Disney Channel Unveils New Original Movies

NEW YORK, April 10: In a
presentation for advertisers under the theme “The Next Big Thing,” Disney
Channel unveiled plans for three new original movies, as well renewals on the
hits Hannah Montana, Wizards
of Waverly Place and Phineas
and Ferb.

Disney’s presentation was
highlighted by a musical performance from 15-year-old singer/songwriter/actress
Demi Lovato, star of the upcoming Disney Channel original movies Camp Rock (with the Jonas Brothers) and the newly announced Princess
Protection Program. The event
stressed gains made by the channel in 2007, when it delivered the highest
ratings for any cable network in history.

“We thought we’d show our
clients how we approach the core of our business—finding and developing
talent—for the series and movies that are responsible for making us cable
TV’s ratings leader in total viewers, the long-running champ among kids 6-11 in
prime time, number one among tweens in both prime time and total day and the
launch pad for extensions of our content, including nearly 25 million CD sales
in the past two years,” said Gary Marsh,
the president of entertainment at Disney Channels Worldwide. “Most of all, we
look for young people who convey star quality yet are relatable for young
viewers, and we certainly think we’ve found the next superstar in the immensely
talented Demi Lovato.”

At the presentation, it
was announced that for the 2008-09 season, more than 445 hours of new
programming will be presented across Playhouse Disney, Disney Channel and Toon
Disney/Jetix.

Marsh announced three new
titles for the popular Disney Channel Original Movie franchise: Princess
Protection Program, Dadnapped and Hatching Pete, each starring Disney Channel series stars in new
roles.

Also announced were the
third season of Hannah Montana
and second seasons for Wizards of Waverly Place and Phineas and Ferb.

—By Mansha Daswani