DISNEY XD GREENLIGHTS "KIRBY BUCKETS," A SINGLE-CAMERA COMEDY SERIES THAT BRINGS AN ASPIRING ANIMATOR'S IMAGINATION TO LIFE

-- Blending Live-Action and Animation, New Series Stars Jacob Bertrand as the Titular Character --

Disney XD has ordered "Kirby Buckets," a single-camera comedy series that mixes live-action and animation to bring a young aspiring animator's imagination to life. The series, starring 13-year-old Jacob Bertrand ("Marvin Marvin," "Bubble Guppies"), will begin production in Los Angeles in the spring for a fall 2014 premiere on Disney XD. The announcement was made today by Adam Bonnett, Executive Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channel.

"We know that our Disney XD audience has a strong affinity for animated programming, so we are looking forward to presenting a live-action series told through the eyes of a boy that shares that same passion." He added, "By pairing a unique visual style with captivating storytelling, we have created a series filled with fun, unexpected adventures and laugh-out-loud comedy."

The series invites viewers into the wildly colorful imagination of 13-year-old Kirby Buckets, who dreams of becoming a famous animator like his idol Mac MacCallister. Kirby sees his drawings take shape as he and his best friends, Fish and Eli, go on outrageous and unpredictable adventures.

Also starring are Mekai Curtis ("Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day") and Cade Sutton ("The Neighbors") as Kirby's best friends Fish and Eli, Olivia Stuck ("Good Luck Charlie") as Kirby's sister Dawn and Tiffany Espensen ("Bucket and Skinner's Epic Adventures") as Dawn's friend Belinda.

The series was created and written by Gabe Snyder & Mike Alber ("Supah Ninjas") and directed by Walt Becker ("Wild Hogs"). Kristofor Brown ("Beavis and Butt-head") serves as executive producer. "Kirby Buckets" is a production of Horizon Productions, Inc.

Disney XD is a basic cable channel and multi-platform brand showcasing a compelling mix of live-action and animated programming for Kids age 6-11, hyper-targeting boys and transporting them into worlds full of humor, unexpected fun and inspiring action-filled adventures. 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 81 million households via its basic cable and satellite affiliates. There are 29 Disney XD channels available in 25 languages around the world.