HEIGH-HO, HEIGH-HO...IT'S OFF TO SERIES WE GO!

DISNEY TELEVISION ANIMATION HAS BEGUN PRODUCTION ON "THE 7D," A COMEDIC CONTEMPORARY TAKE ON THE TIMELESS SEVEN DWARFS, FOR DISNEY JUNIOR

Accessing a classic fairytale and finding new ways to bring it to audiences, Disney Television Animation has begun production on the new animated series "The 7D," a comedic take on the world of Seven Dwarfs, this time in a contemporary storybook world designed for viewers age 2-7 and their families. The series is slated to debut in 2014 on Disney Junior channels and programming blocks around the world. The announcement was made today by Nancy Kanter, Senior Vice President, Original Programming and General Manager, Disney Junior Worldwide.

The executive producer is Emmy Award-winning Tom Ruegger ("Animaniacs"). Alfred Gimeno ("Tiny Toon Adventures") is the director and Sherri Stoner ("Pinky and the Brain") is the story editor. The characters are designed by Noah Z. Jones ("Fish Hooks").

Kanter said, "Our goal for Disney Junior is to engage kids with stories and characters that represent the very best of Disney storytelling. With 'The 7D,' we look to continue Walt Disney's legacy of reinterpreting classic folk and fairy tales in ways that delight new audiences. We're excited to re-imagine these familiar characters and put them in a new humorous setting that we think will entertain kids and parents alike."

The series takes place in the whimsical world of Jollywood, where Queen Delightful relies on the 7D - Happy, Bashful, Sleepy, Sneezy, Dopey, Grumpy and Doc - to keep the kingdom in order. Standing in their way are two laughably evil villains, Grim and Hildy Gloom, who plot to take over the kingdom by stealing the magical jewels in the 7D's mine. With seven very distinct personalities, the 7D always manage to save the day and send Grim and Hildy running back to their evil lair to try another day.

Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior's series blend Disney's unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy eating and lifestyles, and social skills. Disney Junior launched in February 2011 with a daily programming block on Disney Channel. In its first year, Disney Junior posted the network's biggest yearly audience in the daypart in Total Viewers, Kids 2-5, Boys 2-5 and Women 18-49, increasing by double-digit margins among preschooler demographics over year-ago levels. On March 23, 2012 Disney Junior added a cable and satellite channel in the U.S. bringing the total number of channels to 30 worldwide.