‘Star and the Forces of Evil’ Animated Series Coming to Disney Channel

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Disney Channel has ordered “Star and the Forces of Evil” (working title), an animated comedy adventure about a fun-loving magical teen princess from another dimension who — after a few bold skirmishes with other-worldly monsters — is sent by her Royal Parents to live with the Diaz family on Earth. Eden Sher (ABC’s “The Middle”) provides the voice of the lead character, Star Butterfly. Production has begun for a scheduled Fall 2014 premiere. The announcement was made today by Eric Coleman, Senior Vice President, Original Series, Disney Television Animation.

Artist and writer Daron Nefcy is the series creator and co-executive producer. She is a 2009 California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) graduate whose work has been showcased throughout the Los Angeles underground art community. Her television credits include recent work on Disney Channel’s upcoming animated series, “Wander Over Yonder,” and the Warner Bros. animated series “MAD.” Emmy and Annie Award-winning director Dave Wasson (“The Buzz on Maggie,” “Making Fiends”) is co-executive producer and director, and Annie Award-winning writer Jordana Arkin (“Melissa and Joey,” “Will & Grace”) is co-executive producer and story editor.

Coleman said: “Disney continues to focus on discovering fresh voices in animation. When Daron pitched her show, we fell in love with her characters, her style and her sensibility. And with the deep talent and experience of Dave Wasson and Jordana Arkin, this show furthers our commitment to create great new stories for kids and families.”

“Star and the Forces of Evil” tells the stories of other-worldly teen princess Star Butterfly, who must settle in to her new Earthly home with the Diaz family. Soon she takes their teenage son, Marco, on adventures to help her battle evil villains, whether throughout the universe or in their high school, all in an effort to protect her powerful magic wand… which Star still figuring out how to use.

 

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‘Iron Man 3′ Inventor and Innovator National Fair Competition for Students; Finalists to Win SoCal Trip

Calling all aspiring inventors! It’s time to channel your inner Iron Man/Tony Stark and let your inventing imagination go wild. Discovery Science Center, Broadcom Foundation and Marvel Studios, along with Visa Signature and the famous El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, are proud to team up to sponsor a nationwide Marvel’s Iron Man 3: Inventor and Innovator Fair in conjunction with the May 3rd release of Marvel’s Iron Man 3, starring Robert Downey Jr.

The 12 finalists of the Marvel’s Iron Man 3: Inventor and Innovator Fair will win a trip to Southern California, provided by Visa Signature. The trip includes a behind-the-scenes tour of Disney Studios, a meeting with Disney Imagineers, a trip to Disneyland, a visit to Discovery Science Center, and more! Inventor and Innovator Fair finalists will also have their projects on display at the famous El Capitan Theatre in Hollywood, California, from May 3rd – June 20th. The competition concludes at the El Capitan Theatre on May 3rd when four Grand Prize winners will accept their awards at a special ceremony, on stage prior to the showing of Marvel’s “Iron Man 3.”

Sixth through ninth-grade girls and boys across the nation are invited to participate, including those who have competed in Broadcom MASTERS®, a program of Society for Science & the Public (SSP). For more information, rules and how to apply, visit www.discoverycube.org/ironman3.

“Iron Man 3: Inventor and Innovator Fair participants are the next generation of forward thinkers and innovators that will lead us into the future with scientific breakthroughs, engineering feats and technological advances. They are the real-life Tony Starks of tomorrow!” said Mike Pasciullo, Marvel’s SVP, Brand Planning & Communications.

Participating students are being asked to produce innovative, inventive projects based on themes from Marvel’s Iron Man 3 —science, technology, engineering and math-related concepts and practices. Marvel’s Iron Man 3: Inventor and Innovator Fair competition is encouraging students to submit projects that align with the National Academy of Engineering’s (NAE) Grand Challenges for Engineering™.

Some of the themes of the NAE Grand Challenges related to Marvel’s Iron Man 3 are: (1) Develop Carbon Sequestration Methods, including projects involving themes of eco-friendly car development; (2) Engineer Better Medicines, with projects that focus on global disease prevention, limb regeneration and the study of body armor that protects injured body parts such as the heart; (3) Secure Cyberspace, inspiring projects that can lead to the development of new technologies that can redefine innovative security measures; and (4) Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery, in fields such as micro-technology, aeronautics or robotics.

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‘Celebrity Wife Swap’ to Feature Alan Thicke and Gilbert Gottfried

The wives of actor Alan Thicke and comedian Gilbert Gottfried trade homes for one week, on “Celebrity Wife Swap,” on Tuesday, March 12 at 8:00 pm ET on the ABC Television Network.

In “Celebrity Wife Swap,” two mothers of celebrity families, each with opposing values, trade households, lifestyles and children (but not bedrooms) in a week-long challenge. In the first part of the exchange, each mom moves into the other’s home and agrees to follow a manual of “household rules” written by the departing mother, including how to parent, manage their social life, do house work, unwind and more. Everything changes in the second half of the week, when “new mommy” takes charge, introduces her own set of rules and runs the “nest” her way. At the end of the week the two couples meet for the first time. In a raw, honest and highly-charged exchange of views, the couples will make frank assessments of each other and discuss their experiences, having had a very real taste of what life would be like in someone else’s family.

Alan Thicke is probably best known to television viewers as Dr. Jason Seaver, a role he played on the family sitcom “Growing Pains.” He and his wife, Tanya, live on a sprawling ranch in Santa Barbara, CA with Alan’s 15-year-old son, Carter, where they enjoy the finer things in life. Tanya loves to throw lavish dinner parties with the help of a large staff that tends to all of the household needs. Gilbert Gottfried lives in New York City with his wife, Dara, and their two children, Lilly (5) and Max (3). When Gilbert isn’t doing stand-up comedy or voice over work, he’s a notorious penny-pincher who likes to save money by shopping at .99 cent stores. He also walks all around the city, not wanting to waste money on cab, subway or bus fare. Dara is accustomed to Gilbert’s frugal ways and believes you don’t need to spend a lot of money on those you love just to show you care.

Upon arriving in New York City, Tanya realizes that her bedroom in Santa Barbara is as large as Gilbert’s entire apartment. When Gilbert gets home with his two children, he welcomes her with his unique style of comedy, continually impersonating and making fun of her husband, Alan. What’s more, it’s a definite shock for Tanya to experience Gilbert’s economical ways: things come to a head when Gilbert treats Tanya to an “anniversary night out” – she’s standing in for Dara as the couple celebrate their wedding anniversary — and the evening isn’t at all what Tanya might have expected.

In Santa Barbara, Dara is treated to a warm welcome by Alan and Carter and can’t believe the size of their ranch. She’s soon given her first assignment of the swap, to cook a surf & turf dinner for the family. Admitting she’s no chef, Dara gives it her best shot, and at the end of a long first day joins Alan in the Jacuzzi for champagne. Stepping into Tanya’s shoes again, Dara throws an elegant dinner party for Alan’s friends in which she has to oversee all aspects of the dinner – from place cards and menu to decor and dishes. It’s a new experience for Dara, one that definitely takes her out of her comfort zone.

“Celebrity Wife Swap” is produced by Zodiak USA. Natalka Znak, Claire O’Donohoe and Bruce Toms serve as executive producers. The series is broadcast in 720 Progressive (720P), ABC’s selected HD format, with 5.1-channel sound. This program carries a TV-14,D parental guideline.

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ABC’s ‘Splash’ to be Hosted by Joey Lawrence and Charissa Thompson

ABC announces Joey Lawrence (ABC Family’s “Melissa & Joey”) and Charissa Thompson (ESPN’s “SportsNation”) as hosts of the new diving competition series, “Splash,” where ten celebrity contestants will face their fears as they flip, twist and spin into the depths of the pool below, premiering TUESDAY, MARCH 19 (8:00-9:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network.

“Splash” marks the first time ten celebrities will train and compete in regulation platform and springboard diving at dizzying heights in front of a weekly poolside audience. After training with professional divers and being mentored by the world’s most decorated and medaled diving legend, Greg Louganis, their dives will be critiqued by two judges, London Olympic U.S. Gold medalist David Boudia and Australian Olympic athlete and USA Dive Team director Steve Foley.

Joey Lawrence is one of the most sought after actors in the entertainment business today. With a career spanning over 25 years in film, television and music, Lawrence has been in the public eye since he was six. He rose to pop-culture fame as a teenager on the ’90s hit television series “Blossom,” where his character, Joey Russo, stole the hearts of teenage girls around the globe and helped aid in a flannel-grunge fashion craze. Today Lawrence can be seen starring on the hit ABC Family series “Melissa & Joey,” with Melissa Joan Hart. After successful first and second seasons, which appealed to over 2 million viewers, Season 3 is set to return this May. In addition to starring on the show, Lawrence also holds executive producer credits and directed an episode for Season 2. Aside from acting, Lawrence has also made his mark in on the business side of the industry, producing and directing projects over the years. He owns and runs a full service production company, JL VERITAS, which serves as a development slate for both scripted and non-scripted shows. The company currently produces “Melissa & Joey” for ABC Family. In addition to “Melissa & Joey,” Lawrence recently sold a script to Disney with the producers of “Wedding Crashers” entitled “Mr. Everything,” which he will co-produce and star in, and he recently sold a project to Nickelodeon.

Charissa Thompson is currently the co-host of ESPN2′s “SportsNation,” along with Marcellus Wiley. Thompson joined ESPN in September 2011 as the co-host of ESPN2′s “Numbers Never Lie” and, after frequent guest appearances on “SportsNation,” moved into the permanent co-host role in June 2012. Prior to joining ESPN, Thompson covered the NHL for Versus, from 2010-11, including the 2010 All-Star Game and Stanley Cup Finals. In 2010 she reported on the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, FIFA World Cup, BCS National Championship Game, Super Bowl and NBA All-Star Game for Yahoo! Sports. She has also appeared on NFL Network and co-hosted programming on the Speed Network. In 2009 Thompson was a sideline reporter for ABC’s “Shaq Vs.” show. She began her career at Fox Sports Network (FSN) Los Angeles in the Human Resources department. She then became a production assistant with FSN Rocky Mountain (Denver), which led to her first on-air role covering the Colorado Rockies for the network’s “Rockies All Access” program. Thompson eventually relocated back to Los Angeles to co-host FSN’s “The Best Damn Sports Show Period.” Her responsibilities expanded to include NFL sideline reporting on Fox, along with the Big Ten Network’s game of the week. She also covered college basketball for the Big Ten Network. A native of Seattle, Thompson graduated from UC-Santa Barbara with a degree in law and society.

“Splash” is from Eyeworks USA and is based on the breakout hit and Dutch format, “Celebrity Splash.” The series is executive-produced by JD Roth, Todd A. Nelson, Brant Pinvidic and Josh Greenberg.

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Shanghai Disneyland Model Photo Released (Hi-Res); Resort Slated to Open End of 2015

Shanghai Disneyland ModelEarlier today at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of The Walt Disney Company, chairman and chief executive officer Robert A. Iger unveiled the first image of a model of Shanghai Disney Resort, featuring the resort’s theme park, Shanghai Disneyland.

“With Shanghai Disneyland, we’re creating a one-of-a-kind destination that is authentically Disney and distinctly Chinese,” said Iger. “We believe this will be one of the most spectacular Disney experiences yet – and an important part of our future. We look forward to opening the gates at the end of 2015 and welcoming the first of the millions of guests who will enjoy Shanghai Disneyland for generations to come.”

The image illustrates a portion of the model of Shanghai Disneyland, and provides a first look at a beautiful, 11-acre green space at the center of the park, and a closer look at the unique design and scale of Enchanted Storybook Castle, the iconic central attraction of the theme park.  On opening day Shanghai Disney Resort will include Shanghai Disneyland, two themed hotels, a 46,000-square-meter (495,000 square feet) gross floor area retail, dining and entertainment venue, recreational facilities, a lake and associated parking and transportation hubs.

“We are incredibly excited about the developments and progress of the Disney resort in Shanghai, one of the world’s most vibrant cities,” said Tom Staggs, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.  “Shanghai Disney Resort will bring a classic Disney Parks experience to mainland China and will immerse Chinese guests in a whole new world of creativity, imagination and adventure that only Disney can deliver.”

Targeted to open at the end of 2015, Shanghai Disney Resort will be a world-class family vacation destination that combines classic Disney characters and storytelling with the uniqueness and beauty of China.

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‘Oz the Great and Powerful’ New Stills Feature Kansas Characters (Minor Spoilers)

Girl in Wheelchair (Joey King) Ph: Merie Weismiller Wallace, SMPSP..©Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved..

We have just a few more days before Oz the Great and Powerful debuts in theaters nationwide on March 8, 2013 and so far we’ve seen plenty of images of the mystical land and its inhabitants. Today, Walt Disney Studios has decided to share with us stills of a couple of characters from Oscar Digg/Oz’s world in Kansas, where he performs in the traveling Baum Brothers Circus. While we have a photo of the sideshow Strongman (portrayed by Tim Holmes), we also have a photo of a young lady who bears a striking resemblance to actress Joey King. How’s that? You know how the classic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz ends (the book itself does not share the same ending in the slightest), so it’s only fair that you know just how this prequel begins. It’s already been shared that Zach Braff, who voices Finley, also serves as Oz’s assistant in Kansas. In fact, there may be even another friendly face or two in the opening scenes, so you’ll want to keep an eye out.

The new stills have been added to the beginning of our gallery below. As always, click on any of the thumbnails to enlarge and the resize arrows on the larger image to view it at its original resolution.

Oz The Great and Powerful imagines the origins of L. Frank Baum’s beloved character, the Wizard of Oz. When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a small-time circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away from dusty Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot — fame and fortune are his for the taking — that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz) and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz and its inhabitants, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry — Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.

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WDW Refurbs: Starbucks Opening Delayed; Tomorrowland and Fantasyland Closures

We received a few new updates from Walt Disney World over the past week or so regarding upcoming refurbishments and have new additions as well as several date revisions. While we recommend verifying all of the changes by visiting our ReSearch page, here are some of the highlights:

  • Main Street Bakery — which is being converted over to the Magic Kingdom’s Starbucks location — is now slated to open on June 19, 2013. This is actually the second delay we have seen before (it was initially slated to open on May 18, then was pushed back to May 28).
  • Mad Tea Party is currently expected to close on April 10 and is expected to re-open on May 22, 2013.
  • Carousel of Progress is currently expected to close on May 13 and is expected to re-open on May 16, 2013.
  • Prince Charming’s Regal Carrousel is currently expected to close on May 28 and is expected to re-open on June 11, 2013.

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‘Sofia the First’ Renewed for Second Season

The animated series starring Disney’s first little girl princess, “Sofia the First,” the reigning cable TV series among Kids 2-5, Girls 2-5 and Boys 2-5, has been ordered for a second season on Disney Junior, the daily programming block for preschoolers and parents on Disney Channel, as well as the burgeoning 24-hour channel, Disney Junior. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide. In addition to its regal standing with the youngest viewers, “Sofia the First” is also the #1 preschooler cable TV series in Total Viewers and Women 18-49, a key indicator of parental approval.

“Sofia the First” stories show young viewers just what makes a real princess — the inner character of kindness, generosity, loyalty, honesty and grace. Viewers follow as Princess Sofia, an ordinary little girl, learns how to adjust to royal life after her mom marries the king.

Kanter said, “We are so proud of the strong connection our young viewers and their parents have forged with Sofia. While she and her family live in a magical make-believe world, the storytelling and relatable everyday themes have struck a chord with our audience and has created demand not only for more stories, but to extend the ‘Sofia the First’ experience beyond the screen.”

Extensions of the hit series include the illustrated storybook Sofia the First from Disney Press, and the record-breaking TV movie “Sofia the First: Once Upon a Princess” which will be released on DVD by The Walt Disney Studios today. The “Sofia the First: Story Theater” app has held the #1 spot in the iPad and iPhone Books category five of the seven weeks it has been in the marketplace, and the “Sofia the First” soundtrack from Walt Disney Records is #1 on iTunes Top 10 Children’s Albums chart and #2 on the Billboard’s Kid Albums chart. An exclusive “Sofia the First” product line is in Disney Stores and a full “Sofia the First” line including apparel and toys will launch at major retailers nationwide this summer.

“Sofia the First” is also now a prominent part of the popular “Disney Junior Live on Stage!” attraction at Disney’ Hollywood Studios in Florida and will be added to the attraction at Disney California Adventure later this month. The Sofia character is scheduled to make her Disney Parks debut this summer.

The TV series airs daily during the Disney Junior programming block on Disney Channel and on the 24-hour Disney Junior channel. The series stars the voices of Ariel Winter as Sofia, the young princess in training; Sara Ramirez as Queen Miranda, Sofia’s loyal and caring mother; Wayne Brady as Clover, Sofia’s wise-talking rabbit sidekick, and Tim Gunn as Baileywick, the castle’s royal steward. Craig Gerber (“Pixie Hollow Games”) developed the series and serves as executive producer and story editor. Jamie Mitchell (“Special Agent Oso”) is executive producer and director. John Kavanaugh (“Winnie the Pooh: Springtime with Roo”) serves as songwriter/music director and Kevin Kliesch (“Tangled Ever After”) is the composer. “Sofia the First” is a production of Disney Television Animation.

* Source: NTI, U.S. ratings, most current

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PetSmart Launches New Line of Disney Licensed Products

Pluto Plush Ring from PetSmartPetSmart today introduced new Disney pet apparel and toys. Characters such as Donald Duck, Tinker Bell, Kermit the Frog, Tigger and, of course, Mickey Mouse will add fun and magic to more than 30 new products available at all PetSmart stores in North America and online.

“Disney characters have a special place in many pet parents’ hearts, and this new PetSmart collection allows them to share the magic of Disney with their pets in a fun and fashionable way,” said Laurie Taylor, PetSmart’s vice president of dog and cat hardgoods.

From bandanas and tees to ropes and squeaky toys, the new assortment of Disney products includes:

  • Tinker Bell Flirt Dress: Hot pink trim, black lace and Tinker Bell provide a little fairy magic to a dog’s day.
  • Tigger Plush Rope Stick: This durable rope toy will keep up with dogs that have Tigger’s boundless enthusiasm. The large plush head squeaks, and the tongue and ears are great for tugging play.
  • Mickey Mouse Point Tee: The “I’m with Goofy” imprint helps dogs point out their goofy pet parents with the help of Mickey Mouse on this fun blue shirt.
  • Minnie Mouse Bottle Cruncher: With lots of texture and fun crunching sounds that come from the plastic water bottle hidden inside, this pink and pretty toy will keep dogs busy and happy.
  • Kermit the Frog Tee: Of course it’s green! With Kermit’s friendly face, it’s perfect for lounging around the house or for a walk in the park.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE COMPLETE DISNEY COLLECTION

To celebrate the introduction of these products, pet parents can enter to win a grand prize of $10,000 in the PetSmart “Pin It to Win It” sweepstakes featuring the Disney products, March 4 through April 1 on PetSmart’s Facebook page. The Facebook photo gallery will showcase nine new Disney products each week and allows fans to pin their favorites directly to their Pinterest accounts. For every three products pinned, contestants have a chance to win one of 15 weekly prizes and are entered into the $10,000 grand prize drawing. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.

 

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WATCH: ‘Iron Man 3′ Iron-Men Filled Trailer

'Iron Man 3' Payoff PosterWalt Disney Studios and Marvel Studios have just released the new trailer for Iron Man 3 which debuts in theaters on May 3, 2013. You can watch it embedded below.

Marvel Studios’ Iron Man 3 pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy’s hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

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