Disney Channel announced that it has begun production in the U.K. on a new Playhouse Disney preschool series titled Jungle Junction. In addition, the broadcaster has ordered third seasons of the hit animated series Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger & Pooh.
Scheduled to premiere in 2009 on Playhouse Disney and Disney Channels around the world, Jungle Junction follows a group of fun-loving animals on wheels as they explore a unique road-filled jungle. The CG-animated series encourages children to think about finding their place in the world, while also taking responsibility for caring about the natural environment.
Jungle Junction is Disney Channel’s second full-scale international production. The show is produced by Spider Eye Ltd., which wan a BAFTA and Academy Award for the animated short Father & Daughter. Created by Trevor Ricketts (Shaun the Sheep), the series is exec produced by Erica Darby, with Vanessa Amberleigh serving as supervising producer and Morgan Francis as director. Brian Neish (Little Robots) is the curriculum consultant.
Produced by Walt Disney Television Animation, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and My Friends Tigger & Pooh have each been renewed for 35 more episodes. Both shows employ start-of-the-art CG animation to continue the adventures of iconic Disney characters. Emmy Award-winning director Rob LaDuca (Disney’s Lilo & Stitch: The Series, Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius, Tutenstein) is exec producer of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, and My Friends Tigger & Pooh is exec produced by Brian Hohlfeld (Pooh’s Heffalump Movie, Piglet’s Big Movie and A Very Merry Pooh Year).
