Disney Channel Announces Launch Of New 'Famous Five' Series

Disney Channels EMEA has announced that its new European long form production 'Famous Five: On The Case' is set to hit UK screens on May 5.
Featuring the children from Enid Blyton's 'Famous Five', the series is from Disney Channel's London-based Global Original Programming hub and has been co-produced with Chorion, owners of the 'Famous Five' brand and French studio 'Marathon'.
The new animated series remains faithful to the themes of storytelling, mystery and adventure central to the original 'Famous Five' books, but adds a contemporary twist.
The children of the original 'Famous Five' are brought together at their Aunt George's house on the English coast. The characters - Jo, Max, Allie, Dylan and dog, Timmy - embark on a series of adventures similar to their parents and rely on their own resources to solve whatever mysteries they encounter.
The launch of the new series will be marked with a national storytelling competition for kids.
Young would-be novelists will be invited to write up their 'Famous Five: On The Case' adventure story. The winning story, chosen by a panel of judges, will be produced as a limited edition book and audio podcast by Hodder.
Steve Aranguren, VP of Global Original Programming Division, said: "The 'Famous Five' themes of adventure, mystery and friendship are as relevant and appealing to kids today as they were 70 years ago. We're delighted to be bringing a national treasure to Disney Channel and we hope that the show will engage a new generation of fans with a classic property."
'Famous Five: On The Case' launches on May 5 at 10:30am and then plays out at 8am every Saturday (repeated at 5:35pm on Saturday and at 8am and 5:35pm on Sunday and 3:35pm on Fridays) from May 10.
Disney Channel's London based Global Original Programming hub was established in April 2007 in order to drive forward investment in and development of live action and animation outside of North America, for both European and global distribution. Further information is available at: www.waltdisneytelevision.com.
Chorion is a leading provider of quality family entertainment marketplace. The company has offices in London, New York, Tokyo and Sydney and its' portfolio includes classic children's brands such as Mr Men and Little Miss, Noddy, Olivia and The World of Eric Carle, as well as the literary works of Agatha Christie, Raymond Chandler and Georges Simenon among others. Further information is available at: www.chorion.co.uk.
Hodder Children's Books is home to a cross-section of respected and prize-winning writers and illustrators, and to some of the brightest new talents in fiction for children and young adults. Further information is available at: www.hodderheadline.co.uk.
(KMcA)