The launch of Disney+ in South Africa in mid-2022 won't bedevil DStv, MultiChoice has sown up Disney channels rights until 2024.

by Thinus Ferreira

The launch of Disney+ in South Africa expected around June 2022 won't bedevil DStv, with subscribers who won't abruptly lose access in the middle of next year to the linear version of the Disney Channel (DStv 303) or Disney Junior (DStv 309).

The sought-after kids pay-TV channels will remain on DStv for another two years with MultiChoice that has sewn up the channel carriage agreement rights for Disney's channels to remain on DStv until 2024.

Hidden away in the small print of MultiChoice's 6-month financial results until the end of September 2021 is relief for DStv subscribers who have been fearing that they might very well lose the Disney Channel (DStv 303), Disney Junior (DStv 309) or National Geographic (DStv 181) when The Walt Disney Company launches its Disney+ video streaming service from around June 2022 in South Africa. 

Disney's linear pay-TV channels were culled almost everywhere else in the world where Disney+ launched, for instance the United Kingdom, as Disney focuses on bolstering its own streaming platform's offering to compete against Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

This has forced traditional pay-TV subscribers who want access to Disney's treasure chest of Marvel Studios, Star Wars and other content to switch away from traditional pay-TV to streaming and to subscribe to Disney+.

Luckily DStv Premium subscribers in South Africa won't abruptly lose access to Disney's channels next year - and not for a few years.

"On the international content front, channel agreements with Disney (including the kids and National Geographic channels) were secured to 2024," MultiChoice says.

While Disney ended Disney XD and recently also the FOX channel, it means that South Africans will be able to continue to access the Disney Channel, Disney Junior and National Geographic next year through both Disney+ as a streaming platform, as well as traditional satellite pay-TV.

It's also important to note MultiChoice's use of plural in its statement: "kids" and "channels". MultiChoice signals that it will keep the Disney Channel and Disney Junior as "kids" "channels". 

ALSO READ: Disney+ to launch in South Africa in winter 2022.

ALSO READ: What Disney+ could cost when it launches in South Africa from sometime after June 2022 and what South African Disney+ subscribers might pay.

DStv without Disney? Asia shows what could be coming for Africa after Disney Plus.

by Thinus Ferreira

DStv without Disney ... or FOX? It's suddenly not that inconceivable an idea anymore and could be an indicator of what is to come for South African pay-TV subscribers after Disney announced that it's removing almost all of its Disney-owned TV channels in Asia to keep the content for its Disney Plus video streaming service.

The Walt Disney Company will shut down over a dozen and a half of its linear TV channels on the platforms of pay-TV operators in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong from 1 October with only National Geographic and Nat Geo WILD that will remain, along with a few Fox movie channels.

Over 18 TV channels - from FOX and FOX Life to FOX Crime, the Disney Channel and Disney Junior, along with many more - will go dark as Disney says shutting down its linear pay-TV channels is part of its "global effort to pivot towards a direct-to-consumer first model and further grow our streaming services".

Disney has also already removed channels in the United Kingdom from pay-TV platforms like SKY there. 

Disney has not launched its Disney Plus video streaming service in South Africa or anywhere else in the sub-Saharan African market and has been silent in its projected rollout plans about the continent.

However, since Disney is now saying that taking away its linear TV channels from traditional pay-TVoperators is part of a "global effort" to consolidate content under its own subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) plan, it could signal what could be happening with the Mouse House channels in South Africa if Disney Plus were to launch in the country at some point in the future.

"As part of The Walt Disney Company's global effort to pivot towards a direct-to-consumer first model and further grow our streaming services, the company is consolidating its Media Networks business primarily in Southeast Asia and Hong Kong. These efforts will help us align our resources more efficiently and effectively to current and future business needs," Disney said in a statement about shutting down its linear TV channels.

If Disney were to do the same, if Disney Plus were to launch in South Africa and across Africa, the loss of channels like Disney Channel and FOX would have a disruptive influence on pay-TV operators like MultiChoice's DStv and StarTimes' StarSat with both currently carrying several Disney Media Networks TV channels as part of multi-year deals. 

Existing, multiyear content contracts between MultiChoice and M-Net, with respectively The Walt Disney Company and WarnerMedia, are likely the main reason why Disney+ and HBO Max have not been launched or earmarked with rollout dates in Africa and why South African consumers can't access these video streaming services.

About Disney+'s delayed launch in Africa, and if the company is worried about consumers pirate viewing its streamer's content, Walt Disney Africa says that "at this stage we have no news to share regarding Disney+, including its release in South Africa and the continent".

The Walt Disney Company Africa Media Networks shares some early-2021 programming highlights across Disney Channel, Disney Junior, FOX, National Geographic, Nat Geo WILD and ESPN.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Walt Disney Company Africa Media Networks wasn't able to do a physical 2021 new year highlights showcase this year because of the ongoing Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic but still issued programming highlights across its TV channels in the form of a press drop to journalists.

Here are some of them:

Disney Junior (DStv 309)

I literally just discovered Bluey at the end of last year as a new TV show about a month before The Walt Disney Company Africa Media Networks alerted me to it.

It's interesting as a children's show because you can watch it as an adult or as a parent and you will actually be quite entertained by it as well because it works on another level than just entertaining and educating a child.

It's actually quite insightful and revealing because a character like the dad would, for instance, be asked to come and play and he would say something like he doesn't want to, he's tired. You usually don't find that in children's shows.

Bluey is described as "a funny and honest look at modern family life". The Australian blue heeler puppy Bluey has a boundless imagination and loves to turn daily life into playful adventures. 

Bluey and little sister Bingo throw themselves into exploring their world, using gameplay to conquer their fears and to try out adult roles.

The second season of Bluey starts on 22 February.

Disney Channel (DStv 303)

The Disney Original Movie, Upside Down Magic, premiered on the channel in late-January and can still be seen in which the 13-year old Nory discovers that she can "flux" into animals and that her best friend Reina can manipulate flames.

Together they enter the Sage Academy for Magical Studies where Reina's expert ability to harness the power of fire lands her at the top of her class of "Flares", but Nory's wonky magic and proclivity for turning into a 'Dritten" (half-kitten, half-dragon) lands her in a class for those with Upside-Down Magic.

The second season of the animated series Amphibia has started in February on Disney Channel on weekdays at 15:15.

Amphibia is a frog-out-of-water animated comedy series that chronicles the adventures of 13-year old Anne Boonchuy, who is magically transported to the fantastical world of Amphibia, a rural marshland full of frog-people.

There she meets an excitable young frog named Sprig Plantar, his unpredictable sister Polly and over-protective grandpa Hop Pop. With Sprig's help, Anne will transform into a hero and discover the first true friendship of her life.

FOX (DStv 125 / StarSat 131)

The first episode of the so-called "extended" 10th season of the long-running zombie drama series The Walking Dead will premiere on the channel on Monday 1 March.

This 10th season that started in 2019 and got delayed by the Covid-19 pandemic that impacted production, got 6 additional episodes added, to take the season episode number to 22. These last 6 episodes are now starting with FOX Africa showing them both as a simulcast with the United States and again during primetime.

The 6 additional episodes of The Walking Dead's 10th season (starting from episode 1017) will air simulcast with America at 03:00 in the mornings, South African time, and again in primetime on Monday nights at 20:45. 

National Geographic (DStv 181 / StarSat 220)

The channel has some hard-hitting programming like North Korea: Inside the Mind of a Dictator scheduled for 2 March and 9 March at 21:00. The documentary will give viewers unprecedented access into one of the most secretive countries in the world.

Nat Geo WILD (DStv 182 / StarSat 221)

Snakes in the City filmed in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa is back for a 7th season with the snake-catchers Simon and Sioux as they try to catch some of the deadliest snakes in the most bizarre situations and then release them back into the wild.

In 7 seasons this is probably the first time I think there's ever been publicity done for this specific show. Nat Geo says viewers can watch as the snake catchers solve snake problems like deadly forest cobras at wedding venues, enormous pythons guarding their eggs, and even lethal black mambas inside ceilings.

Of course, the 10th Big Cat Month is taking place during February on Nat Geo WILD as well, with all of the programming details that you can find in this article here.

ESPN (DStv 218 / StarSat 248)

There was the 55th Superbowl and ESPN also has NBA basketball coverage.

When it comes to football ESPN also shows the Scottish Premiership with the top division of the Scottish Professional Football League (SPFL).

Disney reveals the new executive leadership structure of its general entertainment division that will now focus on TV content creation with digital streaming and Disney+ as its main priority.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Walt Disney Company is further reorganising its entire TV and video streaming content divisions as it pivots to place its main focus, money, attention and resources behind its subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) service Disney+, that might have interesting consequences and impacts for South Africa and the sub-Saharan Africa region in future.

While Disney's internationally distributed linear TV channels remain important to the Mouse House - for instance those seen in South Africa and across the rest of Africa on the services of pay-TV operators like MultiChoice's DStv and China's StarTimes - Disney+ and Disney's video streaming ambitions are now clearly taking top priority.

Interestingly, Disney+ and Star - the two brands of its streaming service - are not available in South Africa or anywhere else in Africa for that matter and The Walt Disney Company and Walt Disney Company Africa have remained silent about a possible launch and roll-out date as Disney+ expands everywhere else in the world.

Last month Disney announced a dramatic restructuring with its main focus now being direct-to-consumer digital streaming, as it created a single, global media and distribution unit.

Now Peter Rice, Disney General Entertainment Content (DGE) chairman, in an internal memo is telling staffers that Disney is moving away from its legacy linear TV channels structure.

"For our team, this means we will wholly focus our resources and efforts on developing, producing and marketing exceptional content to fuel the company’s streaming and linear platforms while our colleagues at Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution (DMED) will distribute and monetise that content and run the linear networks and streaming platforms," writes Peter Rice.

Peter Rice writes that Disney is pivoting into a new structure that is "a big change to our legacy television structure which was built around linear networks".

"Focusing our structure around content engines and centralized support functions will make us more effective, flexible and prolific as we focus on our core strength: making great television. Over the last several months, in the face of unprecedented change and enormous challenges, your collective efforts and tireless commitment to keeping our television business running have been nothing short of exceptional, and I am incredibly proud to work alongside all of you," Peter Rice writes.

"We will undoubtedly face more questions and challenges as we implement these changes, but I am confident that together we will continue to rise to the occasion with resourcefulness and resilience."

The new executive leadership team under Peter Rice is now Ravi Ahuja (president of DGE business operations), James Goldston (ABC News president), John Landgraf (FX president), Gary Knell (National Geographic Partners chairman), Gary Marsh (Disney Branded Television president and chief creative officer) who previously was Disney Channels president, Courteney Monroe (National Geographic Content President) and Dana Walden (Walt Disney Television chairman).

The Walt Disney Company is also consolidating its marketing, publicity and media planning divisions into one division that is headed up by Shannon Ryan, with Jayanta Jenkins joining Disney as head of content marketing for Disney+ and who will also oversee marketing, publicity and media planning for Disney's linear TV channels including Disney Channel, Disney Junior, Disney XD and National Geographic.

ALSO READ: The Walt Disney Company announces dramatic restructuring with main focus on direct-to-consumer digital streaming as it creates single global media and distribution unit.

The Disney Channel commissions new original animated series, The Curse of Molly McGee.

The Disney Channel (DStv 303) has commissioned a new original animated series, The Curse of Molly McGee, produced by Disney Television Animation Studio.

Disney describes The Curse of Molly McGee as a buddy comedy about tween optimist Molly McGee and grumpy ghost Scratch.

It's executive produced by Bill Motz and Bob Roth, alongside Steve Loter.

The series will follow Molly, who lives to make the world a better place, and Scratch, whose joy comes from spreading misery. When one of Scratch's spells backfires, he finds himself forever cursed in Molly's presence.

"Our studio is bustling as we continue to bolster our development slate of projects across multiple platforms. We are delighted to embark on this journey with Bill, Bob and Steve with The Curse of Molly McGee, one of many projects we are excited to see come to life for kids and families to enjoy," says Meredith Roberts, senior vice president for animation strategy, at Disney Channels.

"Along with the numerous projects in development from this group of incredibly talented creators, we are poised to lead Disney's TV animation legacy of inspired storytelling and beloved characters into the future."

The Disney Channel renews its animation series, Big Hero 6, for a third season ahead of the debut of its second season.

The Disney Channel (DStv 303) has renewed its animated series Big Hero 6 for a third season ahead of the debut of its second season.

The guest voice-cast of the second season of Big Hero 6 includes Nestor Carbonell as Chief Cruz, San Fransokyo's new police chief; Isabella Gomez as Hiro's new friend Megan; Ben Feldman as Chris, Liv Amara's assistant; Will Friedle as Ian, Krei's geeky scientist; Jane Lynch and Timothy Simons as Supersonic Sue and Supersonic Stu, a grandmother/grandson super villain duo; Jessica Paré as acrobatic thief Sirque; and Horatio Sanz as El Fuego, a Mexican wrestler.

Big Hero 6 is based on The Walt Disney Animation Studios' Oscar-winning film and continues the adventures and friendship of 14-year-old tech genius Hiro, his compassionate, cutting-edge robot Baymax and their friends Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Go Go and Fred.

Together they've formed the legendary superhero team Big Hero 6 and embark on high-tech adventures as they protect their city from an array of scientifically enhanced villains.

In his normal day-to-day life, Hiro faces daunting academic challenges and social trials as the new prodigy at San Fransokyo Institute of Technology.

In the second season, Hiro and the Big Hero 6 team have upgraded super suits as they take on a variety of innovative villains, bio-engineered monsters and high-tech robots.

The series' regular voice-cast includes Maya Rudolph as Aunt Cass, Ryan Potter as Hiro, Scott Adsit as Baymax, Jamie Chung as Go Go, Alan Tudyk as Alistair Krei, Khary Payton as Wasabi, Genesis Rodriguez as Honey Lemon, Brooks Wheelan as Fred, David Shaughnessy as Heathcliff and Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee as Fred's dad.

Mark McCorkle, Bob Schooley and Nick Filippi are the executive producers with Nick Filippi also serving as supervising director.

FINDING YOUR OWN SPOT. The brand-new animation series, 101 Dalmatian Street, starting on the Disney Channel on DStv from April.

The new original animation series, 101 Dalmatian Street will start on the Disney Channel (DStv 303) on Monday 1 April at 16:00 with multiple rebroadcasts per week.

101 Dalmatian Street, based on the British author Dodie Smith's 1956-novel and Walt Disney's 1961 film, 101 Dalmatians, was commissioned for 10 two-minute shorts, 40 11-minute episodes, and 5 22-minute specials.

101 Dalmatian Street features a wide range of voice talent from the United States and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region. 

101 Dalmatian Street is aimed at kids - both boys and girls aged 6 and older and is set in 21st century London,following the adventures of the eldest Dalmatian step-siblings Dolly and Dylan, their parents Delilah and Doug, and their big barking blended family of 97 younger brothers and sisters, whose names also all begin with the letter "D". 

With two working parents and no human owner, there's a lot of pressure on Dylan and Dolly to keep everything going, despite the fact that they're still just kids who want to do their own thing. Chaos and comedy are unleashed as they try to balance furry fun with family duty.

Disney says 101 Dalmatian Street explores sibling relationships and all the warm and messy complications of domestic life - multiplied by one hundred and one.

"The series is about finding your spot within a huge and complicated family. Do you sink or survive when you're swimming through a wiggling ocean of black and white puppies all barking for attention?"

The fast and furry comedy focuses on Dylan and Dolly's unusually large canine family, and the many unique and diverse personalities within it, but also introduces viewers to a vast array of other animal friends and foes living nearby and around the city.

101 Dalmatian Street is produced by Passion Animation Studios employing an international crew of more than 50 artists, with Atomic Cartoons in Vancouver providing animation services. 

The series is written by Maria O'Loughlin and directed by Miklos Weigert, with Cara Speller serving as executive producer.

"I feel like we've watched the Disney movie about 101 times during our research for the show," says director Miklos Weigert.

"There's a lot of dog-based fun in the series, which is very much connected to the original movie and the books of Dodie Smith."

"Of course, there are dogs at the heart of the story of 101 Dalmatian Street – but there's also a variety of birds, like pigeons and swans. There are also foxes, cats, horses, rats and squirrels. There are a variety of dogs, too. As well as the Dalmatians, you'll see Corgis, Pugs, Rottweilers, Pomeranians and much more."

"Keep your eyes peeled for lots of fun Easter eggs when you tune into the show. We've put a lot of secret references to the movie and the book in 101 Dalmatian Street," says Miklos Weigert.

"There are paintings on the wall that could give you a little background story to the characters. There are hats, glasses and hidden boxes that you should pay more attention to in the attic."

"There are also lots of visual clues that connect 101 Dalmatian Street to the original Disney movie. For example, there are certain poses, certain windows and certain doors that directly reference the animated movie."

Cast revealed as production starts on Disney's new original series, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series, for the Disney+ streaming service.

The cast has been revealed as production has started on Disney's new original series, High School Musical: The Musical: The Series for Disney's Disney+ streaming service that is set to launch in late-2019.

It's not yet clear whether Disney+ will launch globally, and if so include South Africa, or only be for the United States.

Depending on that, is not know yet whether High School Musical: The Musical: The Series would be shown on the Disney Channel (DStv 303) if The Walt Disney Company's Disney+ isn't made available in South Africa.

The 10-episode High School Musical: The Musical: The Series picks up nearly 15 years after the original Disney movie, set at the real-life location where it all began, East High.

The High School Musical: The Musical: The Series cast includes Joshua Bassett, Olivia Rodrigo, Kate Reinders, Sofia Wylie, Matt Cornett, Dara Reneé, Julia Lester, Frankie A. Rodriguez, Larry Saperstein and Mark St. Cyr.

Production is now underway in Salt Lake City, Utah developed and executive produced by Tim Federle alongside showrunner and executive producer Oliver Goldstick. Bill Borden and Barry Rosenbush from the original High School Musical trilogy are also executive producers.

Television and music video director Tamra Davis who've worked on FOX's Empire is directing the first 3 episodes. The choreographer is Zach Woodlee.

High School Musical: The Musical: The Series follows a group of students as they countdown to the opening night of their school's first-ever production of "High School Musical".

Showmances blossom; friendships are tested while new ones are made; rivalries flare and lives are changed forever as the young people discover the transformative power that only a high school drama club can provide.

Brand-new songs and acoustic "rehearsal room" reinterpretations of songs from the original "High School Musical" will provide the soundtrack for the unlikely group of theatre kids who learn "we're all in this together" when it comes to pulling off an against-all-odds opening night.

"The challenge we handed the creative team was Herculean. How do you recapture the joy and the magic of the original 'High School Musical' movie ... and simultaneously reimagine it completely?" says Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, in a statement.

"That's like trying to solve a Rubik's Cube blindfolded. And Tim and Oliver - and this amazingly talented and diverse cast and crew - have done exactly that!"

Agnes Chu, senior vice president of content for Disney+, says "We are truly excited about this extremely talented cast and the fresh and contemporary take on this globally-beloved franchise".

"From the music and dance to the characters and hilarious meta references, there is something here for fans of the originals, as well as people who are new to East High. It's going to be an unforgettable viewing experience".

Disney Channel going for Zombies 2 with the main characters who will return and werewolves added to the mix in a sequel of the teen made-for-TV movie.

The Disney Channel (DStv 303) has commissioned Zombies 2 as a made-for-TV sequel, with Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim who will be reprising their roles as the film's main characters, Addison and Zed.

Production will start in autumn.

Zombies 2 will pick up at Seabrook High where the first movie left off, as Addison and Zed - a human cheerleader and a zombie football player, respectively - grapple with the arrival of a new group in town: werewolves.

The werewolves threaten to shake up the newfound peace and causes a rift in Zed and Addison's budding romance.

"Zombies took our worldwide audience of kids and families by storm with its powerful themes and incredible music," says Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer of Disney Channels Worldwide.

"We're thrilled with the work of writers David Light and Joseph Raso and look forward to working again with the immensely talented Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim, as well as our equally talented director, Paul Hoen, to bring a new chapter of Zombies to life."

Disney Africa renews youth cooking show, Disney Cookabout, on the Disney Channel for a 3rd season; doing an open casting call for Gauteng kids only.

Disney Africa has renewed its South African youth cooking show, Disney Cookabout on the Disney Channel (DStv 303) produced by Penguin Films for an 18-episode third season, and is doing an open casting call looking for Gauteng kids only.

Presenters Kirsten Mohamed and Mthunzi Ntoyi will both return for the third season of Cookabout.

Filming will start after the audition process has been completed and the third season will be broadcast on the Disney Channel later in 2019.

Previously filmed in Cape Town and the Western Cape, filming of the third season of Cookabout is moving to Gauteng in which kids known as "cooktestants" go on "food adventures" to learn where food comes from, and then taking part in kitchen cooking challenges.

Disney Africa is doing an open casting call for the first time for the series, looking for kids aged between 10 and 13 who can enter until Sunday 20 January 2019 at 22:00. 

Parents who want to enter their children for Cookabout can record a short video clip sharing a little bit about themselves and what would make them a good choice for the show. 

The video should be in mp4 format, be no more than 250MB in size and 1 minute in duration, and must be uploaded at www.disneycookabout.co.za.

Kids need to be available between 31 January and 2 February 2019 to attend physical auditions and screenings. 

"Disney Cookabout seeks to inspire and empower kids and their families to make healthy choices and learn about food sourcing and production in an exciting and educational way," says Christine Service, the senior vice president and country manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa.

"We are thrilled to be bringing a new season to South African audiences and give kids across Gauteng the chance to be part of the culinary fun and adventure."

MultiChoice opening up channels like SuperSport 1, Nickelodeon, Nick Junior, CBeebies, Disney Channel and Disney Junior to lower-tiered DStv subscribers over December and January.

MultiChoice is opening some TV channels like SuperSport 1, Nickelodeon, Nick Junior, CBeebies, The Disney Channel and Disney Junior to lower-tiered DStv subscribers during the end-of-year 2018 and beginning of 2019 holiday period.

From Monday 17 December until Friday 4 January 2019, SuperSport 1 (DStv 201) that is for DStv Premium subscribers is being made available to DStv Compact Plus, DStv Compact, DStv Family, and DStv Access subscribers.

From 3 to 21 January 2019 Viacom International Media Networks Africa's (VIMN Africa) Nickelodeon (DStv 305) and Nick Junior (DStv 307), as well as BBC Studios Africa's CBeebies (DStv 306) will be made available to DStv Compact subscribers.

The Walt Disney Company's The Disney Channel (DStv 303) and Disney Junior (DStv 309) will be made available to DStv Family subscribers between 3 and 21 January 2019.

The head of original programming at Disney Channels Worldwide, Adam Bonnett, leaving after 21 years to become a producer.

Adam Bonnett, the head of original programming for Disney Channels Worldwide is leaving the company after 21 years to become a producer,

Adam Bonnett, the executive vice president of original programming, and who has been overseeing all live-action development and current original series and movies for the Disney Channel (DStv 303) and Disney XD (DStv 304) as well as casting and talent relations for these two channels, will be leaving Disney in November.

Disney will name a replacement during November.

Adam Bonnet joined the Disney Channel in 1997 and was promoted to his current executive vice-president position in 2013 after he previously had the position of senior vice-president for original programming for the Disney Channel.

"The demand for programming content across many platforms is at an all-time high so this is the right time for me to explore producing opportunities, something I've dreamt about forever," says Adam Bonnett.

"I'm lucky to have had the benefit of a fulfilling career at Disney Channel working with many amazingly talented people. As I transition to an exciting new career chapter, it's with unending gratitude to my longtime mentor Gary Marsh as well as Nancy Kanter for both their inspiring leadership and friendship throughout the years."

Gary Marsh, Disney Channels Worldwide president and chief creative officer says "Adam's own well-developed sense of humor and his exceptional understanding of what makes kids laugh has helped Disney Channel deliver decades of entertaining and iconic shows".

"But it's his compassion and humanity that has helped us deliver these same stories with heart. We're truly going to miss him and look forward to being first in line to work with him as a producer."

Nancy Kanter, the executive vice-president for content and creative strategy at Disney Channels Worldwide and the general manager of Disney Junior Worldwide, says "Over the last 18 months as Adam and I have had a chance to work closely together I have learned more than I could have ever imagined about how to make smart, funny and heartfelt television for kids".

"He has been a guiding light and fount of truly limitless inspiration and knowledge. I look forward to continuing to have the opportunity to tap into his imagination for a long time to come."

Disney Channel orders new father-daughter comedy, Sydney to the Max, taking place in the present with flashbacks to the 1990s.

The Disney Channel (DStv 303) has ordered a new father-daughter comedy series, Sydney to the Max, with Ruth Righi and Ian Reed Kesler that will roll out on the channel from sometime in 2019.

Production has started on Sydney to the Max that revolves around the single dad Max (Ian Reed Kesler) and his primary school daughter Sydney (Ruth Righi) who navigate the challenges of growing up.

The comedy that Disney Channel describes as "heartwarming and sentimental" is interestingly set during two timeframes - decades apart - with flashback scenes to young Max (Jackson Dollinger) and his best friend Leo (Christian J. Simon) as they were during the 1990s.

The challenges and situations that Max and Leo faced decades ago are juxtaposed in the same episodes by the present challenges that confront Sydney and her friend Olive (Ava Kolker).

"VHS camcorders, bleached skater hair and other 1990s-defining 'relics' aside, Sydney and Max come to realize, aided by Sydney’s kicky grandmother Judy (Caroline Rhea), who’s well-versed in Max’s childhood antics, that they have more in common than either realizes," says Disney.

Sydney to the Max was created by Mark Reisman who is also the executive producer with the series that is produced by It's A Laugh Productions.

"With Sydney to the Max Mark Reisman has given us a series full of heart, humor and honesty," says Jonas Agin, Disney Channels vice president for original series, in a statement.

"On one level, it explores the beautifully complex relationship between a girl and her father and a boy and his mother."

"On another level, by existing in two distinct eras, it highlights how the smallest experiences of childhood have the biggest impact on who we become - and how every generation, despite its unique challenges, is filled with the universal truth that kids will always face the same joys, fears and excitement as their parents did."

"We couldn’t be prouder to have this as our next series on Disney Channel."

Disney commissions new live-action comedy series, Gabby Duran & the Unsittables, about a teenage girl babysitting extraterrestrial kids.

Disney has commissioned a new live-action comedy series for The Disney Channel (DStv 303), Gabby Duran & The Unsittables, based on the novel by Elise Allen and Daryle Conners,with a straight-to-series order.

Gabby Duran & the Unsittables will star Kylie Cantrall as Gabby Duran, with production taking place in Vancouver.

Gabby Duran & the Unsittables will revolve around Gabby who constantly feels like she's living in the shadows of her uber-polished, successful mother and smart younger sister.

She finally finds her moment to shine when she inadvertently lands an out-of-this-world job to babysit an unruly group of very important extraterrestrial children who are hiding out on Earth with their families, disguised as everyday kids.

Gabby steps up to the challenge to protect these youngsters and their secret identities and to prove that she's the best babysitter in the galaxy.

Maxwell Acee Donovan is Gabby's best friend Wesley. Coco Christo is Gabby's overachieving little sister Olivia and Nathan Lovejoy is Principal Swift. Valery Ortiz is Gabby's caring and career-driven mom Dina.

"We can't wait to introduce Disney Channel viewers to Kylie Cantrall who brings our courageous hero Gabby Duran to life," says Dina Hillier, vice president for original programming at Disney Channels Worldwide.

"Following Gabby on her babysitting adventures will show kids that anyone, when given the chance, can achieve greatness."

Gabby Duran & the Unsittables is a production of Gabby Productions, Ltd., a subsidiary of Omnifilm Entertainment.

Disney renews Tangled for a 3rd season, retitles the animation series as Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure.

Tangled, on the Disney Channel (DStv 303) has been renewed for a third season with the animation series that is being renamed with a new title, Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure.

The retitling of the series comes 3 weeks before the premiere of the second season of the show of the Disney Channel, produced by Disney Television Animation.

Mandy Moore and Zachary Levi, along with the rest of the voice cast including Eden Espinoza, James Monroe-Iglehart and Jeremy Jordan, will all be back for the third season.

Disney commissions a new Star Wars animation series, Star Wars Resistance, that will be a prequel series set before Star Wars The Force Awakens and follow pilots on a secret mission.

Disney has commissioned a new Star Wars animation series, with production that has started at Lucasfilm Animation on Star Wars Resistance that will roll out Disney XD (DStv 304) worldwide.

Star Wars Resistance will be set as a prequel series before the film Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

The anime-inspired Star Wars Resistance will follow Kazuda Xiono, a young pilot recruited by the Resistance and tasked with a top-secret mission to spy on the growing threat of the First Order.

Disney will first show Star Wars Resistance in the Disney Channel in America, and thereafter on Disney XD around the world.

Star Wars Resistance will feature the droid BB-8 alongside ace pilots, colourful new characters and appearances by characters including Poe Dameron and Captain Phasma, voiced by actors Oscar Isaac and Gwendoline Christie, respectively.

Star Wars Resistance was created by the renowned Lucasfilm Animation veteran Dave Filoni of Star Wars: The Clone Wars and Star Wars Rebels and is executive-produced by Athena Portillo, Justin Ridge and Brandon Auman.

"The idea for Star Wars Resistance came out of my interest in World War II aircraft and fighter pilots," says Dave Filoni in a statement.

"My grandfather was a pilot and my uncle flew and restored planes, so that's been a big influence on me. There's a long history of high-speed racing in Star Wars, and I think we've captured that sense of excitement in an anime-inspired style, which is something the entire team has been wanting to do for a long time."

Marc Buhaj, the senior vice president, programming and general manager at Disney XD, says "Our colleagues at Lucasfilm have created a compelling narrative for an untold moment in the Star Wars galaxy, and we are excited to partner with them again on this new original series. Star Wars Resistance will bring viewers across generations an engaging story with heart, humor and both new and familiar characters."

Disney Channel does a girl version of Knight Rider entitled Fast Layne, with Sophie Pollono discovering a talking car V.I.N.

The Disney Channel (DStv 303) is producing a girl version of Knight Rider entitled Fast Layne, with Sophie Pollono discovering a talking car called V.I.N. leading to a high-speed adventure.

Fast Layne will be a "limited series" on the Disney Channel, with production that is underway with executive producers Matt Dearborn and Tom Buckhard and the show produced by Omnifilm Entertainment’s Lakeshore Productions.

The 12-year old Layne (Sophie Pollono) discovers a talking car called V.I.N. hidden away in an abandoned shed and together with her neighbour Zora (Sofia Rosinsky) it leads to a high-speed spy adventure to figure out the origin mystery of the talking car.

Layne's friend Cody (Brandon Rossel) has a knack for fixing cars, while Mel (Winslow Fegley) is her younger cousin who is snooping around.

"We're thrilled to be working with Matt, Tom and Travis on this exciting, action-packed journey that showcases two unlikely friends in the driver's seat of a sentient, self-driving car," says Adam Bonnett, the executive vice president for original programming at Disney Channels Worldwide in a statement announcing Fast Layne.

"This limited series allows our audience to go an adventure with these kids with non-stop action, comedy and mystery in a unique genre they haven't experienced before on Disney Channel."

Disney expands its DStv footprint as Disney Channel is tiered down; 3 Disney channels are added to DStv Now streaming service.

Disney is expanding its DStv footprint as the Disney Channel has been tiered down to be made available to two more cheaper DStv subscription offerings and with the three Disney channels on DStv now being made available MultiChoice's DStv Now streaming service as well.

MultiChoice and The Walt Disney Company Africa have decided to reduce the exclusivity of The Disney Channel (DStv 303) and has made the premium kids entertainment channel available to more than just top-tier DStv subscribers from 1 December.

With the streaming rights secured, MultiChoice also added all three of the current Disney channels - Disney Channel (DStv 303), Disney XD (DStv 304) and Disney Junior (DStv 309) to its DStv Now streaming service from 1 December.

Whereas The Disney Channel was previously only available to DStv Premium subscribers, the channel's exclusivity to top-tier pay-TV viewers has now been dropped and made available to DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact subscribers as well - similar to brother channel Disney XD that has been available to all three subscription tiers already.

"We're delighted to offer our DStv Compact Plus and DStv Compact customers more entertainment for the kids, especially in the form of the ever-popular Disney Channel," said Aletta Alberts, MultiChoice general manager for content in a statement.

"Now families have got so much more to look forward to these December holidays - and the entertainment won't stop as Disney Channel is now part of our Compact Plus and Compact packages."

With the Disney channels being added to its DStv Now streaming facility, MultiChoice continues to build out and get closer to creating a parallel streaming service through the internet mirroring its existing satellite direct-to-home (DTH) service.

"We've been focusing in expanding our DStv Now service to mirror the service our customers get when they are at home - adding the Disney family of channels to DStv Now brings us closer to that goal," says Graeme Cumming, DStv Digital Media general manager.

"We're delighted to offer this to our customers over the holiday period,so they can keep the kids entertained on long road trips, and when they visit family and friends."

Kenya bans Disney Channel show Andi Mack from DStv for the entire African continent, including South Africa.

In Africa's growing TV censorship problem Kenya has banned the Disney Channel's (DStv 303) tween series Andi Mack, making it the latest TV series that MultiChoice says won't be broadcast on DStv - not just in Kenya but blocked for the whole of Africa.

MultiChoice and Disney won't broadcast Andi Mack in Kenya or anywhere else in Africa - including South Africa - following news that the show will introduce a gay story line.

The Kenya move is effectively blocking the show from being broadcast anywhere on the continent, including countries like South Africa, since the Disney Channel (DStv 303) has only one channel feed into the continent.

Andi Mack is the latest show getting banned on the continent after last week's announcement that a main character will come out as gay, with Disney telling TVwithThinus that Andi Mack won't be broadcast on DStv.

Over the past two years especially Nigeria and Kenya's censorship boards have been ramping up bans on TV shows.

With distributors often only providing one satellite channel feed into Africa for their channels – for instance Disney Channel – a block and ban of a show for one country means its taken off air for the entire continent even in countries where content are not censored.

The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) banned Andy Mack, with KFCB boss Ezekiel Mutua saying "any attempt to introduce gay programming in Kenya will be met with the full force of the law".

"When it comes to protecting children from exposure to bad content we are resolute and unapologetic. Gay content will not air in Kenya, period."

Pay-TV operator MultiChoice running the DStv service that carries Disney Channel (DStv 303) in Africa says in a statement "MultiChoice has consulted its channel provider, Disney and would like to confirm that this show was not scheduled to air on any of the Disney channels on DStv".

The Walt Disney Company Africa in response to a media enquiry from TVwithThinus says "Andi Mack will not be broadcast through DStv, however we are exploring alternative ways to make the series available to its fans in South Africa".

Disney says that "while our shows are developed for global audiences we are committed to respecting each market’s cultural sensibilities, compliance rules and regulations. Disney Channel in South Africa serves multiple countries across Africa and the Middle East, each with its own regulations to which we adhere". 

In June Kenya's KFCB - using completely bogus reasons culled from fake internet stories and saying the animation shows are "pro gay" - banned The Loud House, Legend of Korra and Hey Arnold from being shown on Viacom International Media Networks Africa's Nickelodeon channel on DStv.

It means it's not watchable for anyone in Africa.

Star vs the Forces of Evil and Gravity Falls from Disney XD (DStv 304), as well as Adventure Time and Steven Universe from Turner Broadcasting’s Cartoon Network (DStv 301) channel in Africa were also banned.

In July 2016 VIMN Africa said it would censor and not broadcast an episode of The Loud House featuring gay dads on DStv in any country following complaints in Africa.

In May 2016 NBCUniversal International Networks was forced to pull the second season of I Am Cait from E! for the entire Africa after a sudden TV-ban in Nigeria.

In October 2015 Discovery Networks International was forced to remove the transgendered docu-series I Am Jazz from TLC for the whole continent, also following a Nigeria-ordered ban.

Two South African shows, Disney Cookabout and Revolting Rhymes, nominated at 2018 International Emmy Kids Awards.

Two South African shows have been nominated for the 2018 International Emmy Kids Awards, Triggerfish Animation's Revolting Rhymes and Penguin Films' Disney Cookabout.

Children's programming from 16 countries received 28 nominations for the 2018 International Emmy Kids Awards across 7 categories that will take place in Cannes on 10 April 2018.

Revolting Rhymes is nominated in the animation category at the 2018 International Emmy Kids Awards. Revolting Rhymes is produced by Magic Light Pictures and was animated at Magic Light’s Berlin studio and Cape Town’s Triggerfish Animation.

Disney Cookabout was nominated in the non-scripted entertainment category at the 2018 International Emmy Kids Awards. Disney Cookabout is produced by Penguin Films with episodes of the second season currently on Saturdays and Sundays on The Disney Channel (DStv 303).

"We are thrilled that Disney Cookabout has been acknowledged by the Academy at this year's International Emmy Kids Awards," says Christine Service, senior vice president and country manager of The Walt Disney Company Africa.

"Season 1 garnered an amazing response from viewers and with season 2 we hope to further encourage them to create Cookabout's array of exciting, locally-inspired recipes in their own kitchens with their families."

Roberta Durrant from Penguin Films and creative producer of Disney Cookabout says "It is always so rewarding working with the youth on any production and we are very grateful to the excellent cast and crew that have worked tirelessly to make this show the success that it is."