DISNEY CHANNEL GREENLIGHTS LIVE-ACTION COMEDY SERIES "A.N.T. FARM"

-- Series Introduces Rising Young Star China McClain --

Disney Channel has ordered the live-action comedy series, "A.N.T. Farm" (working title), it was announced today by Gary Marsh, President, Entertainment, and Chief Creative Officer, Disney Channels Worldwide. "A.N.T. Farm" will begin production in early 2011.

The series stars 12-year-old China McClain ("House of Payne") as middle schooler Chyna Sparks, a music prodigy who gets into a gifted program, Accelerated Natural Talent, at the local high school. She, along with her fellow ANTS, must now navigate the halls of high school where they're not particularly fond of grade-skipping newbies.

In addition to McClain, "A.N.T. Farm" includes a roster of talented young actors: Sierra McCormick ("Ramona and Beezus"), Jake Short ("Dexter"), Stefanie Scott ("Flipped") and Zach Steel.

The series pilot was written by Dan Signer ("The Suite Life on Deck") and directed by Bob Koherr ("Hannah Montana," "Wizards of Waverly Place").

Disney Channel is a 24-hour kid-driven, family inclusive television network that taps into the world of kids and families through original series and movies. Currently available on basic cable in over 99 million U.S. homes and to millions of other viewers on Disney Channels around the world, Disney Channel is part of the Disney/ABC Television Group.