New Original Production for Disney Channel Australia

SYDNEY, February 28: Disney Channel Australia has
commissioned a new original comedy series As the Bell Rings,
which will premiere in
Australia and New Zealand later this year.

Disney Channel has
commissioned FremantleMedia to produce the pilot of the show, which provides a
slightly voyeuristic look at Australian kids during recess. As the Bell
Rings chronicles the
adventures that befall a close group of students aged 11-14 during recess, all
conveyed through rapid-fire dialogue. During recess, the characters meet and
deal with problems that range from math tests to school beauty queen contests
and secret diaries, among others.

FremantleMedia has
appointed Mulliners Casting Consultants to handle the casting process.

Michael Cairns, the
MD of Walt Disney Television International (Australia/New Zealand), noted:
“Disney Channel is committed to producing locally produced shows that feature
Australian kids, all while reflecting our core values of optimism, imagination
and self-expression. Who knows, the next Disney Channel global stars could be
right here in Australia.”