Recording artist China Anne McClain (Hollywood Records’ McCLAIN and Disney Channel’s “A.N.T. Farm”) and Kelli Berglund (Disney XD’s “Lab Rats”) star as tech whizzes who computer-program the perfect boy and in the process trigger a national incident in “How to Build a Better Boy,” a Disney Channel Original Movie premiering FRIDAY, AUGUST 15 (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel.
AP science and math tests are no sweat for Gabby Harrison (McClain) and Mae Hartley (Berglund) but fitting in at school doesn’t come as naturally. So, using design software that belongs to Mae’s father, the girls engineer a high-definition version of Mae’s fake boyfriend, Albert, who she’s dreamt up as everything a high school girl could want in a guy. However, when Albert comes to life as an advanced robotic soldier, the two best friends soon learn that Mae’s father works for a top secret military branch, which is now in pursuit of Gabby and Mae, as well as Albert, to ensure he doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.
“How to Build a Better Boy” also stars Marshall Williams (contestant in “Canadian Idol”) as Albert; Noah Centineo (“Austin & Ally”) as Mae’s crush, Jaden Stark; Ashley Argota (“True Jackson, VP,” “Lab Rats”) as Mae’s arch-nemesis, Nevaeh Barnes; Matt Shively (“True Jackson, VP,” “Jessie”) as Mae’s brother, Bart Hartley; and Roger Bart (“Revenge”) as Mae’s father, James Hartley.
Two songs will be released from the movie – “Something Real” performed by China Anne McClain and Kelli Berglund, produced by Rock Mafia and written by Rock Mafia, Antonina Armato, Tim James, IN-Q, and Thomas Sturges; and “Stand Out” performed by Sabrina Carpenter (of Disney Channel’s “Girl Meets World”), produced by Rune Westberg and written by Carpenter, Westberg and Stevie Scott. Both singles will be released by Walt Disney Records and available Tuesday, July 29 and Tuesday, August 12, respectively, on iTunes.
Beginning Tuesday, July 15, kids and families are invited to visit DisneyChannel.com/BetterBoy to play a “How to Build a Better Boy” game.
The multi-platform schedule includes the following:
MONDAY, AUGUST 11
- “How to Build a Better Boy” will be available to verified WATCH Disney Channel users onWATCHDisneyChannel.com and the WATCH Disney Channel app for smartphones and tablets.
Friday, AUGUST 15
- Television premiere of “How to Build a Better Boy” (8:00 p.m., ET/PT) on Disney Channel with WATCH Disney Channel simulcast available to verified users on WATCHDisneyChannel.com and the WATCH Disney Channel app.
Saturday, AUGUST 16
- “How to Build a Better Boy” available for purchase through Apple iTunes, Amazon Instant Video Store, Microsoft Xbox and Google Play.
“How to Build a Better Boy” is directed by DGA Award-winning Paul Hoen (“Let It Shine,” “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam”) and executive-produced by Robin Schorr (“Food, Inc.,” “The Pretty One”) and Adam Kossack. It is co-executive-produced by Dan Seligmann and Chris Ferguson, and was written by Jason Mayland (“Space Chimps”). It is a production of Princessa Productions, Ltd. and Schorr Pictures.
In Total Viewers, five of the top six movies in cable TV history are Disney Channel Original Movies. Disney Channel has also delivered TV’s #1 original movie telecast among Tweens for 12-consecutive years.