Disney Channel Ramps Up Original Production With a New Series and Three Movies

Disney Channel Ramps Up Original Production With a New Series and Three Movies

Disney Channel, the television leader for kids and families, has greenlit a new series and three new movies for the Disney Channel monthly original movie showcase.

The announcement was made today by Rich Ross, general manager and executive vice president, programming and production and Gary Marsh, executive vice president, original programming.

``Disney Channel is committed to providing kid viewers with programming choices that are not available anywhere else," stated Ross. ``It's our mission to deliver exceptional brand of programming charged with comedy, excitement and adventure."

"The network takes great pride in its relationship with the viewer," added Marsh. "Disney Channel's solid line-up of original programming is unrivaled. The addition of this new comedy series and these three movies, represent the kind of signature programming that has become a staple in our schedule."

Disney Channel's new series, "What's Lizzie Thinking?" is a live-action comedy with animation. Lizzie McGuire is a normal 13-year-old surviving adolescence with the help of her animated alter ego. On the exterior, Lizzie is a young teenager navigating the turbulent years of junior high. That means coping with the ever-changing cliques at school, keeping up with what's in and what's out, as well as dealing with a well-meaning mom that is anxious to make her transition into womanhood as smooth as possible.

Sassy, sarcastic and sensible, Lizzie's animated self is one part guardian angel and one part mischief-maker. Lizzie's conscience does things most of us only dream of which includes swooning over the cutest boy in school and blowing up (literally) when her mom decides she should miss the party of the year.

Stan Rogow Productions will produce the original series. Terri Minsky, executive producer of ABC's highly anticipated "The Geena Davis Show" (debuts this fall) created the series. Susan Jansen ("Home Improvement," "Boy Meets World") and Stan Rogow ("Shannon's Deal," "Clan of the Cave Bear") are executive producers. Disney Channel has ordered 20 episodes of the show, which will begin production in L.A. in September.

Disney Channel continues to dominate in the world of original movies for kids and family with the addition of "Luck of the Irish," "The Dog House" and "The Famous Jett Jackson -- The Movie."

Kyle Smith has the "Luck of the Irish." He aces every test, is a ringer on the basketball court and even has the tendency to find money in the street. His pal Bonnie, an overachiever, warns him that he can't rely on his good fortune for everything. Kyle thinks that Bonnie is just overreacting. When the chums are given a Heritage Day assignment in school, Kyle's fate takes a turn when his parents act oddly evasive about their past. Enter Seamus McTiernan. By coincidence this strange character wears the same good luck charm that Kyle has, making him wonder if maybe he is Irish. A quick swap by Seamus and Kyle finds that he has been jinxed! Kyle finds his luck is wearing thin when he actually starts to turn into a leprechaun. The "Luck of the Irish" will begin production in September, air in March 2001 and will be produced by Sheri Singer.

Jay Marshall is in "The Dog House" when he accidentally kidnaps his principal's dog. Thirteen-year-old Jay is committed to getting the one scholarship available for the Peterson Academy, otherwise it's off to his worst nightmare . . . military school. He proudly pours his heart into a presentation that is sure to be a triumph, until Ronny Van Dusen spoils his plans. His mean-spirited rival steals his speech and uses it in front of a packed auditorium. Despite drawing up a plan to catch Ronny red-handed, Jay's plans are thwarted again, only this time it's the Van Dusen's obnoxious dog that gets in the way. Is Jay destined for fatigues and marching or will he be able to pursue his dream at the Peterson Academy? "The Dog House" will be produced by Hunt Lowry and Casey LaScala.

Disney Channel is also proud to announce "The Famous Jett Jackson -- The Movie." Jett is struggling to find a balance between his Hollywood career and his high-school routine. Sherrif Wood, Jett's father, worries that between the series and school, Jett is burning the candle at two ends. Jett agrees and sees that it's a hefty commitment and decides to quit the show after this season. The next day while taping, a prop falls and hits Jett on the head. The nasty blow causes him to "switch" places with his fictional counterpart, Silverstone. While in Artemus's lair Jett is the only one who realizes he's in a TV show. Meanwhile, Silverstone looks longingly at the photos in Jett's room, bewildered by the family and friends surrounding him. Will Jett ever be the same? Will he change his mind about leaving the show? Series regulars Lee Thompson Young, Ryan Sommers Baum, Kerry Duff, Gordon Greene, Montrose Hagins, Melanie Nicholls King and Lindy Booth will reprise their roles in the feature-length original movie. Bruce Kalish and Shawn Levy will executive produce the movie. The film is a production of Alliance Atlantis Communications in association with Disney Channel.

-- Posted August 29, 2000

Source: Company Press Release