PRODUCTION HAS BEGUN ON "MOTORCITY," AN ANIMATED SERIES SET IN FUTURISTIC DETROIT, TO PREMIERE NEXT FALL ON DISNEY XD

Production has begun on "Motorcity," an animated series set in a futuristic Detroit after it has been purchased and built into Detroit Deluxe by evil billionaire Abraham Kane. Kane, having banned personal freedoms including automobile transportation, is ultimately challenged by a group of rebels who call themselves The Burners. Led by 17-year-old Mike Chilton, The Burners retreat to an underground city, customize their fleet of hot rods and pursue their quest to stop Kane from taking over the world. The series, created by Chris Prynoski and produced by Disney Television Animation and Titmouse, Inc., is slated to premiere next year on the burgeoning Disney XD, which offers 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. The announcement was made today by Eric Coleman, Senior Vice President, Original Series, Disney Television Animation.

For the third quarter 2010, Disney XD delivered its highest quarterly ratings ever in Total Viewers and across all kid demographics, posting double-digit percent increases among Boys age 6-14. Competitively, Disney XD has a definitive edge over Nicktoons in Total Day, surpassing it by 23% among Kids 6-14, by 31% among Kids 6-11, by 14% in Boys 6-11, by 22% among Tweens 9-14 and by 12% among Tween Boys.

Coleman said, "Motorcity celebrates freedom and independence with cool cars, great action, and dynamic heroes who stand up for what they believe in. With its fresh sensibility and striking visual style, this show is custom-made for our Disney XD audience."

The series features the voice talent of Reid Scott ("My Boys") as Mike Chilton; Nate Torrence ("She's Out of My League," "Get Smart") as Chuck; Katie Micucci ("When in Rome") as Julie; Kel Mitchell ("Kenan and Kel") as Luv; Jess Harnell ("Drawn Together") as Texas; Brian Doyle Murray ("The Middle") as Jacob; Jim Breuer ("Saturday Night Live") as Tooley; and Mark Hamill ("Star Wars") as Abraham Kane.

"Motorcity" is executive produced and directed by Chris Prynoski ("Metalocalypse," "Megas XLR," "Downtown"). Craig Lewis ("Foster's Home For Imaginary Friends") serves as story editor, and John O'Bryan ("Avatar: The Last Airbender") and George Krstic ("Star Wars: Clone Wars") are staff writers.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and 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, online, mobile and VOD platforms. The programming includes series, movies and short-form, as well as sports-themed programming developed with ESPN. In the U.S., Disney XD is seen on a 24-hour, advertiser supported network that reaches over 78 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. Disney XD channels are in the UK, France, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Poland, Greece, Turkey, Latin America and Japan.