Source: MSNBC

“Hannah Montana” is coming to an end.

The Disney Channel series starring Miley Cyrus is expected to wrap up a four season run next year, according to the 16-year-old’s dad and co-star, Billy Ray Cyrus.

In an interview for Access Hollywood and “The Billy Bush Show,” Cyrus said the cast, which just wrapped up shooting season 3, will carry on for one more run of shows at Miley’s request.

“Quite frankly, I give a lot of credit to Miley for taking it to another year,” Cyrus said. “She didn’t want it to just end with whatever was the last episode we did. She wanted it to build to where there’s a moral to the story, to where it doesn’t just end and go away and that’s it. She wanted there to be an official ending to ‘Hannah Montana.’”

Cyrus said they will film the final 11 half-hour long episodes and a one-hour long season finale, all expected to screen in 2010.

“We’ll start (shooting) season 4 sometime around the end of January,” Billy Ray said. “We have to be done by the first week of June in the summer of next year.”

We need to raise $150 over the next six weeks in order to renew the following domain names:

SAVEWITCH.COM
MISSIONKIMPOSSIBLE.COM
KIM-POSSIBLE.ORG
SDSFORUM.ORG
SAVEKP.COM
SAVEKP.ORG
SAVELILOANDSTITCH.ORG
SAVEOURSTITCH.ORG
S-D-S.US
SAVEDISNEYSHO.WS
LEROYANDSTITCH.COM
SAVELS.COM
FIXDISNEY.ORG
ROBERTIGER.ORG
SAVELS.ORG

One of the members of the PotF Island forum one suggested: “For kids it might be easier just to send in small amounts of cash to you, then you could report how much money you’re getting. Then you could use the money for ad space, the website or anything else that would help the movement.”And that’s exactly what we plan to do.

If you’re old enough to have a PayPal account, you can make a donation directly to paypal@savedisneyshows.org. If you want to ensure that your donation helps a specific show, you can add a comment like “donation for KP ” so we know your intent. (You can use the paypal donate button on SDS Main to donate from a Credit Card without a paypal account.)

Or, you can mail a check, money order, or cash to me at this address:

SDS Fundraising
C/O Gregory Isaac
PO Box 893211
Temecula, CA 92589-3211

If you also include your email address in your letter, I’ll let you know when I’ve received it.

We know times are tough, but please give what you can, we can’t make this work without all of you.

The name “D23″ pays homage to the wonder and excitement that began in 1923 when Walt Disney opened his fledgling studio in Hollywood. D23 is the first official community for fans in Disney’s 85-year history. D23 gives its members a greater connection to the entire world of Disney by placing them in the middle of the magic through its quarterly publication Disney twenty-three; a rich website at www.disney.com/D23; a new collectibles line, The Walt Disney Archives Collection; and special events for D23 members throughout the year, highlighted by the D23 EXPO in Anaheim, California, September 10-13, 2009.

The D23 EXPO will give Disney fan unprecedented access to never-before-seen movies, TV shows, park experiences, collectibles and more from Sept. 10 to Sept. 13 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Tickets to the Expo are now available at http://www.D23Expo.com. Admission includes access to all experiences and entertainment at the D23 EXPO and can be purchased for single days or for the full four days of festivities. Admission is discounted for members of D23.

The D23 EXPO spotlight will also shine on Disney Channel’s brightest stars in a can’t miss-special event.

If you are a D23 member, or are planning to attend the expo, please let us know by completing this form.

SDS Webmaster Greg will be in Anaheim and will be coordinating possible meetings for those involved in our movements!

What follows is the Offical Disney Press Release:

Disney Channel has ordered a second season of “Sonny With A Chance,” TV’s #1 program for Kids 6-11 and#1 scripted program for Tweens 9-14, it was announced today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide. The series, which premiered in February, stars Demi Lovato, Tiffany Thornton, Sterling Knight, Brandon Mychal Smith, Doug Brochu and Allisyn Ashley Arm. It was created by Steve Marmel, who executive-produces along with Michael Feldman, Brian Robbins and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett.

Sonny With A Chance” is television’s the #1 scripted series across all broadcast and cable television for Kids 6-11 – and is in a virtual tie with American Idol with Tweens 9-14 (source: NTI, 2/8/09-5/24/09).

Marsh said: “’Sonny’ was a hit right out of the gate, thanks in no small part to the stratospheric trajectory of our newest star, Demi Lovato. She and the entire talented cast, along with our gifted writing and producing teams, have turned ‘Sonny With A Chance’ into ‘destination television’ for kids everywhere. We thrilled with the direction this first season has taken, and look forward to tapping further into its comedic potential, adding music and more, in Season Two.”

The fictionalized tween magazine “Tween Weekly” seen in the series has successfully crossed over into the digital world at www.TweenWeekly.com. The site features articles, interviews and quizzes that explore pop-culture, fashion and celebrity in relation to the world of “Sonny With A Chance.” Updates coincide with each new episode premiere.

“Sonny With A Chance” airs Sundays at 8:00 p.m., ET/PT. The series is seen on Disney Channels around the world, with full episodes available on DisneyChannel.com, Disney Channel on Demand, mobile providers including Sprint TV, MobiTV, AT&T CV and Verizon V Cast, iTunes, Netflix and onboard airlines.

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 97 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney-ABC Television Group.

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

Official Disney Press Release:

Disney Channel has ordered a fourth season of the worldwide smash hit series and cultural icon “Hannah Montana,” a property that has triumphed in every frontier from television, music, concert tours and books to DVDs, consumer products and films. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, president, Entertainment, Disney Channels Worldwide. Production wraps on Season Three this week and will resume early next year on Season Four in Hollywood. The storyline for the fourth season will have the Stewarts grappling with saying goodbye to their beachfront Malibu home.

In making the announcement, Marsh said: “’Hannah Montana’ has become one of the most iconic series in television history. That is a direct result of the extraordinary collaboration between the show’s producers, writers and cast – all of whom constantly challenge each other to raise the bar, comedically, musically and from a storytelling perspective. In keeping with that approach, Miley and the producers have proposed a change of setting for Season Four that will provide the catalyst for wonderful new characters and further expand the storytelling opportunities.”

Starring are Miley Cyrus as Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana, Emily Osment as Lilly Truscott, Jason Earles as Jackson Stewart and Billy Ray Cyrus as Robby Stewart. Mitchel Musso, whose solo recording album debuts Tuesday, June 2 on Walt Disney Records, will recur as Oliver Oken.

The wildly popular series, which premiered in March 2006, delivers an average of 4.4 million viewers per episode. An episode of “Hannah Montana” (August 17, 2007) is the highest rated series telecast in the history of basic cable television, delivering 10.7 million Total Viewers, 4.2 million Kids 6-11 and 4.1 million Tweens 9-14.

“Hannah Montana” has generated two double-platinum soundtracks that made history as the first TV soundtrack to debut on the Billboard Top 200, a #1 box office movie from Walt Disney Pictures, popular episodic compilation DVDs, a junior novel series, apparel, accessories and video games. In addition, Miley Cyrus headlined a sold out concert tour in which she performed songs from the series as well as songs that introduced her as a new solo recording artist. A 3D concert film, “Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds Concert” in Disney Digital 3-D, is the #1 concert film of all time.

The series was created by Michael Poryes, Rich Correll and Barry O’Brien. The executive producers are Steven Peterman and Michael Poryes. “Hannah Montana” is a production of It’s a Laugh Productions, Inc.

Looks like we won’t need SaveHannah.com afterall.

Start Slide Show with PicLens Lite

Source: Reuters

Disney Channel executives will make their first-ever full programing presentation to retailers on Monday at the International Licensing Expo in Las Vegas, in a nod of the cable network’s growing earnings power within the Walt Disney Co.

Disney Channel shows produced a greater share of global merchandise sales for the company in 2008 than any single franchise produced by its movie studios, which also presents its slate at the annual licensing show.

Merchandise inspired by Disney Channel TV programs, led by ‘tween phenoms “Hannah Montana” and “High School Musical” and preschooler hits “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” and “Handy Manny,” reached $3.6 billion in merchandise retail sales in 2008.

“Cars,” the best-selling line inspired by the Disney-Pixar film, peaked at annual sales of $2.5 billion last year and is expected to decline this year, Disney officials said.

Global sales of “Hannah Montana” and “High School Musical” merchandise grew faster in 2008 than any other Disney franchise and outstripped growth for the super-popular Disney Princess line, Disney Consumer Products spokesman Gary Foster said.

The cable network also has promising new franchises in “Sonny With a Chance” and “Wizards of Waverly Place”, which is why the company chose to showcase them “in a greater way”, Foster said.

Growth at the 94 Disney channels worldwide last quarter helped Disney’s cable business to 5 percent growth in operating income in the depths of the global recession.

At the same time, Studio Entertainment, whose upcoming slate of family movies usually dominates Disney’s presentation to the show’s 25,000 international retailers, will take a supporting role this year.

Disney’s studios have performed poorly in recent quarters as hits like “Pirates of the Caribbean” and “Cars” gave way to duds like “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” “Prince Caspian” and “Bedtime Stories.” The studios’ operating profit plunged 97 percent last quarter.

Disney Channel’s presentation on Monday night focuses plans to support established hits, build up-and-comers and launch new properties, Disney Channel Worldwide President Rich Ross said.

“Our job is …to show people what we are excited about and … the commitment the company has … to tell stories that are popular,” Ross said. “TV has never done what TV is doing.”

Disney Channel plans to announce a fourth season for “Hannah Montana” and to report on the progress of casting for a fourth film in the “High School Musical” franchise, company officials said.

“Sonny With A Chance”, the top TV series among kids 6-11 and tweens, has been picked up for a second season, Disney said.

BURBANK, Calif., May 28, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) — From sold out shows to the big and small screens, the Jonas Brothers will take over the video game world as well this holiday. Disney Interactive Studios today announced the development of JONAS for Nintendo DS. The game allows players to take on the role of three superstar brothers - Nick, Joe and Kevin Lucas in outrageous adventures from the Disney Channel comedy series “JONAS.” Players help the JONAS band members juggle concerts, school, friends and fans to find the balance between their rock star world and ordinary lives.

“JONAS is the perfect complement to the hit television show, giving fans additional access to the Jonas Brothers as they portray the Lucas Brothers, their music, their fashion and their lives,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “The game delivers a unique blend of adventure, humor and music that will keep fans of the Jonas Brothers entertained and engaged this holiday season.”

Based on the Disney Channel comedy series, the game follows the Lucas brothers as they go about their everyday, but not so normal lives. It features other main characters from the show, including good friends Macy and Stella, and lets fans explore familiar locations including the brother’s firehouse and school as seen in the television show. Players can also customize the JONAS band members’ wardrobe for their daytime antics, as well as cool outfits for when they take the stage.

Featuring interactive environments, JONAS allows players to collect musical notes to power up their guitars and then strike the right guitar chords to overcome obstacles and help the JONAS band members. The game also features hit songs from the “JONAS” television show. Fans will be able to perform to the songs in concerts after each level is completed.

In addition, JONAS includes access to DGamer, the online community exclusively for Disney gamers on the Nintendo DS, allowing them to chat with other players and unlock additional items in their game.

Developed by Altron, JONAS will be available this fall for Nintendo DS.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Disney Interactive Studios
Sunny Ing
(818) 553-4027
sunny.ing@disney.com
or
Disney Interactive Studios
Dianne Baker
(818) 553-3919
dianne.i.baker@disney.com

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Rilous Carter, 58, is the vice president for Disney’s Hollywood Studios theme park, which just celebrated its 20th anniversary. He spoke Friday with Sentinel staff writer Jason Garcia.

CFB: You took over as the vice president in charge of Disney’s Hollywood Studios a month after it changed its name from Disney-MGM Studios. How has the park changed thematically since then, or has it?

I don’t think it’s changed thematically. I think it’s grown up, let’s put it that way. I think at one time it was the golden age of movies, which was always exciting. But now I think it’s the new entertainment of today. I think it resonates a lot more with our guests today. There are many, probably, of our guests, especially younger guests, who may not even know what it means when you said Disney-MGM Studios. But Hollywood they do understand.

CFB: SeaWorld just opened Manta, and Universal should open Hollywood Rip Ride Rockit soon, both big roller coasters and major new attractions. Disney World’s biggest addition this year is American Idol Experience in the Studios. How does that stack up against the competition?

Well, we continually challenge ourselves to exceed our guests’ expectations. Just to give you an example, this morning we had Kris Allen, the recent winner of American Idol, here. He paraded down Hollywood Boulevard, went to the front of the theater, sang a song, and then surprised guests by coming to the theater. Now guests there are getting autographs, photos and things like that. I think those are experiences that they’ll never forget. And I think what we try to do is really get our guests involved and immerse them in the experiences. Creating experiences for our guests, whether they are on stage singing at the American Idol Experience or getting an autograph from Kris Allen, I think those are the kinds of things that they’ll come back here for again and again.

CFB: You work in theme parks so we have to ask: What’s your favorite ride?

I almost hate to say Toy Story Mania! But you know, actually, some days I’ll go through the Great Movie Ride again. You go through that and it still has that — it tugs at the heart strings. Because you see things that you saw many, many years ago. Whether it’s John Wayne or Humphrey Bogart — I love old Western movies, and I love Humphrey Bogart movies — so I can see those kinds of things and those, to me, are very pleasing. But I like Toy Story Mania! as well. I think because of the fact that everyone can ride Mania, as we call it — Toy Story Mania! — that makes it one of my favorite attractions.

CFB: I understand you used to be general manager for food and beverage at Epcot, where restaurants are some of the biggest attractions. Do you have a favorite meal?

Well, it’s tough to pick a favorite meal. It depends on where you’re going to eat. The catfish with the grits, the Cajun catfish, over at Coral Reef is one of my favorites. And also then I have to go to Le Cellier. There’s no better filet anywhere. You can cut the thing with a fork. Everyone who goes there loves the filet. We sell more filets there than anything.

CFB: You also worked in Cleveland at one point before you joined Disney. So are you a Cavs guy or a Magic guy?

Magic all the way, man. You’ve got to be kidding me. I’m not sleeping, I’m staying up every night watching these games going, “It should be over by now!” … I think it’s been fantastic for the city, especially at a time like this, in this economic downturn.

Source: Mickey News

The Jonas Brothers, the platinum-selling tween pin-up boys who probably sold merchandise for Disney than Mickey Mouse last year, might have a reason to be Paranoid.

Their new single isn’t faring as well as a JoBros single should, on Radio Disney world nor in the real world.

Paranoid is the first single from the brotherly band’s upcoming Lines, Vines, & Trying Times isn’t exactly Burnin’ Up the radio.

The song has yet to hit the Top 40 of pop radio in its third week in release.

Radio Disney has the song at #20 on their official countdown and is more interested in playing “Live to Party,” the theme song from their sitcom.

On iTunes, the song has been in and out of the Top 100. The song currently sits at a very un-JoBro-like #91.

The Mouse House refuses to panic, although their 3D concert film didn’t match expectations and new episodes of their “JONAS” series on Disney Channel continuously get beat out in the ratings by Nickelodeon shows.

With an upcoming tour spanning three continents and the new album hitting stores in June, the band could be feeling the pressure. “We’re all about taking those gradual steps,” Nick Jonas said to reporters. Says brother Kevin, “We definitely have no expectations.”

Could this be the end of the biggest band of brothers in teen pop history? Johnny Wright, co-manager of the band who also oversaw the giant leaps to stardom of Britney Spears and NSync, says no.

“People are wrong when they say the bubble has burst. It’s just changing,” Wright told the New York Times. “We are focused on longevity and transitioning to a slightly older audience. When you do that, you risk losing some of your core fan base.”

Source: TheCelebrityCafe.com

The Hollywood Reporter has stated that this past Tuesday, it was decided that five children’s TV channels in Europe will be changed to the popular programming of the Disney channel later this year. Disney will be claiming the original channel, entitled “Jetix,” in Slovakia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and the Czech Republic, which will increase the viewership of Disney by at least 12 million households.

Giorgio Stock comments in bizjournals.com that the first rebranding of Disney channel in Poland made clear the demand for the type of programs appealing to kids and family values was highly successful and hopes for Disney Channel to become the premier source of entertainment on television for children and preteens.

The programming for the channel in Europe is set to appeal to both the 2-5 and 6-14 age groups, according to MediaPost News. Stations will be specific to each individual market in the country and be dubbed for every dialectic language.