Disney Channels Worldwide will introduce a series of short-form programming to inspire, inform and motivate kids’ nutritious food choices and physical activities, beginning FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23. Showcasing the work of notable animation talent including James Curran and David Calcano, and featuring beloved characters from “The Lion Guard,” “Miles from Tomorrowland” and “Star Wars Rebels,” the range of new interstitials will rotate daily on Disney Channel, Disney XD and Disney Junior. They are part of Disney’s company-wide Healthy Living Commitment, an initiative designed to help make healthy living simple and fun. The messages have the potential to reach over 500 million households on 116 channels worldwide.
Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer, Disney Channels Worldwide, said, “We have an ongoing dialogue with parents who tell us they appreciate our efforts to model healthy lifestyle choices. One of the ways we do that is by ensuring healthier standards for food products seen within our kids television, radio and digital programming, and by using our platforms to inspire kids to eat nutritious foods and be active.”
Dancer and children’s dance instructor Paige Peterson (“Dancing with the Stars”) consulted on Disney Junior’s energetic workout video for kids age 2-7, “Teke Ruka Teleza (kick, jump, slide)” premiering Friday, September 23. A short-form series “Training with the Guard,” featuring simple yoga-inspired poses and activity demonstrated by Rafiki, Kion, Beshte, Fuli, Ono and Bunga, the beloved characters of Disney Junior’s animated series “The Lion Guard,” premieresMonday, October 3. Another lively Disney Junior animated short, “Be Your Best with Miles,” premieres Saturday, September 24. It encourages young kids to make smart choices like Miles (of the animated favorite, “Miles from Tomorrowland”) to sustain their energy throughout the day. The music video and short-form series will rotate on both the Disney Junior programming block on Disney Channel and the 24-hour channel Disney Junior.
For kids age 6-14, Disney Channel’s short-form animated series, “The Adventures of Papchu and Dr. Kapatoo,” created and animated by David Calcano (of Fantoons Animation Studio), illustrates how a balanced and nutritious eating plan is important for all-around health. It hones in on nutrient-rich foods — blueberries, greens and tomatoes — that work harder to help one get energy. Each of the music-filled stories follows kid characters through a daily school or sports challenge made easier via better nutrition. The series premieres Monday, September 26 and will air throughout regularly scheduled programming each day.
James Curran of SlimJim Studios, an artist in the motion graphic design world noted for his quirky and fun illustration-based animation, created interstitials starring popular Disney XD characters from “Star Wars Rebels,” “Star vs. The Forces of Evil,” “Future-Worm!” and “Gravity Falls,” among others. Via one of the most popular art forms, the animated GIF, Curran’s series, “Improve Your Selfie,” cleverly gets across messages about exercise and healthy eating. His work will be seen throughout the Disney XD program schedule in interstitials beginning Monday, September 26. Produced by Partizan, they are available here.
The Disney Healthy Living Commitment partners with parents in their quest to raise healthy, happy kids. The commitment provides kids and families with engaging content, useful tools and unique experiences to help them eat better, be more active, and be their best. More information is available at www.Disney.com/BeInspired.
