.

“Bob’s vast experience, talent and proven track record will be key to implementing a consolidated approach to retail resulting in a more efficient and effective organization,” said Mr. Iger. “As the retail market becomes more centralized, it is important to provide the consumer with an array of choices in a seamless, coordinated way.”

Chapek said, “I’m excited about the opportunity to lead our newly expanded team and to grow our brands, franchises and movie properties in the fast-changing retail and licensing marketplace.”

In support of the new mission of cross-company retail integration, Alan Bergman, President of the Walt Disney Studios, will assume Chapek’s former responsibilities of theatrical and TV platform distribution of studio movies.

Since November 2009, Chapek has led The Walt Disney Studios’ distribution, developing strategy and overseeing the delivery of all motion pictures and television content, across the theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, pay TV, digital formats, and other new media. Chapek has been visionary on technological issues, and oversees the development of various new technologies including next generation high-definition Blu-ray Disc, in home 3D solutions, and interoperability solutions such as KeyChest and digital distribution.

In his previous role as president of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, Chapek led the organization to record-setting performances on numerous movie titles. He has played a key role in the commercialization of Disney’s live-action and animated direct-to-video business.

Prior to joining Disney, Bob practiced brand management in the packaged goods industry with the H.J. Heinz Company and in the advertising business with J. Walter Thompson.

Disney Consumer Products (DCP), the world’s largest licensor, is a business segment of The Walt Disney Company and its affiliates that currently extends the Disney brand to merchandise ranging from apparel, toys and home decor to books and magazines, foods and beverages, stationery, electronics and animation art. This is accomplished through DCP’s various lines of business which include: Disney Fashion & Home, Disney Food, Health & Beauty and Disney Toys & Social Expressions.

Other businesses involved in Disney’s consumer products sales are Disney Publishing Worldwide, the world’s largest publisher of children’s books and magazines and DisneyStore.com and DisneyStore.co.uk, the company’s official shopping portal. The Disney Stores retail chain, which debuted in 1987, is owned and operated by Disney in North America, Europe and Japan. Disney English currently operates 15 English language learning centers in Shanghai and Beijing, China.

DCP develops Disney entertainment franchises into 365 day-a-year product opportunities at retailers worldwide. Disney-branded merchandise is inspired by characters from Disney’s beloved animated films and live-action films as well as Disney’s television entertainment, Disney Channel and Disney XD.

Save Disney Shows October 2011 Events

Save Lilo & Stitch Weekend Bash – 10/09-12/11

Save The Nine Lives Of Chloe King Day #1 – 10/09/11

Save I’m in the Band Day #4 – 10/12/11

Kim Possible Halloween Bash – 10/31/11

It’s important to remember that paper letters are the key to our efforts, and events are spaced out so you have at least a week to prepare as many as you can. Please refer to our how to help section for addresses and more information.

Then on the day of the event, you can also send faxes, make phone calls, and use our email program at SDSmail.org

Save The Nine Lives of Chloe King

ABC Family clearly didn’t learn their lesson and they have AGAIN cancelled a new series after only ten episodes! The ABC Family series The Nine Lives of Chloe King was just getting started and had just begun to build up what was a very large and elaborate story line. We had some major plot elements revealed in the mid-season finale, which unfortunately has become the series finale. We call on all Disney fans to help us in our campaign to get this series renewed. No show deserves to end before it’s potential an even be measured. Our first SDS event is next week on October 9th (for nine lives) and we really need your support!

Learn more about how you can help us ave the show on our Nine Lives section of Save Disney Shows.

Disney Channel October Highlights

It’s time again for our first look at that’s new on Disney channel this month. And it looks like a lot of Wizards! “Wizards vs. Everything” will be the 25th episode of the season and we are clearly nearing the end of the series run. Also new this month are the usual couple episodes of ANT Farm, So Random, Phineas and Ferb, Good Luck Charlie, and Shake it Up. There are also several Jessie episodes, which one would expect seeing as how it’s a new show.

If you’re interested in learning more about Debby’s new show, you might want to check out DebbyRyan.net and our new Jessie fan site at DisneysJessie.com.

Read more on the DC Fans Blog.

Gary Marsh named President of Disney Channel!

Huge news at Disney Channel this month! Carolina Lightcap, the now former president of Disney Channels Worldwide, has decided to step down from her post. Gary Marsh, Disney Channel’s Chief Creative Officer has now been promoted to president for Disney Channels Worldwide in addition to continuing to serve as Chief Creative Officer. Mr Marsh has long been one of the most receptive and well respected executives at Disney Channel, and his ascension to president of the channel is very good news for the fans in general.

In commenting on Mr. Marsh and his promotion, Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group said, “Gary Marsh has been the driving creative force behind Disney Channels remarkable growth for the past 15 plus years, responsible for some of the most iconic and successful franchises in our history, including ‘Hannah Montana,’ ‘Wizards of Waverly Place,’ ‘High School Musical,’ ‘Phineas and Ferb,’ ‘That’s So Raven,’ ‘Shake It Up’ and many others.” She continued, “The evolution and growth of our Disney Channels business will come from the alignment of this great creative with strong distribution, in all its myriad forms. There is no one better suited to manage this than Gary. He not only understands the zeitgeist of kids’ culture, he helped create it. Our business couldn’t be in better hands.”

Read more on the DC Fans Blog.

Kim Possible Fan Convention 2012 Update

The Kim Possible Fan Convention project has it’s first confirmed guests:

Bob Schooley

Mark McCorkle

Steve Loter

Kurt Weldon

Of course, all appearances are subject to change as the event is still nine months out, but it looks like things are starting to shape up.

You can stay up to date on the project and provide your feed back via these social networking sites.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Kimvention2012

Twitter: http://twitter.com/Kimvention2012

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/user/Kimvention2012

deviantART: http://kimvention2012.deviantart.com/

Demi Lovato Makes her Comeback

It’s been quite a year for Demi Lovato. But she’s gotten her life back in order and her new album “Unbroken” was just released last month. In support of the new album Demi did two concerts, one in NYC and one in LA. Our own Webmaster Greg was there at the LA show and has a full report including quite a few concert videos from the show. It was an amazing show.

Read more on the DC Fans Blog.

Lauren Frost & Margo Harshman are Violet Hour

Long time Disney fans may remember actresses Lauren Frost and Margo Harshman from Disney’s  Even Stevens. Lauren played Ren’s slightly ditsy friend Ruby and Margo played Louis’s friend and eventual love interest Tawny. These two talented girls have since teamed up and formed a band called Violet Hour. Our own Webmaster Greg had the opportunity to see and speak with them at their concert at El Cid in Los Angeles last month.

For more about the band and the show (including videos) please visit the DC Fans Blog.

Big news at Disney Channel!

Carolina Lightcap, current president of Disney Channels Worldwide, has decided to step down from her post effective immediately. Gary Marsh, DC’s current Chief Creative Officer has now been promoted to president for Disney Channels Worldwide in addition to continuing to serve as Chief Creative Officer.

Press releases for both anouncements follow

Burbank, CA, September 15, 2011 . . . The Disney/ABC Television Group today announced that Carolina Lightcap, president, Disney Channels Worldwide, has decided to step down from her post effective immediately. In a separate release, Gary Marsh was named president and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.

In commenting on the announcement, Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group, said, “We’re sorry that Carolina has decided to leave us and appreciate her many valuable contributions over the years. During her tenure as president, Disney Channels Worldwide continued its incredible momentum, with the channel just delivering its most watched summer in history with Kids 6-11. She will be missed.”

“I’m extremely proud of the accomplishments over the past 11 years at both Disney Latin America and Disney Channels Worldwide. Building Disney Channel into #1 in Latin America, not just with kids but also in households, is a career highlight. And in the U.S., with Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior all enjoying some of their best ratings ever, I feel the timing is perfect to move on to my next challenge,” noted Ms. Lightcap. “My heartfelt thanks to Anne Sweeney for her guidance and inspiration. I’ll miss working with her and the talented Disney Channels Worldwide team.”

In addition to the success at Disney Channel and Disney XD during her tenure, Ms. Lightcap also led the launch of Disney Junior, a new global brand for kids age 2-7 anchored in a daily programming block on Disney Channel, which in 2012 will be joined by a 24-hour channel in the U.S. Since its domestic launch, Disney Junior ratings have grown by double-digit margins across the board, and its launch series, “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” is the #1 cable series among Boys 2-5 and is on track to be Disney Channel’s #1 preschool series ever in Total Viewers, Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49.

Ms. Lightcap joined The Walt Disney Company in 2000 and, prior to her current role, served in the dual roles of senior vice president, Programming and Creative Affairs, Disney Channels Latin America / Disney Media Networks, and Chief Marketing Officer, The Walt Disney Company, Latin America.

In her role as senior vice president of Programming and Creative Affairs, Disney Media Networks, Latin America, she was responsible for programming, production, on-air, marketing, research and publicity for Disney Channel, Disney XD and Playhouse Disney Channels (now known as Disney Junior) in the region. As Chief Marketing Officer for The Walt Disney Company Latin America, Ms. Lightcap led the integration of Disney’s marketing departments into one organization, and was responsible for the strategic marketing direction for all Disney’s lines of business in the region, as well as Corporate Brand and Franchise Management, Corporate Communications and Corporate Responsibility.

Prior to joining Disney, Ms. Lightcap served as vice president, Programming, Sales and Marketing, Sky Latin America Partners. Before Sky, she worked for Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment and Fox Latin American Channel, serving ultimately as executive director, Latin America.

–

The Disney/ABC Television Group today announced that Gary Marsh has been promoted to president, Disney Channels Worldwide. He will also continue in his role as the Channel’s Chief Creative Officer. This announcement follows the decision by Carolina Lightcap to step down as president, Disney Channels Worldwide.

In this new position, Mr. Marsh will have full creative oversight and leadership responsibility for Disney’s successful and burgeoning global kids TV business, comprising more than 100 kid-driven, family inclusive entertainment channels and feeds which are available in 169 countries and 35 languages. The portfolio spans Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD, Disney Cinemagic and Hungama brands; the Radio Disney broadcast and satellite radio network and station group; as well as subscription video-on-demand and the content-rich broadband websites DisneyChannel.com, DisneyJunior.com, DisneyXD.com and RadioDisney.com. Previously, Mr. Marsh had been president, Entertainment and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide.

In commenting on Mr. Marsh and his promotion, Anne Sweeney, co-chair, Disney Media Networks and president, Disney/ABC Television Group said, “Gary Marsh has been the driving creative force behind Disney Channels remarkable growth for the past 15 plus years, responsible for some of the most iconic and successful franchises in our history, including ‘Hannah Montana,’ ‘Wizards of Waverly Place,’ ‘High School Musical,’ ‘Phineas and Ferb,’ ‘That’s So Raven,’ ‘Shake It Up’ and many others.” She continued, “The evolution and growth of our Disney Channels business will come from the alignment of this great creative with strong distribution, in all its myriad forms. There is no one better suited to manage this than Gary. He not only understands the zeitgeist of kids’ culture, he helped create it. Our business couldn’t be in better hands.”

Said Mr. Marsh: “The strength of Disney Channels Worldwide – and its heart – has always been the dynamic and dedicated people who make the magic and put it into the homes and hands of kids and families around the world. These talented people who share my passion for creative excellence are the reason I’ve loved working here. And it’s also why I’m excited by this expanded opportunity to lead this team in creating and delivering content, globally, which entertains, uplifts and inspires.”

As president, Entertainment, and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, Mr. Marsh managed the worldwide Programming Strategy, Planning and Acquisitions teams, Original Movies, Original Series, Casting, Talent Relations and Production for Disney Channel U.S. and Disney XD, overseeing the development and production of a slate of original programming for Disney Channels Worldwide – both live action and animated – with original programming teams based in Burbank, London and Japan. In addition, he oversaw the development and production arms of Disney Television Animation.

His track record in developing cultural phenomena like “High School Musical,” “Hannah Montana,” “Phineas and Ferb” and “Lizzie McGuire” has been a hallmark of his success. In addition to spearheading these blockbuster Disney Channel Original Movie and Original Series franchises, he has also overseen Disney Junior programming, which includes break-out hits “Jake and the Never Land Pirates,” “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Handy Manny.”

Throughout his tenure at Disney Channel, Mr. Marsh has developed projects that have garnered the highest industry and critical acclaim, including multiple Emmys and Humanitas Prizes, plus Peabody, NAMIC, Gabriel, Women in Film, Parents’ Choice and New York International Film and Television Festival Awards. He is the co-creator and co-chair of City of Hope’s annual Concert for Hope, and was also a 2005 Honoree of Girls Incorporated, which recognizes industry leaders who are excellent role models for girls and young women.

Prior to joining Disney Channel, Mr. Marsh was director of Movies and Miniseries at Columbia Pictures Television. He was previously vice president, the Garth Group, a consulting firm in New York City, where he specialized in creating media for political campaigns.