Jungle Junction on Disney Channel

DISNEY CHANNEL BEGINS PRODUCTION ON NEW ANIMATED PLAYHOUSE DISNEY SERIES, "JUNGLE JUNCTION"

- Series for Preschoolers Emphasizes Appreciation of the Environment;

Pre-Literacy Skills through Use of Maps and Road Signs -

- Disney Channel's Second Full Scale International Production -

Disney Channel has begun production in the UK on a new Playhouse Disney series for preschoolers, "Jungle Junction," which follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as they explore a unique road-filled jungle. The series encourages children to think about finding their place in the world, while also taking responsibility for caring about the natural environment. The series is scheduled to premiere in 2009 on Playhouse Disneys and Disney Channels around the world. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Playhouse Disney Worldwide.

"We are thrilled to begin production with our partners in the U.K. on what will be Disney Channel's second full scale international production," said Kanter. "The humorous character-based stories are structured around an innovative curriculum that highlights the juxtaposition we all recognize between natural and urban habitats. We are hopeful that 'Jungle Junction' will introduce preschoolers early on to the importance of fostering an appreciation of and responsibility for the environment."

Set deep in the heart of a distant jungle, the CG-animated series follows the wheeled animals of Jungle Junction as they zoom their way through the jungle on fast-moving, music-filled adventures. In addition to positive environmental messages, the series reflects a clear curriculum that highlights pre-literacy thinking with regard to signs, symbols and their meanings in the everyday world.

Part animal, part vehicle, the inhabitants of Jungle Junction include Zooter, an energetic pink pig scooter who acts as the jungle messenger; Elly the Ellvan, a cross between an elephant and a van, who provides the jungle with their delivery service; and the Beetlebugs, who are the kids of the jungle, playful, silly and eager to learn.

Produced in the United Kingdom, "Jungle Junction" is a production of Spider Eye Limited (BAFTA and Academy Award-winning "Father & Daughter"). The series marks their first production for Disney. Erica Darby is executive producer. Vanessa Amberleigh is supervising producer. Morgan Francis is director. The series was created by Trevor Ricketts ("Shaun the Sheep"). Brian Neish ("Little Robots") serves as curriculum consultant on the series.

Playhouse Disney, seen in a daily programming block on Disney Channel U.S. and on ten Playhouse Disney channels around the world, encourages preschoolers to imagine and learn through original series, short-form and acquired programming that includes song, movement and entertainment. Guided by an established curriculum, Playhouse Disney supports multiple areas of child development: physical, emotional, social and cognitive; thinking and creative skills, as well as moral and ethical development through carefully constructed themes, storylines and endearing characters.