December 15, 2011

DISNEY JUNIOR USHERS IN THE HOLIDAY SEASON WITH THE LAUNCH OF TWO SHORT-FORM ANIMATED SERIES

--- ACTRESSES SHABANA AZMI AND SUHASANI RATNAM RECITE POETRY FOR 'S “A POEM IS...”

---- AFFABLE OMI VAIDYA LENDS HIS VOICE TO HELP KIDS COOK IN NEW SERIES – “TASTY TIME WITH ZEFRONK”

Mumbai: Disney Junior, the learning-focused block for kids aged 2-7 on will usher in the holiday season with the launch of two brand new short-form series – A Poem Is… and Tasty Time with Chef Zefronk. Beginning December 19, these shorts will play out multiple times daily on Disney Channel. Arnab Chaudhuri, executive director content and creative, Walt Disney Television International India, says, "The launch of these new series further demonstrates Disney Junior's dedication to programming that highlights the importance of great, heartfelt storytelling with learning components, including poetry and life skills. Both A poem is… and Tasty Time with Zefronk are wonderful additions to the already robust offerings from Disney Junior and showcase how Disney’s content strives to entertain and inspire learning while embracing positive values.” “A Poem Is…” is a short-form animated series showcasing poems for children set to scenes and imagery from classic Disney films including “Dumbo,” “Bambi” and “Lady and the Tramp.” Narrated by award winning actress and poetry enthusiast Shabana Azmi in Hindi and well-known actor, director Suhasini Ratnam in Tamil and Telugu, the series is designed to bring back fond memories of Disney classics for parents and cultivate new ones for kids by introducing young children to the beauty of a poem. Featured poems include works by Robert Louis Stevenson, John Howard Payne, A.A. Milne and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, among others. One of the most versatile personalities of the Tamil film industry, Suhasini Ratnam says, "Children these days know poetry only to score marks in school. This series is about making poetry interesting for them and it's only right that somebody fond of the language does it.” Award winning actress and poetry enthusiast Shabana Azmi says, “Children typically respond well to reading and writing poetry, as it fuels their imagination and creativity and allows them to express themselves. What a great way to learn, memorize and share. Some of the poems are going to be sentimental and sweet, the kind that will warm a mom's heart, and some of them will be silly and funny to make kids giggle and laugh." Disney Junior will also feature a series of five-minute long shorts, “Tasty Time with ZeFronk” encouraging kids to cook with their families and have lots of fun along the way. Renowned Comic Actor, Omi Vaidya lends his voice to chef ZeFronk who hosts a fun-filled cooking show for kids from his doghouse with his assistant, a songbird named Sue. With the help of his assistant, ZeFronk whips up fun and healthy snacks for kids in every episode. Renowned actor, Omi Vaidya says, “Being an ardent fan of the channel since childhood, it feels great to be in a Disney show. Little ones love to watch cooking from an early age and the highlight of the show is that it involves a lot of fun and learning at the same time. Parents will be encouraged to watch the show and cook with their kids.” In addition to the fun-filled shows on TV, Disney Junior will soon be available “on-the-go” as a special magazine with tons of activities and stories. This is in addition to a series of DVD content featuring select Disney Junior shows already available at retail. Parents and caregivers can also access loads of games and on-line activities of Disney Junior content online through a dedicated section on www.disney.in.

About Disney Junior: The newly branded, learning-focused block on Disney Channel, Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. Disney Junior's programming invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior's animated and live action series blend Disney's unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills.

About Disney Channel India: Disney Channel offers an unparalleled blend of quality Disney entertainment and distinctive, originally produced programs that kids love and families trust and enjoy. This includes Disney’s movies and series, sitcoms, family dramas and live action adventure stories. The channel’s multi-genre programming is designed to meet the under-served needs of India’s preschool, kids and family audiences. For more information on Disney Channel India, please visit http://www.disney.in/DisneyChannel.