Disney network of channels announces a first-of-its kind pitch for new show ideas

The Disney network of channels comprising Disney Channel, Disney XD and Hungama TV, is calling for new show ideas as a part of a first-of-its-kind nationwide pitch that seeks to promote new creative talent in the television business.  The event is being organized by Disney network of channels in partnership with leading online network indiantelevision.com.

The pitch event, called ‘PITCHKIAOW!’ will be held on March 11, 2010 in Mumbai at IMAX, Wadala. Anyone who has an original idea for a kid’s TV show that fits with the brand promise of the network’s three channels will be invited to the online screening process to participate at ‘PITCHKIAOW’.

The winner of the pitch will win a grant of Rupees 5 lacs to develop their idea into a production bible with the ultimate aim of creating a series that could exclusively air on Disney Channel, Disney XD or Hungama TV. There are two development grants to be won, one for an animation concept and the other for a live action idea. The closing date for registering to enter this event is March 5, 2010. 

Commenting on this initiative Natasha Malhotra, Vice President and General Manager, Walt Disney Television International India said, “Creativity and originality are important strategic pillars of Disney’s content strategy. This initiative is a step towards encouraging and inspiring new talent in India to showcase their creativity, original ideas and give them a strong a platform to bring it all alive. Our channels together have witnessed great loyalty from viewers already and we look forward to some really good content ideas that will further strengthen the viewer’s affinity with our network”.

This is the first time that the Disney network is providing a platform for students, freelancers, production houses, or anyone who is interested in entertaining the audience with quality and relevant content. Interested applicants can showcase their creativity in line with the brand values of Disney network’s three channels in any genres of their choice either live action or animation and in any format -- long form, short form, fiction or non-fiction. The entries will be judged on uniqueness and originality of the concept.

"We are really excited to partner this unique initiative by the Disney network. Disney's content is loved and trusted by kids and families alike. PITCHKIAOW! is a rare opportunity for local talent to create delightful entertainment for viewers and contribute to the universally acclaimed Disney brand of storytelling" said Anil Wanvari, Founder, CEO & editor-in-chief of the Indiantelevision.com group, and the Indian representative of TV content markets MipTV and Mipcom.

“The Disney network is committed to promoting Indian stories and local talent. We are proud of this step and are certain that PITCHKIAOW! will be the nurturing ground for good talent and content ideas in line with Disney’s storytelling values of fun, optimism, decency, community, quality and innovation.” adds Natasha.

Interested participants are required to register online at www.disney.in/PITCHKIAOW for participation. All terms and conditions regarding the pitch process, evaluation basis of selection, final winners and rights ownership are listed on the website. All valid and selected entries contesting for the winning spots will be required to make a five minute presentation of their idea to a panel of senior Disney executives on March 11, 2010 subject to submission and acceptance of requisite forms and releases.

About Disney Channel:
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 hitherto under-served needs of India’s preschool, kids and family audiences. For more information on Disney Channel log on to www.disney.in/disneychannel

About Disney XD
Disney XD is a multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-14, hyper-targeting boys and their quest for discovery, accomplishment, sports, adventure and humor. Disney XD branded content spans television and online platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming. For more information on Disney XD log on www.disneyxd.in

About Hungama TV:
Hungama TV is one of the leading entertainment channels for kids, with multi-genre localized & acquired content, in India's national language, Hindi as well as two South Indian languages Tamil and Telugu. Launched in September 2004, Hungama TV's core philosophy is to provide entertainment where kids are part of the programming and marketing initiative making it a channel for, of and by the kids. United Home Entertainment Limited, a fully owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company (Southeast Asia) Pte. Ltd., is the owner of the television channel "Hungama TV". For more information on Hungama TV log on to www.hungamatv.com.

About the Indiantelevision.com group:
The Indiantelevision.com group is an online network of vertical industry specific news and information portals. Indiantelevision.com (on the business of television), tellychakkar.com (on the creative aspects of television), radioandmusic.com (on the business and creative of the radio and music industries), animationxpress.com (for the visual effects and animation industries) are some of the online properties. It recently launched a TV fan, actor, programming community network called Tellydost.com. The Indiantelevision.com group also runs the Indian Telly Awards, The New Talent Awards, The News Television Awards, Nokia Music Connects (in partnership with Music Matters, Hong Kong), and The Indian Pay TV Summit (in partnership with MPA, Hong Kong). Log onto http://www.indiantelevision.com for further details.