Disney Channel Gives the Greenlight to Five New Original Movies

Disney Channel Gives the Greenlight to Five New Original Movies

Disney Channel, the leader in television for kids and families, has greenlit five new original movies for its monthly movie showcase.

All five films -- "Ring of Endless Light" (working title), "Twas The Night" (working title), "The Heidi and Heather Burge Story" (working title) "Gotta Kick It Up" (working title) and "Get A Clue" -- will begin production in various locations in April and May 2001. The announcement was made today by Gary Marsh, executive vice president, original programming, Disney Channel.

"Like our entire Disney Channel original movie franchise, these five new films showcase diverse, passionate characters who represent real kids pursuing the kinds of adventures that kids everywhere dream about," said Marsh. "We are proud to add these titles to our library of original movies and are certain that they will build upon the tremendous success shared by two of our most recent hits, 'Motocrossed' and 'The Luck of the Irish."'

Based on the beloved children's novel by Madeline L'Engle, "Ring of Endless Light" tells the story of Vicky, a 16-year-old girl who discovers she has an exceptional ability to communicate with dolphins. When she discovers that a dolphin family is threatened by an illegal driftnet operation, she uses her gift to save them. Ryan Merriman, Mischa Barton and James Whitmore will star. "Ring of Endless Light" will be executive produced by Iris Caplan and Martha Wheelock. DGA winner Greg Beeman will direct. Production begins on April 23.

In "Twas the Night," a mischievous 14-year-old boy and his irresponsible uncle almost ruin Christmas when they decide to take Santa's new high-tech sleigh for a joyride. The holiday-themed comedy will be executive produced by Tim Stephen and George Paige for John Ritter's production company, Adam Productions, and Nick Castle ("Dennis the Menace," "Major Payne," "Mr. Wrong") will direct. Bryan Cranston ("Malcolm in the Middle"), Josh Zuckerman and Brenda Grate will star. Production will begin on April 9.

"The Heidi and Heather Burge Story" recounts the teenage years of real-life WNBA players and twin sisters as they compete, on and off the court, both as siblings and as athletes. Newcomers Annie McElwain and Poppi Montgomery will star along with Mackenzie Phillips. The film will be executive produced by Sheri Singer of Just Singer Entertainment ("The Luck of the Irish," "Return to Halloweentown"). Duwayne Dunham ("Thirteenth Year") is to direct. Production begins on May 7.

"Gotta Kick It Up," inspired by a true story, follows an ex- "dot.com" executive turned schoolteacher who takes a handful of Latina schoolgirls lacking in direction and self-esteem and turns them into a championship dance team. "Gotta Kick It Up" will be co-produced by Meghan Cole and directed by Ramon Menendez. Production begins May 7.

Twelve-year-old Lexy is a budding teen gossip columnist in "Get a Clue." When a teacher disappears from her school, she changes hats and uses her investigative savvy to uncover the mystery. Lexy will team up with Jack, a hard-nosed reporter from her paper, to uncover the villain and rescue her teacher. "Get a Clue" will be executive produced by Deborah Leoni. Maggie Greenwald will direct. Production will begin on May 7, 2001.

-- Posted April 3, 2001

Source: Company press release