Disney Channel in Europe Ramps Up Original Production

original programming and local co-productions in Europe,
with new initiatives that include an animated take on the kids’ classic Famous
Five.

A production hub will soon open in London to drive the
channel’s new original programming mandate. “This new commitment to original
programming production represents our most significant drive yet to create kids’
TV shows in Europe intended not only for local broadcast, but for Disney
Channels all over the world,” said John Hardie, the managing director of Walt
Disney Television in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. “With Disney Channel
is growing so quickly, at a rate of several million more households each year
across the region, the combination of reach and new content will help cement
our position at the forefront of children’s broadcasting in Europe today.”

Disney Channel is working with Chorion for the updated,
animated Famous Five, based on the
popular Enid Blyton series, following Jo, Cole, Allie, Dylan and their faithful
dog on a series of adventures. Disney Channel and Chorion will be working with
American writers Douglas Tuber and Maile to produce a 26-episode first season
for broadcast in 2008.

Another project in the works is Bunny Town, a live-action preschool puppet series developed
with American Spiffy Pictures and to be produced in the U.K. by Bakercoogan,
founded by Martin Baker and Pete Coogan, formerly of The Jim Henson Company.

Disney Channels in the region have already fared well with
the short-form series Quelli dell’Intervallo, also known as Break Kids.
Launched in Italy, versions have been produced in France, Germany and Spain.
The U.K. is up next, as is the U.S.