Director and Pixar veteran Andrew Stanton tells the press that “Finding Dory” will take place about a year after the first film and will feature favorites from “Finding Nemo” Marlin, Nemo and the Tank Gang, among others. It will be set along the California coastline and will have some new characters, including a few who will prove to be a very important part of Dory’s life.
We loved Ellen DeGeneres’ comment “I have waited for this day for a long, long, long, long, long, long time… I know the people at Pixar were busy creating ‘Toy Story 16.’ The script is fantastic… It’s got a lot of heart, it’s really funny, and the best part is—it’s got a lot more Dory.”
“Finding Nemo” won the 2003 Academy Award® for Best Animated Feature; the film was nominated for three additional Oscars® (Best Writing, Original Screenplay; Best Music, Original Score; Best Sound Editing). It was also nominated for a Golden Globe® Award for Best Motion Picture–Comedy or Musical. In 2008, the American Film Institute named “Finding Nemo” among the top 10 greatest animated films ever made. At the time of its release, “Finding Nemo” was the highest grossing G-rated movie of all time. It’s currently the fourth highest grossing animated film worldwide. The film has more than 16 million Likes on Facebook, and Dory—with more than 24 million—is the most Liked individual character from a Disney or Disney•Pixar film.
As a parent who worries about safe programming options, we thought you’d want to know about the launch of Disney Junior, a new multiplatform destination for kids age 2-7, which reminds us of traditional Disney storytelling from our youth with Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. Disney Junior will debut MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14 (8:30 a.m., ET/PT), with the new animated series “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” There will be five other new series joining the Disney Junior schedule: “Mickey Mousekersize,” “Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps” (supporting Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living initiative) and “A Poem Is…” (narrated by Jennifer Garner and Katie Holmes, among other familiar voices), and full length series “Babar and the Adventures of Badou” and “Tinga Tinga Tales.” Viewers’ current favorites, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” “Handy Manny,” “Special Agent Oso,” “Jungle Junction” and “Imagination Movers.”
In addition to Disney Junior’s animated and live action programming Disney will blend learning components including early math and language skills with healthy eating and lifestyles to support social and emotional development.
There will even be a dedicated section for parent and caregivers will highlight character-inspired recipes, crafts and party planning tips and ideas, along with how-to videos at the website DisneyJunior.com.
About the New Programs:
Jake and the Never Land Pirates
“Jake and the Never Land Pirates” is a new animated adventure series that introduces a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Smee, from Disney’s classic “Peter Pan.” The series, which emphasizes teamwork, features original pirate rock music performed by The Never Land Pirate Band. Many of the key creative professionals behind Disney’s #1 series for preschoolers, “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” are at the helm of “Jake and the Never Land Pirates.” Rob LaDuca executive-produces, with Mark Seidenberg serving as producer/story editor, Kelly Ward as voice director and Howy Parkins directing the series. It is a production of Disney Television Animation.
“Mickey Mousekersize,” a new short-form series part of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living initiative is hosted by Mickey Mouse and focuses on the fun of exercising, encouraging children at home to get up and move along with Mickey and pals.
Special Agent Oso
“Special Agent Oso: Three Healthy Steps” a new short-form series part of Disney’s Magic of Healthy Living features Oso and friends as they watch a live-action kid demonstrate three healthy steps to exercising and eating right. Sean Astin and Brad Garrett star as Oso and Buffo.
“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 Katie Holmes and Jennifer Garner, the series is designed to cultivate fond memories of Disney classics for parents and create new ones for kids by introducing young children to the beauty of a poem.
Babar and the Adventures of Badou
“Babar and the Adventures of Badou” is an updated version of the classic “Babar” series and introduces King Babar’s energetic eight-year-old grandson, Badou, and friends as they explore the world of Celesteville.
“Tinga Tinga Tales” is a vibrant animated adventure series inspired by traditional African animal folktales and the art of Tanzania.
Here’s an interesting look at the creative side of this new series:
Disney Junior will be available on basic cable in more than 99 million U.S. homes on Disney Channel and to millions of other viewers on 25 Disney Junior channels (Playhouse Disney channels) and free-to-air broadcast partners around the world. It’s also seen via subscription video-on-demand and a broadband website, DisneyJunior.com.
Mingle Media TV Network 