News
Disney Channel inks UK production deals
Samantha Loveday Nov 23 2007, 9:42am
Coolabi and Blue-Zoo to develop two children's shows after new investment.
Disney Channel's London-based Global Original Programming hub has sealed its first deals, as the firm looks to drive investment of its live action and animation offerings outside of North America.
Coolabi and Blue-Zoo Productions will now be working with Disney Channel on two new children's shows. The channel has optioned the rights to The Shaila Show (working title), a live action/animation comedy from Coolabi, and Clever Clogs (working title) from Blue-Zoo.
In addition to these deals, Disney Channel is already working with Chorion on an updated version of Enid Blyton's Famous Five, which is due to air in 2008.
The Global Original Programming office was established in April, headed up by VP Steve Aranguren. He has now expanded the team to support the local production drive. David Freedman has been appointed senior development manager, while Baljeet Rai is senior manager of production.
Freedman will oversee the development and production of long-form animated and live-action series for Disney Channel EMEA, while Rai will manage animated series production.
