News

Mercury Filmworks, the studio behind the Netflix kids’ series “Hilda” and Disney’s “The Lion Guard,” is developing a 2D animated comedy series based on Flavia Z. Drago’s “The World of Gustavo” book series.

Among the books being adapted are “Gustavo, the Shy Ghost” which became a New York Times bestseller after its publication via Trustbridge Global Media’s Walker Books/Candlewick Press in 2020.

The series is set in the supernatural suburbs of Calavera Cove and follows Gustavo the Ghost alongside his friends Leila the Witch and Vlad the Vampire. Each has paranormal powers that reflect their personalities, which they will use to save the day in 52 11-minute episodes.

Robert C. Ramirez has been set as showrunner of the “World of Gustavo” series. Ramirez’s writing credits include “Mickey’s Tale of Two Witches,” “Minnie’s Bow-Toons” and “Clifford’s Really Big Movie.” He has also worked as a director on series including “The Powerpuff Girls,...

Disney+ is expanding its recently launched Streams feature with four new live channels of themed content rolling out to the service’s premium subscribers.

The offerings include “Hallowstream,” a seasonally themed collection of content across the streamer’s catalog for Halloween; “Hits & Heroes,” a compilation of action-packed stories from the Disney, Marvel and Star Wars brands; “Throwbacks,” a destination for always-on nostalgic pop culture content; and”Real Life,” a line up of traditional documentaries, biopics and true stories.

On Sept. 4, Disney+ launched ABC News Live within the service for all of its subscribers, as well as Disney+ Playtime, which includes kids programming such as “Bluey,” “Sofia the First,” “The Lion Guard,” “Puppy Dog Pals,” and “Minnie’s Bow-Toons.” The two channels have driven over 10 million streaming hours from U.S. subscribers and resulted in “early signs of overall engagement lift” amongst the subscribers who watch them, according to the company.

Here...

Disney will hike the price of most streaming plans as of October 17, the company said today, about a year after its last increase in the fall of 2023.

Disney reports earnings tomorrow morning. Media companies across the board have been waging regular streaming price increases over the past several years as the Dtc landscape rationalizes and there’s a push to turn profitable.

Here’s what’s changing:

The new prices will see Disney+ with ads rise to $9.99 from $7.99 a month. Ad-free will cost $15.99, from $13.99.

The Duo Basic with Disney+ and Hulu goes up $1 to $10.99. The Duo Premium is the one plan that stays the same, at $19.99.

Hulu with ads rises from $7.99 to $9.99. Without ads, it goes up a buck to $18.99.

ESPN+ with ads also rises by $1 to $11.99.

Hulu + Live TV with adds rises from $76.99 to $82.99. No ads will cost $95.99, up from $89.99.

Disney’s other bundled offering, a trio with Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+,...

Disney+ will offer its U.S. subscribers access to continuous playlists beginning Sept. 4, but the streamer is also raising prices this fall.

The feature will make ABC News Live and a playlist focused on preschool content, including “Sofia the First,” “The Lion Guard,” “Puppy Dog Pals,” and “Minnie’s Bow-Toons,” available to all subscribers at launch.

Additionally, the streamer will roll out four other curated playlists to Premium subscribers this fall, with content that will be refreshed monthly. They include:

Seasonal Content – a collection of seasonal-themed content from across the Disney+ catalog Epic Stories – a compilation of action-packed stories from marquee brands and franchises, including Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars Throwbacks – a destination for nostalgic pop culture content Real Life – a lineup of traditional documentaries, biopics, and true stories

“Playlists are the latest example of how we’re providing the best value and experience for our subscribers every time they open...

Here comes another round of “streamflation”: Disney is raising the prices for all stand-alone tiers of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ in the U.S. this fall, as well as for most of its bundles.

The higher prices, which go into effect Oct. 17, are of course aimed at boosting Disney’s top-line streaming revenue and, ideally, their profitability. For now, the pricing for the recently introduced Disney+/Hulu/Max combo offered in partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery will remain unchanged, and the Disney+/Hulu Premium no-ads bundle will stay at $19.99/month.

Disney, in announcing the price hikes Tuesday, said that beginning Sept. 4, Disney+ subscribers will have access to the ABC News Live streaming channel and a playlist focused on preschool content. Disney+ Premium (no ads) subs will have access to four additional curated playlists later in the fall.

“With this growing offering, and new ways to enjoy your favorite Disney+ content,...

Originally the longtime companion of fellow Disney legend Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse eventually broke out on her own and became a cultural phenomenon in her own right. Armed with white polka dots, a pink outfit, and a charming personality, the sweet mouse has entertained generations of children, and her influence has never waned. After being a pop culture icon for almost 100 years, Minnie Mouse can be found in two current Disney series, "Minnie's Bow-Toons" and "Mickey Mouse Funhouse."

Today, Minnie's voice is just as iconic as her polka dot dress and sweet demeanor, so it takes a real pro to pull it off effectively. /Film's Vanessa Armstrong spoke with Kaitlyn Robrock, the actor behind Minnie Mouse's voice, who had some pro tips for aspiring voice artists.

Focus On Acting

Aspiring voiceover artists might fall into the trap of equating expensive equipment with success, but Robrock advises against splurging on fancy technology early on.

Disney Television Animation has promoted longtime Disney exec Sarah Finn to SVP, Production, from her most recent VP role.

Finn will now be responsible for leading all of the physical production for the Disney Television Animation studio’s content for Disney+, Disney Junior and Disney Channel. She reports to Meredith Roberts, SVP/general manager, Television Animation, Disney Branded Television.

Ayo Davis, president, Disney Branded Television, said, “Sarah has a comprehensive knowledge of animation production, keen attention to artistic and practical details and strong people management skills. Now, as Meredith’s second-in-command, our entire team gets the benefit of their talent and dedication to upholding the most revered animation legacy in the world.”

Series under Finn’s new remit include the upcoming Marvel’s Moon Girl and Devil Dinosaur, Alice’s Wonderland Bakery, Pupstruction and Firebuds, as well as current titles Marvel’s Spidey and His Amazing Friends, Puppy Dog Pals, Minnie’s Bow-Toons,...