Don’t forget! This Friday February 26th is our first Save Wizards Day!

On Friday, it’s important that we have as many fans as possible email and call Disney to request a fourth season for Wizards.

But it’s also important that fans send paper letters to Disney in advance of the event. Emails are easy, but paper letters show dedication and they all have to be read! Emails can be filtered and deleted, but letters and phone calls can’t just be ignored. Start sending your letters now, so that Disney will receive them on or around Friday. You can get the addresses here. At the very least, please write to Carolina Lightcap and Robert Iger.

Let’s make our first Save Wizards Day as big as possible! Be sure to spread the word however you can. Join and promote our Facebook group to your friends, follow and re-tweet our Twitter, and link back to us whatever else you can think of. Together, we will can make a difference this February 26th.

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It looks like Disney’s really starting to cut back on their new film production.

Potential buyers of Walt Disney Co.’s (DIS) Miramax film unit include Lions Gate Entertainment Corp. (LGF) and the Weinstein brothers, Reuters reported Monday on its Web site, citing unnamed sources familiar with the situation said.

Independent studio Summit Entertainment might also be interested in Miramax, the sources said on condition of anonymity, according to the new agency.

A Lions Gate spokesman was unavailable for comment, and Disney and Summit declined comment, the report said.

The Weinstein Co. confirmed its interest in Miramax, the report said. “We are keen to look at the company and we will see what happens in coming weeks,” it quoted David Glasser, operations executive for the independent Weinstein Co., as saying.

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A Save Wizards Email Usage Update

Friday February 5th was the unofficial kick off of our movement with an “unofficial” email Disney day. Wizards fans from around the globe came together and sent nearly a thousand emails through our SDS email program! Plus many more emails that where sent directly.

We have a long ways to go, and we still need to grow our numbers substantially, but we’re off to a great start!

Let’s make our first Save Wizards Day as big as possible! If we can make a big enough splash, we may even get an announcement this month. So start writing your paper letters, start thinking about what you’re going to say when you call, and start spreading the word! Our Save Wizards Day is coming up on February 26th.

Link to Us!

Just in time for Save Wizards Day, we have new banner images available for you to use on your websites, blogs, profiles, signatures, etc.!

This sort of promotion is a great way to show your Wizards pride and to raise awareness of our cause. You can find all of the banners we have available for you on our Save Wizards website. If you don’t like any of the designs or sizes we have, feel free to make your own.

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Talk about great timing! SDS Webmaster Greg was able to attend the February 2nd 2010 WOWP live audience filming at the Hollywood Center Studios in Los Angeles.

“I got to meet Selena, Jake, and David. No not David Henrie, David DeLuise. He’s a really cool guy. Jake was fun to talk with as well. But of course, I was there to see Selena. And not only did I speak with her without making a fool of myself, I got a picture with her and an awesome autograph to frame and hang on the wall.“(more)

More importantly, he also spoke with one of the executive producers about the fourth season, and our movement to make sure the show is renewed.

“The problem is Disney dragging their feet. Not Selena or any of the cast. So we’re gonna let Disney have it. They know they should renew this show, but we’re gonna make sure they do it.”

And that’s exactly what we’re going to do starting Friday with our first Save Wizards event…

Un-official Email Disney Day #1

This Friday February 5th, lets kick off this campaign with an barrage of emails. You can use our new WOWP Email Program modeled after the tool we used for KP & PotF, with updated disney contacts and complete with a customizable template letter. You can also use your own email client to send emails, instructions for both can be found at www.SDSmail.org.

Our first “real” Save Wizards Day is coming up later this month. So start writing your paper letters, start thinking about what you’re going to say when you call, and start spreading the word! Friday’s just a warm up, the 26th is when we stand up and be noticed.

To learn more, visit our new save Wizards website: WizardsOfWaverlyPlace.org Thank you!

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“Wizards of Waverly Place” hit a new series high with 6.2 million viewers. If that isn’t enough of a reason to renew the show, then I don’t know what is!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Friday’s all new one-hour “Wizards of Waverly Place” (8:00 – 9:00 p.m.) ranked as the series’ No. 1 telecast of all time in Total Viewers (6.2 million) and Kids 6-11 (2.6 million/10.8 rating), and performed at near record-setting levels in Tweens 9-14 (2.4 million/9.8 rating – No. 3 telecast ever).

At 9 o’clock, an original “The Suite Life on Deck” posted the show’s best numbers in nearly 4 months (since 10/2/09), standing as its 3rd-most-watched telecast on record in Total Viewers (5.2 million) and Tweens 9-14 (2.1 million/8.6 rating), and 4th-most-watched to date in Kids 6-11 (2.4 million/9.6 rating).

• “Wizards of Waverly Place” (6.2 million) and “The Suite Life on Deck” (5.2 million) ranked
  No. 1 in their time slots versus all TV in Total Viewers, standing as Friday’s Top 2 scripted TV telecasts overall.
• Led by “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “The Suite Life on Deck,” Disney Channel aired the Top 6 TV telecasts on Friday in both Kids 6-11 and Tweens 9-14.

Source: TVbyTheNumbers

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From what I gather, Nikki Reed will be in charge of finding new shows, so as a site dedicated to saving existing show, she will have little relevance to us. However, it’s still important to know who she is, and what she does. Which is why I’m posting this press release:

NIKKI REED NAMED VICE PRESIDENT,
ORIGINAL SERIES, DISNEY CHANNEL AND DISNEY XD

Nikki Reed has been named Vice President, Original Series, overseeing live-action development for Disney Channel and Disney XD, it was announced today by Adam Bonnett, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channel, to whom she will report.

Reed, who has more than 13 years’ experience overseeing feature films and television series development, will be responsible for developing new live-action series geared towards kids, tweens and families on Disney Channel, Disney XD, as well as numerous platforms around the world.

Bonnett said, “Disney Channel is a home for outstanding comedy writers. Nikki’s breadth of experience in both film and television makes her the perfect executive to help us maintain our dominance in kids programming and grow Disney XD into a top destination for live action comedies.”

In her new role, Reed will oversee the development and execution of Disney Channel and Disney XD Original Series pilots, recruit series creators, executive producers, writers and directors and collaborate with the Casting department to identify new talent.

Reed most recently served as Vice President of Current and Development at Universal Cable Productions. From 2003-08 she was a development executive for executive producer Barry Kemp’s Bungalow 78 Productions while it was based at Disney’s Touchstone Television. Previously she served as Vice President of Development for Director Jon Turtletaub’s Junction Entertainment for Disney Studios. There she spearheaded the development of the feature films “National Treasure” starring Nicholas Cage and “The Kid” starring Bruce Willis.

In 2005 Reed served as an executive producer on the feature film “Invincible” starring Mark Wahlberg. Reed was part of the team responsible for negotiating the rights for Vince Papale, overseeing the screenplay script development and was involved in all aspects of the film.

The Los Angeles native is a graduate of the University of Arizona where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

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I don’t know much about Sheryl, but she seems like a pretty good choice from what I’ve read so far.

BURBANK, Calif., Dec 23, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Walt Disney Company
(NYSE:DIS) Board of Directors has nominated Sheryl Sandberg, chief operating
officer of Facebook Inc., to be a new independent director, effective upon her
election at the Company’s next annual meeting.

“Sheryl is an outstanding executive who can add incredible value to what is already a diverse and highly experienced group of directors,” said John E. Pepper Jr., Disney’s chairman. “She brings great expertise in the online world, considerable international experience and a deep understanding of consumer behavior.”

Sandberg has served as COO of Facebook, an online social utility company, since March 2008. In that capacity, she has been responsible for building Facebook’s operations globally and managing its sales, marketing, business development, human resources, public policy, privacy and communications functions. Facebook is now considered the number one global social network with more than 350 million members.

Prior to joining Facebook, Sandberg was Vice President of Global Online Sales and Operations for Google Inc., an Internet search engine company, a post she assumed in 2001. In that role, she built and managed Google’s online sales channels, which represents the majority of Google’s customers worldwide, for both AdWords and AdSense.

Sandberg, 40, is also a former Chief of Staff of the United States Treasury Department and previously served as a management consultant with McKinsey & Company and as an economist with The World Bank.

“Sheryl has been at the forefront of a technological revolution that’s opened up a world of new possibilities for consumers and which has greatly affected the way we do business,” said Robert A. Iger, Disney’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “Her unique insight, born of great practical experience, will be of considerable value to Disney’s shareholders.”

“Disney has remained an entertainment icon around the world for over 80 years by enthusiastically embracing change and new technologies,” said Sandberg. “It’s a tremendous honor to be nominated to the Disney board.”

Sandberg is also a director of Starbucks Corp. and serves on a number of nonprofit boards including The Brookings Institution, The AdCouncil, Women for Women International and V-Day. She received a Master’s Degree in business administration from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor’s Degree in economics from Harvard University.

Disney shareholders will vote on Sandberg’s nomination and the re-election of the Company’s other 12 directors at the next Disney annual meeting, March 10, 2010 in San Antonio, Texas.

SOURCE: The Walt Disney Company

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Roy E. Disney, Walt’s nephew and one of the most influential people in the recent history of the Disney company passed away today.

Roy was one of my heroes. He fought for what he believed, he fought for quality in Disney animation, and he ultimately saved the company. Twice.

Without his guiding hand, I don’t know what will happen to the company. Iger seems to be doing a good job, and I have faith in John Lasseter and Steve Jobs. But we’ll all miss Roy.

What follows is the official Disney Press Release:

Roy Edward Disney, son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney, and nephew of Walt Disney, passed away today (12/16/09) at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California, following a year-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 79 years old. Disney was a successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker, and award-winning sailor, who played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney’s animation legacy. He was associated with the Company over a 56-year period, and from 1984 – 2003, served as vice chairman of the Company’s board of directors, and chairman of the Studio’s Animation Department. In recent years, he held the title of director emeritus and consultant for the Company.

As head of Disney Animation, Disney helped to guide the Studio to a new golden age of animation with an unprecedented string of artistic and box office successes that included “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and “The Lion King.” He personally executive produced “Fantasia/2000,” a sequel to the 1940 Disney classic, and served in a similar capacity on a number of recent animated shorts, including the 2004 Oscar(R)-nominated “Destino,” based on storyboards and original art by the iconic artist Salvador Dali. In the area of live-action films, Disney and his wife, Leslie DeMeuse Disney, most recently executive produced the 2008 feature documentary, “Morning Light,” which followed a group of young sailors as they competed in the grueling Transpac race from Los Angeles to Honolulu.

His philanthropic activities included sponsorship of the Roy E. Disney Center for the Performing Arts at the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center, part of Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California, is scheduled to open in spring, 2010.

Commenting on the announcement, Bob Iger, president and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, said, “On behalf of everyone at Disney, we are saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Roy E. Disney. He was much more than a valued 56-year Company veteran – Roy’s true passion and focus were preserving and building upon the amazing legacy of Disney animation that was started by his father and uncle. Roy’s commitment to the art of animation was unparalleled and will always remain his personal legacy and one of his greatest contributions to Disney’s past, present and future.”

John Lasseter, chief creative officer for Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios, added, “I first met Roy when I was still an animation student at CalArts. Not only did I consider him a personal friend, but he was a great man who believed deeply in the art of animation. He put his heart and soul into preserving Disney’s legendary past, while helping to move the art of animation into the modern age by embracing new technology. Roy was a visionary and passionate supporter of the art form, and he was all about quality. I was always impressed that he would make time for someone like me when I was fresh out of college, and he continued to support and encourage me throughout my career.”

Stanley Gold, president, Shamrock Holdings, said, “Roy and I enjoyed a 35-year friendship and partnership that was simply special. We faced many business challenges together, had fun in the process, and enjoyed a wide variety of professional successes. Roy was a man who was steadfastly loyal to his principles and to his friends. He was a gracious, humble gentleman who could make the tough decisions life sometimes requires. He carried the torch high and proud, and the world is a better place for his tireless efforts. I will miss him greatly.”

Roy Edward Disney was born in Los Angeles on January 10, 1930 to Roy O. Disney and Edna Francis Disney. His father and his uncle, Walt Disney, co-founded the Disney entertainment business in 1923.

After attending Harvard School and Pomona College, Disney launched his entertainment industry career in 1952, working as an assistant film editor on the “Dragnet” TV series.

He joined The Walt Disney Studios in 1953 as an assistant film editor, where his credits included the landmark Academy Award(R)-winning True-Life Adventures features, “The Living Desert” and “The Vanishing Prairie.” As a writer and production associate, he received Oscar(R) nominations for his work on the short subject, “Mysteries of the Deep” in 1959, and in 2003 for his work as executive producer for “Destino.”

Disney produced and directed some 35 other TV and theatrical production, including the landmark 1968 documentary, “Varda, the Peregrine Falcon,” before leaving in 1977 to become an independent producer and investor.

In 1978, Disney founded Shamrock Holdings, Inc., a wholly-owned family enterprise headquartered in Burbank, California, which specializes in private equity, real estate, and public equities investing. He served as chairman of the company, which has approximately $1.5 billion of capital committed to funds.

An avid competitive sailor, Disney holds several elapsed-time records for offshore races in the Pacific Ocean, including multiple wins in the 2,225-mile Transpac.

Among his many professional and philanthropic activities, Disney served on the board of trustees of California Institute of the Arts, the advisory board of St. Joseph Medical Center, and the board of Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Greater Los Angeles, Inc. Additionally, he was an advisory member of the board of directors of the United States Committee for UNICEF, chairman emeritus of the board of directors of the Peregrine Fund, a member of the board of trustees of Ronald McDonald House charities, and a member of the board of trustees of the American Ireland Fund.

In 1993, he received the Winsor McCay Award (a special “Annie Award”) from ASIFA-Hollywood (The International Animated Film Society). The McCay Award is for lifetime achievement in animation. In 1997, Disney was awarded the first “Mort Walker Award for Outstanding Contributions to the Cartoon Industry,” by the Boca Raton International Museum of Cartoon Art.

Disney received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from his alma mater Pomona College in 1998. In 2002, he received an honorary Doctor of Fine Arts degree from Mercy College in New York. The following year, he was presented with the Trustees’ Award and honorary Doctor of the Arts degree from CalArts.

Among his other honors, Disney was named a recipient of the 1999 National Catholic Education Association Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to children and education. In April 1999, Disney received the Henry Bergh Humane Award from the ASPCA, and in spring 2000, he was awarded the Inaugural Environmental Leadership Award from the Audubon Society.

Disney is survived by his wife, Leslie, and four children from his marriage to Patricia Dailey Disney – Tim Disney, Roy Patrick Disney, Abigail Disney, and Susan Disney Lord. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren.

Funeral services will be private, followed by cremation. His ashes will be scattered at sea. Plans for a Life Celebration will be announced shortly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his name to The Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Burbank, California.

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Eventually, they’re gonna have to have another shareholder meeting in CA so Webmaster Greg can attend…

BURBANK, Calif., Dec 02, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) board today declared an annual cash dividend of $0.35 per share, payable on January 19, 2010 to shareholders of record at the close of business December 14, 2009. The January dividend payment represents the 54th consecutive year of dividend payments to shareholders.

“While last year was a challenging one, our strategic focus has remained consistent and our execution disciplined,” said Robert A. Iger, president and CEO. “We are pleased to be able to continue returning capital to our shareholders through dividends while investing for future growth.”

The Company also announced that it has scheduled its annual shareholders’ meeting for Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at 10:00 AM in San Antonio, Texas.

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As you no doubt remember, the outgoing president of Disney Channel Worldwide, Rich Ross, was recently promoted to Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios.

Today, Disney has named Carolina Lightcap as the new president of Disney Channel Worldwide. As such, she becomes the most important person that SDS members contact going forward. We don’t know that much about her yet, but it’s important our supporters make a good, strong, and untited impression on her.

We’re working on putting together a special “Welcome to DC” event for her. Please check back for more on that as we work out the details.

Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS) named Carolina Lightcap as the new president of Disney Channels Worldwide, according to an AP report. She is replacing Rich Ross, who will now be the movie studios chairman. Lightcap joined Disney in 2000 and was most recently vice president of programming and creative affairs and CMO of the Latin American operations. According to the company, Lightcap spearheaded the Latin American launch of “High School Musical” and led the creative transition of the Disney Channel from a premium service to a basic service in the region and she will relocate to Burbank, California.

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