The Walt Disney Company EMEA has announced its initial slate of European originals for Disney+.
The first ten projects commissioned for Disney+ under the Disney brand and the forthcoming general entertainment brand Star, are the start of Disney’s ambition to commission 50 productions in Europe by 2024.
The projects will span multiple genres including drama, comedy, sci-fi and documentary, and have been greenlit in France, Italy, Germany and the Netherlands, with a raft of additional projects in development.
Commenting on the projects, Diego Londono, EVP, media networks and content, The Walt Disney Company EMEA, said: “Our commissioning strategy showcases our commitment to producing world-class original content, tailored to local markets but with the creative ambition to appeal to audiences across the globe. Europe has a global reputation as a creative powerhouse, which combined with Disney’s expertise in high-quality storytelling and its relationships with top talent on and off screen will ensure Disney+ is the go-to destination for compelling and engaging entertainment in Europe.”
Liam Keelan, VP original content, The Walt Disney Company EMEA, added: “These first ten projects embody our ambitious vision for local production. Our initial European offering underscores Disney’s regional commitment to outstanding and diverse talent, reflecting our desire to work with the very best storytellers in the industry”.
Separately, as part of the commitment to European creative storytelling, Disney has created two new roles in Spain and Germany. Sofía Fábregas has been appointed as VP original productions, Iberia, and Benjamina Mirnik-Voges VP original productions, Germany. Both roles will be responsible for the development and production of the local Disney-branded and Star-branded Originals for Disney+, reporting into local leadership and Diego Londono, working in close collaboration with Liam Keelan.
These new roles follow the previously confirmed announcement of Sean Doyle, who will serve as director of original production for unscripted general entertainment across Europe and reporting to Liam Keelan.
Disney+ will also unveil Star, its new general entertainment brand, inside the Disney+ app on February 23.
Source: https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2021/02/16/disney-reveals-european-ambitions/