Jerrell Jimerson, chief product officer for Disney Streaming, is departing the company amid ongoing layoffs.
An insider confirmed his exit to Deadline. As product chief, Jimerson oversaw the look and feel of Disney+, Star+ and Hulu, steering their user experience and design. Jimerson came to the company in 2018 via Bamtech, the streaming arm of Major League Baseball. Disney acquired majority control of Bamtech in 2017 as it built up technological capabilities, gaining 100% ownership last year.
Before arriving at Bamtech, Jimerson had held exec positions at PayPal, Yahoo and iHeartMedia. Early in his career, he was part of the team at Netscape that introduced Navigator and Netcenter, the first modern browser and one of the early services on the emerging internet of the 1990s. In 2021, Jimerson was appointed to the board of directors of digital sports platform Strava.
Streaming has been a significant part of the consolidation reshaping the Walt Disney Co.
An insider confirmed his exit to Deadline. As product chief, Jimerson oversaw the look and feel of Disney+, Star+ and Hulu, steering their user experience and design. Jimerson came to the company in 2018 via Bamtech, the streaming arm of Major League Baseball. Disney acquired majority control of Bamtech in 2017 as it built up technological capabilities, gaining 100% ownership last year.
Before arriving at Bamtech, Jimerson had held exec positions at PayPal, Yahoo and iHeartMedia. Early in his career, he was part of the team at Netscape that introduced Navigator and Netcenter, the first modern browser and one of the early services on the emerging internet of the 1990s. In 2021, Jimerson was appointed to the board of directors of digital sports platform Strava.
Streaming has been a significant part of the consolidation reshaping the Walt Disney Co.
- 4/26/2023
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Jerrell Jimerson, Disney Streaming’s chief product officer and one of the architects of Disney+, has been let go as part of the media conglomerate’s latest round of layoffs, Variety has learned.
Jimerson on Wednesday sent a note to his team at Disney Streaming telling them that “after five incredible years at Disney, I will be leaving the company at the end of June.” Disney is laying off some 4,000 employees across the company this week, part of its previously announced target of cutting 7,000 jobs to reduce costs.
As chief product officer and EVP of product and design for Disney Streaming, Jimerson has overseen all aspects of product, user experience and design for Disney’s direct-to-consumer video streaming businesses, including Disney+, Hulu and Star+.
In recent months, the technology and product teams at Disney Streaming have become integrated into the broader Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology group, which is led by Aaron Laberge,...
Jimerson on Wednesday sent a note to his team at Disney Streaming telling them that “after five incredible years at Disney, I will be leaving the company at the end of June.” Disney is laying off some 4,000 employees across the company this week, part of its previously announced target of cutting 7,000 jobs to reduce costs.
As chief product officer and EVP of product and design for Disney Streaming, Jimerson has overseen all aspects of product, user experience and design for Disney’s direct-to-consumer video streaming businesses, including Disney+, Hulu and Star+.
In recent months, the technology and product teams at Disney Streaming have become integrated into the broader Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology group, which is led by Aaron Laberge,...
- 4/26/2023
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
It was originally described as the “big one,” or even more pointedly, a straight-up “bloodbath.”
Either way, the lion’s share of layoffs at Disney are expected to begin Monday. From April 24-27, there will be Mouse House employees in film and TV losing their jobs every single day (except Friday), we hear. A rep for Disney declined comment.
To say that anxiety is high is an understatement. Just about everyone who works on Buena Vista Street in Burbank is on high alert, wondering whether their number is up.
“There is a sense of foreboding that the cuts are going to be wide, large-scale and very meaningful,” an industry source said, noting how low company morale is right now amid persistent rumors that at least one person from each department would have to go.
The sweeping layoffs are among the first major moves for Bob Iger since his surprise return...
Either way, the lion’s share of layoffs at Disney are expected to begin Monday. From April 24-27, there will be Mouse House employees in film and TV losing their jobs every single day (except Friday), we hear. A rep for Disney declined comment.
To say that anxiety is high is an understatement. Just about everyone who works on Buena Vista Street in Burbank is on high alert, wondering whether their number is up.
“There is a sense of foreboding that the cuts are going to be wide, large-scale and very meaningful,” an industry source said, noting how low company morale is right now amid persistent rumors that at least one person from each department would have to go.
The sweeping layoffs are among the first major moves for Bob Iger since his surprise return...
- 4/19/2023
- by Lynette Rice, Dade Hayes and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
He replaces the departing Michael Paull.
Disney has promoted Hulu president Joe Earley to lead all direct-to-consumer operations, replacing the departing Michael Paull.
Earley will have complete oversight of Disney Entertainment’s streaming efforts across flagship brands Disney+ and Hulu, and will work with content teams to drive “impactful and resonant” programming. He will also continue to lead Hulu until Disney identifies a successor.
Paull, who is exiting Disney after six years with the company, has been D2C chief since early 2022, having previously served as president of Disney+ and ESPN+ for four years.
The senior shake-up comes after chief exec...
Disney has promoted Hulu president Joe Earley to lead all direct-to-consumer operations, replacing the departing Michael Paull.
Earley will have complete oversight of Disney Entertainment’s streaming efforts across flagship brands Disney+ and Hulu, and will work with content teams to drive “impactful and resonant” programming. He will also continue to lead Hulu until Disney identifies a successor.
Paull, who is exiting Disney after six years with the company, has been D2C chief since early 2022, having previously served as president of Disney+ and ESPN+ for four years.
The senior shake-up comes after chief exec...
- 4/6/2023
- by John Elmes Broadcast
- ScreenDaily
Disney Entertainment co-chairmen Alan Bergman and Dana Walden have named Joe Earley as president of the company’s direct-to-consumer division.
Earley will be responsible for leading Disney Entertainment’s streaming efforts, including Disney+ and Hulu, working closely with content teams around the company. In addition, he will continue leading Hulu until a successor is identified. Earley will report to Bergman and Walden.
“Joe has proven himself to be an extraordinary asset and is uniquely positioned for this role as we guide Disney’s streaming strategy into the future,” Bergman and Walden said in a statement. “His vast industry experience and deep understanding of what sets our prestigious portfolio of brands apart will be essential as we build on our robust direct-to-consumer efforts. Joe is a talented, passionate leader, committed to creative excellence, and we look forward to partnering with him in this next chapter.”
Earley succeeds Michael Paull, who is...
Earley will be responsible for leading Disney Entertainment’s streaming efforts, including Disney+ and Hulu, working closely with content teams around the company. In addition, he will continue leading Hulu until a successor is identified. Earley will report to Bergman and Walden.
“Joe has proven himself to be an extraordinary asset and is uniquely positioned for this role as we guide Disney’s streaming strategy into the future,” Bergman and Walden said in a statement. “His vast industry experience and deep understanding of what sets our prestigious portfolio of brands apart will be essential as we build on our robust direct-to-consumer efforts. Joe is a talented, passionate leader, committed to creative excellence, and we look forward to partnering with him in this next chapter.”
Earley succeeds Michael Paull, who is...
- 4/5/2023
- by Lucas Manfredi
- The Wrap
Disney has a new streaming boss.
Joe Earley, who was President of Hulu, has been promoted to President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment. Michael Paull, who was previously in that role, is leaving the company.
The move comes after Bob Iger launched Disney Entertainment, the new division run by Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, in February, a shakeup that saw the pair take over all of the company’s global streaming businesses and managing all content decisions for Disney+ and Disney-controlled Hulu. These functions previously sat under Kareem Daniel’s Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution division.
Earley will report directly to Walden and Bergman and will continue to lead Hulu until a successor is identified. In his new role, Earley will work closely with content teams around the company to continue to expand the streaming efforts across both Disney+ and Hulu.
Earley joined Disney in January 2019 to oversee Disney+ marketing and operations...
Joe Earley, who was President of Hulu, has been promoted to President, Direct-to-Consumer, Disney Entertainment. Michael Paull, who was previously in that role, is leaving the company.
The move comes after Bob Iger launched Disney Entertainment, the new division run by Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, in February, a shakeup that saw the pair take over all of the company’s global streaming businesses and managing all content decisions for Disney+ and Disney-controlled Hulu. These functions previously sat under Kareem Daniel’s Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution division.
Earley will report directly to Walden and Bergman and will continue to lead Hulu until a successor is identified. In his new role, Earley will work closely with content teams around the company to continue to expand the streaming efforts across both Disney+ and Hulu.
Earley joined Disney in January 2019 to oversee Disney+ marketing and operations...
- 4/5/2023
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Joe Earley continues to climb the ranks at Disney.
The former Fox executive has been named president of direct-to-consumer at Disney Entertainment, effectively adding Disney+ to a purview that already included oversight of Hulu. Earley will fill the void created by Michael Paull, who had served as president of direct-to-consumer at Disney Entertainment since January 2022 after joining the Mouse House in late 2017. Paull is leaving Disney after a six-year run.
“Joe has proven himself to be an extraordinary asset and is uniquely positioned for this role as we guide Disney’s streaming strategy into the future,” said Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, who made the announcement Wednesday. “His vast industry experience and deep understanding of what sets our prestigious portfolio of brands apart will be essential as we build on our robust direct-to-consumer efforts. Joe is a talented, passionate leader, committed to creative excellence, and we look forward to partnering...
The former Fox executive has been named president of direct-to-consumer at Disney Entertainment, effectively adding Disney+ to a purview that already included oversight of Hulu. Earley will fill the void created by Michael Paull, who had served as president of direct-to-consumer at Disney Entertainment since January 2022 after joining the Mouse House in late 2017. Paull is leaving Disney after a six-year run.
“Joe has proven himself to be an extraordinary asset and is uniquely positioned for this role as we guide Disney’s streaming strategy into the future,” said Alan Bergman and Dana Walden, who made the announcement Wednesday. “His vast industry experience and deep understanding of what sets our prestigious portfolio of brands apart will be essential as we build on our robust direct-to-consumer efforts. Joe is a talented, passionate leader, committed to creative excellence, and we look forward to partnering...
- 4/5/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The Walt Disney Company has outlined the specific details of Bob Iger’s re-organization that will give power and accountability back to creatives at the company, but will also result in the loss of 7,000 jobs and hopefully pave the way to 5.5 billion in cost-saving synergies.
Effective immediately, and as reported during Wednesday’s Q1 earnings, Disney is now broken up into three branches: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Each of the segment leaders will have full operational control and financial responsibility for creative development, marketing, technology, sales, and distribution, and will be accountable for driving business.
The big change is to Disney Entertainment, the banner that now includes all of Disney’s entertainment media and streaming, specifically Disney+ and Hulu. It also better integrates the global and international teams of Disney under one roof. Alan Bergman and Dana Walden are co-chairs of this new banner. Bergman...
Effective immediately, and as reported during Wednesday’s Q1 earnings, Disney is now broken up into three branches: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. Each of the segment leaders will have full operational control and financial responsibility for creative development, marketing, technology, sales, and distribution, and will be accountable for driving business.
The big change is to Disney Entertainment, the banner that now includes all of Disney’s entertainment media and streaming, specifically Disney+ and Hulu. It also better integrates the global and international teams of Disney under one roof. Alan Bergman and Dana Walden are co-chairs of this new banner. Bergman...
- 2/9/2023
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
Disney leadership broke down the specifics of the company-wide restructuring Thursday, following CEO Bob Iger’s initial earnings re-org announcement that split the media giant into three divisions: Disney Entertainment, ESPN and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
As announced by Iger Wednesday, under the new structure, TV chief Dana Walden and film studio head Alan Bergman will be running Disney Entertainment, which combines all of Disney’s TV, film and streaming divisions. While they are overseeing content specific to their designated brands, they will together be responsible for the streaming strategy for Disney+ and Hulu.
Josh D’Amaro will remain at his post atop Parks, Experiences and Products, while Jimmy Pitaro keeps ESPN.
Walden and Bergman will be in charge of international content and operations, alongside Pitaro for sports, prompting international chief Rebecca Campbell’s decision to exit her role. “An esteemed leader and longtime industry veteran, Campbell will stay on...
As announced by Iger Wednesday, under the new structure, TV chief Dana Walden and film studio head Alan Bergman will be running Disney Entertainment, which combines all of Disney’s TV, film and streaming divisions. While they are overseeing content specific to their designated brands, they will together be responsible for the streaming strategy for Disney+ and Hulu.
Josh D’Amaro will remain at his post atop Parks, Experiences and Products, while Jimmy Pitaro keeps ESPN.
Walden and Bergman will be in charge of international content and operations, alongside Pitaro for sports, prompting international chief Rebecca Campbell’s decision to exit her role. “An esteemed leader and longtime industry veteran, Campbell will stay on...
- 2/9/2023
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company announced details Thursday of its strategic restructuring, which will, according to an official release, “refocus the organization on creativity, empower creative leaders and ensure they are accountable for all aspects of their businesses globally, and put the company’s streaming business on a path to sustained growth and profitability.” This offers some clarification and insight into the expanded roles of top executives Alan Bergman, Dana Walden and Jimmy Pitaro, first announced during the February 2023 earnings call with CEO Bob Iger on Wednesday.
Thursday’s announcement states that, effective immediately, the company will be organized into (and around) three business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The official release stresses that “the leaders of each business segment will have full operational control and financial responsibility for creative development, marketing, technology, sales, and distribution, and will be accountable for driving business efficiencies globally.”
This...
Thursday’s announcement states that, effective immediately, the company will be organized into (and around) three business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN and Disney Parks, Experiences and Products. The official release stresses that “the leaders of each business segment will have full operational control and financial responsibility for creative development, marketing, technology, sales, and distribution, and will be accountable for driving business efficiencies globally.”
This...
- 2/9/2023
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
Disney Entertainment, the new division run by Dana Walden and Alan Bergman, will oversee the main streaming services including Disney+ as details of the company’s strategic restructuring emerge.
Related Story Dana Walden & Alan Bergman To Oversee New Disney Entertainment Unit Related Story Bob Iger Says He Prevented Marvel Chair Isaac Perlmutter From Firing Kevin Feige In 2015 Related Story Disney Appreciates Nelson Peltz's Decision To Back Off Proxy Fight, Says It "Respects And Values The Input Of All Shareholders"
Additionally, the TV and film unit will now share some back-end functions with ESPN and employees from Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, the Bob Chapek-created unit previously run by Kareem Daniel, and International Content and Operations coming under Disney Entertainment and ESPN.
Rebecca Campbell, Chairman, International Content and Operations, is the most senior executive to leave the business as part of the changes, which CEO Bob Iger said would also include around 7,000 job losses.
Related Story Dana Walden & Alan Bergman To Oversee New Disney Entertainment Unit Related Story Bob Iger Says He Prevented Marvel Chair Isaac Perlmutter From Firing Kevin Feige In 2015 Related Story Disney Appreciates Nelson Peltz's Decision To Back Off Proxy Fight, Says It "Respects And Values The Input Of All Shareholders"
Additionally, the TV and film unit will now share some back-end functions with ESPN and employees from Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution, the Bob Chapek-created unit previously run by Kareem Daniel, and International Content and Operations coming under Disney Entertainment and ESPN.
Rebecca Campbell, Chairman, International Content and Operations, is the most senior executive to leave the business as part of the changes, which CEO Bob Iger said would also include around 7,000 job losses.
- 2/9/2023
- by Peter White and Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney’s new executive leadership structure has come into focus.
A day after CEO Bob Iger previewed a reorganization that returns financial decision-making back to its creative ranks, newly anointed Disney Entertainment co-chairs Alan Bergman (film) and Dana Walden (television) have detailed their respective responsibilities. The promotions expand their power significantly — they’ll now oversee streaming businesses, including Disney+ and Hulu — and put the two executives on equal footing as the conglomerate ponders its future in a post-Iger era and returns functions previously splintered off under former CEO Bob Chapek’s Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution group. The changes will also see Bergman and Walden gain oversight of all international (non-sports) content and operations and functions including marketing, ad sales, content sales, distribution and technology alongside ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro. (Walden, Bergman and Pitaro outlined the changes in a joint memo to staff, which can be read in full below.
A day after CEO Bob Iger previewed a reorganization that returns financial decision-making back to its creative ranks, newly anointed Disney Entertainment co-chairs Alan Bergman (film) and Dana Walden (television) have detailed their respective responsibilities. The promotions expand their power significantly — they’ll now oversee streaming businesses, including Disney+ and Hulu — and put the two executives on equal footing as the conglomerate ponders its future in a post-Iger era and returns functions previously splintered off under former CEO Bob Chapek’s Disney Media and Entertainment Distribution group. The changes will also see Bergman and Walden gain oversight of all international (non-sports) content and operations and functions including marketing, ad sales, content sales, distribution and technology alongside ESPN’s Jimmy Pitaro. (Walden, Bergman and Pitaro outlined the changes in a joint memo to staff, which can be read in full below.
- 2/9/2023
- by Lesley Goldberg and Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Alisa Bowen has been named president of Disney+, in a promotion for the exec who has overseen global business operations for Disney’s streaming platforms, including Disney+ since its launch in 2019.
Bowen most recently served as EVP of global business operations for Disney Streaming, overseeing global content and business operations for the company’s direct-to-consumer video streaming businesses: Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and Star+. That included cross-functional leadership of the global Disney+ launch in 154 markets worldwide.
Her appointment is effective immediately. Bowen will continue to report to Michael Paull, president of direct to consumer for Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution. Previously, Paull had been the exec directly in charge of Disney+.
In the role, Bowen will work closely with leaders across Disney to “drive continued focus on innovation,” the company said, including for the Dec. 8 launch of the Disney+ ad-supported tier in the U.S. as well as multichannel promotional support for Disney+ and its content slate.
Bowen most recently served as EVP of global business operations for Disney Streaming, overseeing global content and business operations for the company’s direct-to-consumer video streaming businesses: Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+ and Star+. That included cross-functional leadership of the global Disney+ launch in 154 markets worldwide.
Her appointment is effective immediately. Bowen will continue to report to Michael Paull, president of direct to consumer for Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution. Previously, Paull had been the exec directly in charge of Disney+.
In the role, Bowen will work closely with leaders across Disney to “drive continued focus on innovation,” the company said, including for the Dec. 8 launch of the Disney+ ad-supported tier in the U.S. as well as multichannel promotional support for Disney+ and its content slate.
- 9/29/2022
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Disney has named Alisa Bowen, previously Disney Streaming’s executive vp global business operations, as the president of Disney+.
In her new role, the executive will lead the launch of the streamer’s ad-supported tier and promotion of the service and its content slate. She will continue reporting to Michael Paull, Disney’s president of direct-to-consumer.
“Alisa has been an indispensable member of our leadership team since the inception of Disney+,” Paull said. “She possesses a rare and valuable combination of deep institutional knowledge, forward-thinking innovation, and global vision rooted in a strong focus on our consumer, that is perfectly suited for this critical role, and I am confident that she will have an immediate and positive impact on the business.”
As exec vp global business operations, Bowen was involved in the international rollout of Disney’s streaming brands and operations across Disney+, Hulu,...
Disney has named Alisa Bowen, previously Disney Streaming’s executive vp global business operations, as the president of Disney+.
In her new role, the executive will lead the launch of the streamer’s ad-supported tier and promotion of the service and its content slate. She will continue reporting to Michael Paull, Disney’s president of direct-to-consumer.
“Alisa has been an indispensable member of our leadership team since the inception of Disney+,” Paull said. “She possesses a rare and valuable combination of deep institutional knowledge, forward-thinking innovation, and global vision rooted in a strong focus on our consumer, that is perfectly suited for this critical role, and I am confident that she will have an immediate and positive impact on the business.”
As exec vp global business operations, Bowen was involved in the international rollout of Disney’s streaming brands and operations across Disney+, Hulu,...
- 9/29/2022
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Disney+ is getting a new president.
Alisa Bowen has been promoted to the position. She was most recently EVP, Business Operations, a position that she was promoted to in February.
Bowen will continue to report to Michael Paull, President, Direct to Consumer, Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution.
It comes after Paull was promoted to that role earlier this year with accountability for Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Star+. He oversees these platforms globally for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, reporting to Kareem Daniel.
Bowen will take on the role of head of Disney+ after that restructure, which also saw promotions for Joe Earley as President of Hulu and Rebecca Campbell running an international content creation hub.
She has led global business operations for Disney’s streaming platforms, including Disney+, since its launch in 2019. She joined Disney in 2017 as SVP, Digital Media and Cto of the Company’s international operations.
“Alisa has been...
Alisa Bowen has been promoted to the position. She was most recently EVP, Business Operations, a position that she was promoted to in February.
Bowen will continue to report to Michael Paull, President, Direct to Consumer, Disney Media Entertainment & Distribution.
It comes after Paull was promoted to that role earlier this year with accountability for Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Star+. He oversees these platforms globally for Disney Media & Entertainment Distribution, reporting to Kareem Daniel.
Bowen will take on the role of head of Disney+ after that restructure, which also saw promotions for Joe Earley as President of Hulu and Rebecca Campbell running an international content creation hub.
She has led global business operations for Disney’s streaming platforms, including Disney+, since its launch in 2019. She joined Disney in 2017 as SVP, Digital Media and Cto of the Company’s international operations.
“Alisa has been...
- 9/29/2022
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
As “Dancing With the Stars” moves from ABC to Disney+ on Monday, viewers will notice several major changes to the competition series as it makes a historic switch to streaming for Season 31 — most notably, there will be a lot more show than they’re used to.
That’s because Disney+ is commercial-free, which means producers have to fill all two hours without any time-outs.
“Job one, the first thing, is that there are no longer ad breaks,” says executive producer Conrad Green. “And a lot of other decisions spun out from that. We’ve got up to two hours on the nose to fill, rather than a commercial version of two hours. And that’s almost a third more material that you’ve got to find for the show.”
A two-hour telecast on ABC actually consists of 43 minutes of content each hour, or 86 minutes all together. The Disney+ episodes will,...
That’s because Disney+ is commercial-free, which means producers have to fill all two hours without any time-outs.
“Job one, the first thing, is that there are no longer ad breaks,” says executive producer Conrad Green. “And a lot of other decisions spun out from that. We’ve got up to two hours on the nose to fill, rather than a commercial version of two hours. And that’s almost a third more material that you’ve got to find for the show.”
A two-hour telecast on ABC actually consists of 43 minutes of content each hour, or 86 minutes all together. The Disney+ episodes will,...
- 9/19/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
Amazon Studios exec Vernon Sanders admits he wasn’t sold on the idea of releasing Season 4 of Emmy-winning Prime Video comedy “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” over multiple weeks. The binge drop had worked for the show in the past, so why mess with it?
It was creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and fellow exec producer Daniel Palladino who lobbied hard to make the change, and spread the show’s release out rather than all at once. “Our first reaction was, ‘Oh, we don’t think so!’” says Sanders, Amazon Studios’ head of US/global television. “But then we really thought about it. Given the show’s long break over Covid, we think it’s such a special season and if anything deserved more of a spotlight on it, this show did.”
Sanders said Amazon did some research and determined that two episodes a week, over the course of four weeks (for its...
It was creator Amy Sherman-Palladino and fellow exec producer Daniel Palladino who lobbied hard to make the change, and spread the show’s release out rather than all at once. “Our first reaction was, ‘Oh, we don’t think so!’” says Sanders, Amazon Studios’ head of US/global television. “But then we really thought about it. Given the show’s long break over Covid, we think it’s such a special season and if anything deserved more of a spotlight on it, this show did.”
Sanders said Amazon did some research and determined that two episodes a week, over the course of four weeks (for its...
- 3/3/2022
- by Michael Schneider
- Variety Film + TV
On March 16 Disney+ will gain all six Marvel series produced for Netflix in their uncensored glory: “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist,” “The Punisher,” and “The Defenders,” as well as the ABC series “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” To prepare for the incoming violence and profanity, Disney+ is asking its subscribers to update their parental controls settings.
It might be shocking to see Disney+ host The Punisher, an antihero who’s been known to vanquish his enemies with a sledgehammer, but that shift may signal something even more significant. Once upon a time, Disney+ was supposed to be the family-friendly streamer and Hulu its more mature and complex cousin. With R-rated content, Disney+ changes its branding barrier — and that may also reflect a change in Hulu’s future as a standalone streaming service.
The subject arose several times during the January Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. Reporters asked...
It might be shocking to see Disney+ host The Punisher, an antihero who’s been known to vanquish his enemies with a sledgehammer, but that shift may signal something even more significant. Once upon a time, Disney+ was supposed to be the family-friendly streamer and Hulu its more mature and complex cousin. With R-rated content, Disney+ changes its branding barrier — and that may also reflect a change in Hulu’s future as a standalone streaming service.
The subject arose several times during the January Television Critics Association Winter Press Tour. Reporters asked...
- 3/2/2022
- by Tony Maglio
- Indiewire
Disney+ will begin streaming the Netflix/Marvel live-action TV series “Daredevil”, “Jessica Jones”, “Luke Cage”, “Iron Fist”, “The Defenders”, “The Punisher”, plus ABC’s “Agents of Shield”, starting mid-March 2022:
“We have experienced great success with this on Disney Plus across our global markets”, said Disney president Michael Paull.
“We will continue that here in the US as well by offering our consumers not only great content, but also a set of features that help ensure a viewing experience most suitable for them and their family…”...
“We have experienced great success with this on Disney Plus across our global markets”, said Disney president Michael Paull.
“We will continue that here in the US as well by offering our consumers not only great content, but also a set of features that help ensure a viewing experience most suitable for them and their family…”...
- 3/2/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
The same day Netflix’s roster of Marvel television series – including “Daredevil,” “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist,” and “Jessica Jones” – departed the streaming service, Disney announced plans to add those shows to Disney+ alongside recent Marvel TV blockbusters like “Loki,” “WandaVision,” and “The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.”
On Tuesday, Marvel announced that all of its Netflix shows – including the superhero team-up “The Defenders” – along with ABC series “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” will start streaming on Disney+ beginning March 16 in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Disney+ has served as the home for some of the most beloved brands in the industry, and the addition of these live-action shows brings more from the Marvel brand together, all in one place,” Michael Paull, President of Disney Streaming, said in a statement. “We have experienced great success with an expanded content offering on Disney+ across our global markets and...
On Tuesday, Marvel announced that all of its Netflix shows – including the superhero team-up “The Defenders” – along with ABC series “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” will start streaming on Disney+ beginning March 16 in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand.
“Disney+ has served as the home for some of the most beloved brands in the industry, and the addition of these live-action shows brings more from the Marvel brand together, all in one place,” Michael Paull, President of Disney Streaming, said in a statement. “We have experienced great success with an expanded content offering on Disney+ across our global markets and...
- 3/1/2022
- by Caillou Pettis
- Gold Derby
One day after Netflix’s Marvel originals stopped being available on the streaming service, they have a new home. Netflix’s Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders, and The Punisher, as well as Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. will begin streaming on Disney+ on Wednesday, March 16, in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand. And with those additions, Disney+ is releasing an update to its Parental Controls in the U.S. that will prompt subscribers to update their settings. Disney+ “Disney+ has served as the home for some of the most beloved brands in the industry, and the addition of these live-action shows brings more from the Marvel brand together, all in one place,” Michael Paull, President of Disney Streaming, said in a statement. “We have experienced great success with an expanded content offering on Disney+ across our global markets and are excited...
- 3/1/2022
- TV Insider
After leaving Netflix, Marvel Defenders series “Jessica Jones,” “Daredevil,” “Luke Cage,” “The Defenders,” “The Punisher,” and “The Iron Fist,” plus ABC’s “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” will move to Disney+ streamer on March 16.
Disney has been shrinking the MCU across streamers, making Disney+ the ultimate hub for all things Marvel. Since the Marvel Defenders series left Netflix at the end of February, Disney+ will now be rolling out the respective shows instead.
“Disney+ has served as the home for some of the most beloved brands in the industry, and the addition of these live-action shows brings more from the Marvel brand together, all in one place,” Michael Paull, President of Disney Streaming, said. “We have experienced great success with an expanded content offering on Disney+ across our global markets and are excited to continue that here in the U.S. as well by offering our consumers not only great content with the new Marvel additions,...
Disney has been shrinking the MCU across streamers, making Disney+ the ultimate hub for all things Marvel. Since the Marvel Defenders series left Netflix at the end of February, Disney+ will now be rolling out the respective shows instead.
“Disney+ has served as the home for some of the most beloved brands in the industry, and the addition of these live-action shows brings more from the Marvel brand together, all in one place,” Michael Paull, President of Disney Streaming, said. “We have experienced great success with an expanded content offering on Disney+ across our global markets and are excited to continue that here in the U.S. as well by offering our consumers not only great content with the new Marvel additions,...
- 3/1/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Daredevil, Luke Cage, Jessica Jones, The Punisher, Iron Fist, and The Defenders officially have a home.
Just hours after the six series went dark on Netflix around the globe, Disney has confirmed they will be available on Disney+ from March 16.
The move is a surprise, especially because they are geared towards a more adult audience than your typical Marvel property.
But the streaming service has announced the series will be made available in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand on that date with the addition of new parental controls.
Also joining them is Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. which recently exited Netflix.
Many believe the Netflix-Marvel shows would wind up on Hulu, but the addition of the parental controls raises some questions about the long-term future of Hulu in the U.S.
To date, content on Disney+ has been family-friendly. It...
Just hours after the six series went dark on Netflix around the globe, Disney has confirmed they will be available on Disney+ from March 16.
The move is a surprise, especially because they are geared towards a more adult audience than your typical Marvel property.
But the streaming service has announced the series will be made available in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia, and New Zealand on that date with the addition of new parental controls.
Also joining them is Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. which recently exited Netflix.
Many believe the Netflix-Marvel shows would wind up on Hulu, but the addition of the parental controls raises some questions about the long-term future of Hulu in the U.S.
To date, content on Disney+ has been family-friendly. It...
- 3/1/2022
- by Paul Dailly
- TVfanatic
All six of Marvel’s original seres for Netflix, Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Punisher, and The Defenders limited series as well as Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., which had been streaming exclusively on Netflix, will be moving to Disney+ starting March 16. They will be available across all other Disney+ markets later this year.
The arrival of the Defenders franchise, whose series are all rated TV-ma, is ushering in a new era for Disney+ in the U.S., which launched as a family friendly destination with all of its programming fitting into the TV-y, Tvy-7, TV-g, TV-pg and TV-14 ratings categories.
To accomodate the introduction of TV-ma programming (equivalent to an R-rating in features), Disney+ will be updating its existing Parental Controls in the U.S. This already has been implemented internationally, including in Emea, where Star, which features adult programming from Hulu, FX and other Disney entities,...
The arrival of the Defenders franchise, whose series are all rated TV-ma, is ushering in a new era for Disney+ in the U.S., which launched as a family friendly destination with all of its programming fitting into the TV-y, Tvy-7, TV-g, TV-pg and TV-14 ratings categories.
To accomodate the introduction of TV-ma programming (equivalent to an R-rating in features), Disney+ will be updating its existing Parental Controls in the U.S. This already has been implemented internationally, including in Emea, where Star, which features adult programming from Hulu, FX and other Disney entities,...
- 3/1/2022
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
Former Netflix-Marvel comic book series “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” “Luke Cage,” “Iron Fist,” “The Punisher” and “The Defenders” will officially call Disney Plus their new streaming home. Disney confirms all six series will begin streaming on the platform in the U.S., Canada, U.K., Ireland, Australia and New Zealand starting March 16. The shows left their original home at Netflix on Feb. 28 after rights to the series reverted back to Disney. “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” which ran for seven seasons on ABC, will also begin streaming March 16 on Disney Plus.
While “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones” and all of Netflix’s Marvel series were branded as “Netflix Originals” to consumers when they premiered on the streaming platform, the shows were licensed out to the streaming giant from Disney. Netflix’s licensing deal ended, opening the door for Disney to move them to Disney Plus. Many expected...
While “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones” and all of Netflix’s Marvel series were branded as “Netflix Originals” to consumers when they premiered on the streaming platform, the shows were licensed out to the streaming giant from Disney. Netflix’s licensing deal ended, opening the door for Disney to move them to Disney Plus. Many expected...
- 3/1/2022
- by Zack Sharf
- Variety Film + TV
The parental controls on Disney+ are getting an update as more mature content is finally being added to the family-friendly streaming service.
On March 16, Marvel’s Netflix shows like “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones” and “The Punisher” are being added to Disney+, but the content isn’t exactly in line with the all-ages ethos of the streaming service. These shows were originally created to stream on Netflix, and thus contain profanity and more intense violence than the Marvel content currently streaming on Disney+.
So, to prevent this kind of content from being accessed by younger Disney+ viewers, all U.S. subscribers who log in on or after March 16 will be prompted to set up parental controls using enhanced content ratings, Pin protection and kids profiles. This prompt will ask subscribers if they want to raise the content rating of each profile from TV-14 to TV-ma, which would then unlock access to shows like “Daredevil” and “The Punisher.
On March 16, Marvel’s Netflix shows like “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones” and “The Punisher” are being added to Disney+, but the content isn’t exactly in line with the all-ages ethos of the streaming service. These shows were originally created to stream on Netflix, and thus contain profanity and more intense violence than the Marvel content currently streaming on Disney+.
So, to prevent this kind of content from being accessed by younger Disney+ viewers, all U.S. subscribers who log in on or after March 16 will be prompted to set up parental controls using enhanced content ratings, Pin protection and kids profiles. This prompt will ask subscribers if they want to raise the content rating of each profile from TV-14 to TV-ma, which would then unlock access to shows like “Daredevil” and “The Punisher.
- 3/1/2022
- by Adam Chitwood
- The Wrap
Disney is wasting no time in getting some fan-favorite characters back on screen. Following their removal from Netflix, “Daredevil,” “Jessica Jones,” “The Defenders,” and more will officially hit Disney+ in March.
On March 16, a total of seven Marvel shows will be added to Disney+. Rounding out the septet are ABC’s “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and the rest of the Marvel’s live-action Netflix originals, “Luke Cage”, “Iron Fist,” “The Punisher.”
The series’ move from Netflix to Disney+ isn’t all that surprising, as the rights to the characters reverted back to Disney in February. The series expired on Netflix on Feb. 28.
But with the arrival of these TV-ma shows comes new parental control features that will roll out across Disney+ on March 16 as well, allowing parents to restrict access to the more mature content of shows like “Daredevil” and “The Punisher.”
“Disney+ has served as the home for some...
On March 16, a total of seven Marvel shows will be added to Disney+. Rounding out the septet are ABC’s “Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” and the rest of the Marvel’s live-action Netflix originals, “Luke Cage”, “Iron Fist,” “The Punisher.”
The series’ move from Netflix to Disney+ isn’t all that surprising, as the rights to the characters reverted back to Disney in February. The series expired on Netflix on Feb. 28.
But with the arrival of these TV-ma shows comes new parental control features that will roll out across Disney+ on March 16 as well, allowing parents to restrict access to the more mature content of shows like “Daredevil” and “The Punisher.”
“Disney+ has served as the home for some...
- 3/1/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
Disney Plus powered to a strong year-end finish, with the media giant’s flagship streaming business blowing past expectations to hit almost 130 million users.
At the end of 2021, Disney Plus had 129.8 million paying customers worldwide, gaining 11.8 million for the quarter ended Jan. 1, 2022. Analysts on average had forecast net adds of 7.3 million for the period, per FactSet.
The strong year-end streaming results came after the Mouse House missed subscriber targets the prior quarter. For the full year 2021, Disney Plus’ subscriber base grew 37%, up from 94.9 million a year prior.
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Overall, Disney reported revenue of $21.82 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.06 cents for the period, the company’s first quarter of fiscal 2022. That handily beat analyst consensus estimates of $18.36 billion in revenue and Eps of 61 cents and sent the company’s shares soaring. Disney...
At the end of 2021, Disney Plus had 129.8 million paying customers worldwide, gaining 11.8 million for the quarter ended Jan. 1, 2022. Analysts on average had forecast net adds of 7.3 million for the period, per FactSet.
The strong year-end streaming results came after the Mouse House missed subscriber targets the prior quarter. For the full year 2021, Disney Plus’ subscriber base grew 37%, up from 94.9 million a year prior.
Click here to sign up for Variety’s free Strictly Business newsletter covering earnings, financial news, and more.
Overall, Disney reported revenue of $21.82 billion and adjusted earnings per share of $1.06 cents for the period, the company’s first quarter of fiscal 2022. That handily beat analyst consensus estimates of $18.36 billion in revenue and Eps of 61 cents and sent the company’s shares soaring. Disney...
- 2/9/2022
- by Todd Spangler and Brent Lang
- Variety Film + TV
Disney’s streaming division has created a new role, EVP of business operations, to be filled by Alisa Bowen.
Bowen, who has been at Disney since 2017, will continue to report to Disney Streaming president Michael Paull, and will oversee content operations and business development for Disney’s direct-to-consumer portfolio, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Star+, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
Before joining Disney, Bowen spent four years as News Corp Australia’s chief technical officer.
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Bowen, who has been at Disney since 2017, will continue to report to Disney Streaming president Michael Paull, and will oversee content operations and business development for Disney’s direct-to-consumer portfolio, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN+, and Star+, The Hollywood Reporter reports.
Before joining Disney, Bowen spent four years as News Corp Australia’s chief technical officer.
Visit Tubefilter for more great stories.
- 2/4/2022
- by Geoff Weiss
- Tubefilter.com
Apple TV Plus has announced that the new dark comedy anthology series, “Roar,” will premiere all eight episodes April 15 on the streaming platform.
Based on a short story collection by Cecelia Ahern, the series tells futuristic and magical realism stories that mirror the common dilemmas of modern women in today’s world. The episodes will feature acclaimed actors including Nicole Kidman, Issa Rae, Merritt Wever, Cynthia Erivo, Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Meera Syal, Fivel Stewart and Kara Hayward.
“Roar” is created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, who showrun and executive produce alongside Kidman and Per Saari via Blossom Films; Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Allie Goss for Made Up Stories; Ahern through Greenlight Go; and Theresa Park for Per Capita Productions. The series is produced by Endeavor Content. Apple has also released first look images for the series: view below.
Also on today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Apple...
Based on a short story collection by Cecelia Ahern, the series tells futuristic and magical realism stories that mirror the common dilemmas of modern women in today’s world. The episodes will feature acclaimed actors including Nicole Kidman, Issa Rae, Merritt Wever, Cynthia Erivo, Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, Meera Syal, Fivel Stewart and Kara Hayward.
“Roar” is created by Liz Flahive and Carly Mensch, who showrun and executive produce alongside Kidman and Per Saari via Blossom Films; Bruna Papandrea, Steve Hutensky and Allie Goss for Made Up Stories; Ahern through Greenlight Go; and Theresa Park for Per Capita Productions. The series is produced by Endeavor Content. Apple has also released first look images for the series: view below.
Also on today’s TV news roundup:
Dates
Apple...
- 2/4/2022
- by Wilson Chapman and Wyatte Grantham-Philips
- Variety Film + TV
The “Percy Jackson and the Olympians” series has officially been picked up at Disney Plus, Variety has learned.
The series adaptation of the Rick Riordan book series was first reported as being in the works at the streamer back in May 2020. Casting is currently underway on the series. Riordan announced the series pick up in a video message, which can be viewed below.
Riordan and Jon Steinberg will write the pilot with James Bobin directing. Steinberg is currently under an overall deal with Disney’s 20th Television, while Bobin recently directed and executive produced Disney Plus’ “Mysterious Benedict Society” series and the film “Dora and the Lost City of Gold.”
Steinberg and his producing partner Dan Shotz serve as executive producers alongside Bobin, Rick Riordan, Rebecca Riordan, Bert Salke, Monica Owusu-Breen, Jim Rowe, and Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, D.J. Goldberg. 20th Television is the studio. Salke was...
The series adaptation of the Rick Riordan book series was first reported as being in the works at the streamer back in May 2020. Casting is currently underway on the series. Riordan announced the series pick up in a video message, which can be viewed below.
Riordan and Jon Steinberg will write the pilot with James Bobin directing. Steinberg is currently under an overall deal with Disney’s 20th Television, while Bobin recently directed and executive produced Disney Plus’ “Mysterious Benedict Society” series and the film “Dora and the Lost City of Gold.”
Steinberg and his producing partner Dan Shotz serve as executive producers alongside Bobin, Rick Riordan, Rebecca Riordan, Bert Salke, Monica Owusu-Breen, Jim Rowe, and Gotham Group’s Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, Jeremy Bell, D.J. Goldberg. 20th Television is the studio. Salke was...
- 1/25/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
In a first for Imax and the recent era of all-out streaming competition, viewers will soon be able to stream 13 Marvel movies in a new format called Imax Enhanced on Disney+.
The slate, which includes this year’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings, will stream in the expanded aspect ratio, which shows 26% more of the film image on home screens. The initiative will launch on Friday, which the company has designed as Disney+ Day in a promotional push tied to the anniversary of the streaming service’s launch. Audio specialist DTS is also a participant in the venture.
The default for the films on Disney+ will be Imax’s expanded aspect ratio, which is 1:90:1. Regular widescreen versions of the films will also continue to be available. Because of the evolution of technology, some early titles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, like 2016’s Captain America: Civil War,...
The slate, which includes this year’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings, will stream in the expanded aspect ratio, which shows 26% more of the film image on home screens. The initiative will launch on Friday, which the company has designed as Disney+ Day in a promotional push tied to the anniversary of the streaming service’s launch. Audio specialist DTS is also a participant in the venture.
The default for the films on Disney+ will be Imax’s expanded aspect ratio, which is 1:90:1. Regular widescreen versions of the films will also continue to be available. Because of the evolution of technology, some early titles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, like 2016’s Captain America: Civil War,...
- 11/8/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Marvel Cinematic Universe fans are soon going to be able to see even more of the Avengers assembling on Disney Plus.
Starting this Friday (Nov. 12), Disney Plus subscribers will be able to stream 13 Marvel movies in Imax’s Expanded Aspect Ratio — which offers up to 26% more screen picture compared with conventional widescreen format. Disney Plus is the first major streaming service to provide the Imax Enhanced features for at-home viewing (although of course without Imax’s gargantuan screens).
The 13 titles available in the Imax-enhanced format include the Disney Plus premiere of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings.” on Nov. 12. The others are “Iron Man,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Doctor Strange,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “Captain Marvel,” “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Widow.”
The launch of Imax Enhanced on Disney Plus is timed...
Starting this Friday (Nov. 12), Disney Plus subscribers will be able to stream 13 Marvel movies in Imax’s Expanded Aspect Ratio — which offers up to 26% more screen picture compared with conventional widescreen format. Disney Plus is the first major streaming service to provide the Imax Enhanced features for at-home viewing (although of course without Imax’s gargantuan screens).
The 13 titles available in the Imax-enhanced format include the Disney Plus premiere of “Shang-Chi and the Legend of The Ten Rings.” on Nov. 12. The others are “Iron Man,” “Guardians of the Galaxy,” “Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2,” “Captain America: Civil War,” “Doctor Strange,” “Thor: Ragnarok,” “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” “Ant-Man and the Wasp,” “Captain Marvel,” “Avengers: Endgame” and “Black Widow.”
The launch of Imax Enhanced on Disney Plus is timed...
- 11/8/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Star Wars: The Bad Batch was a welcome surprise for fans who hoped to get more episodes of The Clone Wars despite the show completing its story last year. Picking up right where Star Wars‘ most beloved animated series left off, The Bad Batch follows a squad of genetically-mutated elite clone troopers known as Clone Force 99 as they navigate a quickly changing galaxy after the end of the interstellar civil war.
The Empire has been established and has plans to replace the Republic’s clone army with a new military force made up of obedient human acolytes. This leaves the members of Clone Force 99 in an uncertain place. Should they fall in line with the new galactic order, even as it slaughters citizens and Jedi in order to assert its dominance over the galaxy, or should they run and carve out their own path away from war? When Hunter, Tech,...
The Empire has been established and has plans to replace the Republic’s clone army with a new military force made up of obedient human acolytes. This leaves the members of Clone Force 99 in an uncertain place. Should they fall in line with the new galactic order, even as it slaughters citizens and Jedi in order to assert its dominance over the galaxy, or should they run and carve out their own path away from war? When Hunter, Tech,...
- 8/13/2021
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Just ahead of the Season 1 finale, Disney+ has renewed LucasFilm’s animated series Star Wars: The Bad Batch for a second season for premiere in 2022.
“Fans have enthusiastically embraced the action and drama of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and we are excited to see the Star Wars animated universe continue to expand on Disney+,” said Michael Paull, President of Disney+ and ESPN+. “As the dedicated streaming home for the Star Wars franchise, we can’t wait for the second season of this fan-favorite animated series.”
The series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in The Clone Wars) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch – a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army — each possess a singular exceptional skill which makes them...
“Fans have enthusiastically embraced the action and drama of Star Wars: The Bad Batch, and we are excited to see the Star Wars animated universe continue to expand on Disney+,” said Michael Paull, President of Disney+ and ESPN+. “As the dedicated streaming home for the Star Wars franchise, we can’t wait for the second season of this fan-favorite animated series.”
The series follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in The Clone Wars) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch – a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army — each possess a singular exceptional skill which makes them...
- 8/5/2021
- by Denise Petski
- Deadline Film + TV
A second season of animated series “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” is coming to Disney Plus in 2022.
The renewal announcement comes as part one of the two-part finale of Season 1 of the show is set to debut on Disney Plus tonight at midnight Pacific. The 16-episode first season premiered on May 4, 2021, aka “Star Wars Day.”
The latest offshoot from the Galaxy Far, Far Away, “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in 2008 movie “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch — a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army — each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew.
Commenting on the Season 2 renewal, executive producer Dave Filoni said, “The...
The renewal announcement comes as part one of the two-part finale of Season 1 of the show is set to debut on Disney Plus tonight at midnight Pacific. The 16-episode first season premiered on May 4, 2021, aka “Star Wars Day.”
The latest offshoot from the Galaxy Far, Far Away, “Star Wars: The Bad Batch” follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in 2008 movie “The Clone Wars”) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch — a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army — each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew.
Commenting on the Season 2 renewal, executive producer Dave Filoni said, “The...
- 8/5/2021
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In a significant new integration, Comcast has added Disney+ and ESPN+ to its Xfinity pay-tv and broadband services.
The two streaming services will be part of the main user interface for X1 TV customers as well as on the Flex broadband video package.
As streaming has matured in recent years, Comcast has adopted a friendlier stance to third-party programmers compared with many operators. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video have all been integrated into Xfinity platforms. More recent entrants like HBO Max and the company’s own Peacock streaming service have also joined the fold. The strategy holds that reducing friction in customers’ experience will keep them more engaged with Xfinity and Flex, boosting results for Comcast at a time of intensifying cord-shaving and cord-cutting.
Disney+ will roll out in the coming days, while ESPN+ is available now on Flex and will come to X1 in the coming weeks. Disney...
The two streaming services will be part of the main user interface for X1 TV customers as well as on the Flex broadband video package.
As streaming has matured in recent years, Comcast has adopted a friendlier stance to third-party programmers compared with many operators. Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video have all been integrated into Xfinity platforms. More recent entrants like HBO Max and the company’s own Peacock streaming service have also joined the fold. The strategy holds that reducing friction in customers’ experience will keep them more engaged with Xfinity and Flex, boosting results for Comcast at a time of intensifying cord-shaving and cord-cutting.
Disney+ will roll out in the coming days, while ESPN+ is available now on Flex and will come to X1 in the coming weeks. Disney...
- 3/29/2021
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney veteran Ricky Strauss, one of the key executives that launched Disney+ and former head of marketing for Walt Disney Studios, is leaving the company after nine years.
Rebecca Campbell, Disney’s Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer & International, made the announcement internally, with Strauss also sharing the news with his staff.
Strauss’ decision comes a couple of months after the big restructuring at Disney, which saw him take on a new role as President of Programming & Content Curation for Disney+ and Hulu.
In light of his departure, Disney+’s EVP marketing and operations Joe Earley, who has programming experience from his tenure at Fox, will add Content Curation for Disney+ to his purview and continue to report into Michael Paull, President, Disney+ and ESPN+. Hulu’s VP content partnerships Brian Henderson, who oversees Hulu Content Curation, will report into Hulu President Kelly Campbell.
Previously, Strauss served as President of Content & Marketing for...
Rebecca Campbell, Disney’s Chairman of Direct-to-Consumer & International, made the announcement internally, with Strauss also sharing the news with his staff.
Strauss’ decision comes a couple of months after the big restructuring at Disney, which saw him take on a new role as President of Programming & Content Curation for Disney+ and Hulu.
In light of his departure, Disney+’s EVP marketing and operations Joe Earley, who has programming experience from his tenure at Fox, will add Content Curation for Disney+ to his purview and continue to report into Michael Paull, President, Disney+ and ESPN+. Hulu’s VP content partnerships Brian Henderson, who oversees Hulu Content Curation, will report into Hulu President Kelly Campbell.
Previously, Strauss served as President of Content & Marketing for...
- 1/6/2021
- by Nellie Andreeva
- Deadline Film + TV
In the wake of a broad restructuring at the Walt Disney Company, Ricky Strauss, who led Disney Plus’ content curation and marketing efforts, is departing the entertainment conglomerate at the end of the month, after nine years with the company. Joe Earley will add content curation of streaming service Disney Plus to his responsibilities, per an internal memo from Disney’s chairman of international operations and direct-to-consumer Rebecca Campbell.
Calling Strauss “an incredibly creative, dedicated leader” and noting his contributions to Disney Plus, Campbell said that “the recent company reorganization led to a significant change in Ricky’s role. After a great deal of reflection, he decided it was time to pursue new creative endeavors.”
Earley will report to Michael Paull, while Brian Henderson, who oversees Hulu content curation, will report to Hulu president Kelly Campbell.
Per Strauss’ memo to his team:
Dear team:
After nine years with The Walt Disney Company,...
Calling Strauss “an incredibly creative, dedicated leader” and noting his contributions to Disney Plus, Campbell said that “the recent company reorganization led to a significant change in Ricky’s role. After a great deal of reflection, he decided it was time to pursue new creative endeavors.”
Earley will report to Michael Paull, while Brian Henderson, who oversees Hulu content curation, will report to Hulu president Kelly Campbell.
Per Strauss’ memo to his team:
Dear team:
After nine years with The Walt Disney Company,...
- 1/6/2021
- by Elaine Low
- Variety Film + TV
Ricky Strauss, who led Disney+’s original content efforts, is leaving the company at the end of January.
Strauss’ exit comes more than five months after Agnes Chu, who led the streaming service’s original programming efforts alongside Strauss, left to run Conde Nast Entertainment as its president. Over the past few months, Disney has reorganized multiple times to better prioritize streaming.
In October, Strauss’ role was changed into more of a content curation position rather than development; he also headed up marketing for the streaming service. Both Strauss and Disney streaming boss Rebecca Campbell said the reorganizations factored into Strauss’ decision.
“After nine years with The Walt Disney Company, and much contemplation over the past several months, I have come to the decision that it is time for me to move on to pursue new creative endeavors,” Strauss wrote in a memo Wednesday. “It took much thought and consideration,...
Strauss’ exit comes more than five months after Agnes Chu, who led the streaming service’s original programming efforts alongside Strauss, left to run Conde Nast Entertainment as its president. Over the past few months, Disney has reorganized multiple times to better prioritize streaming.
In October, Strauss’ role was changed into more of a content curation position rather than development; he also headed up marketing for the streaming service. Both Strauss and Disney streaming boss Rebecca Campbell said the reorganizations factored into Strauss’ decision.
“After nine years with The Walt Disney Company, and much contemplation over the past several months, I have come to the decision that it is time for me to move on to pursue new creative endeavors,” Strauss wrote in a memo Wednesday. “It took much thought and consideration,...
- 1/6/2021
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Disney has reached a distribution deal with Comcast for the integration of Disney+ and ESPN+ into the No. 1 U.S. cable operator’s Xfinity X1 and Flex broadband services.
The company on Thursday during its Disney Investor Day presentation also announced an update to the successful bundle it rolled out with Disney+, ESPN+ and ad-supported Hulu. In 2021, a new bundle option for $6 more per month will feature the no-ad version of Hulu.
The addition of the pricier bundle was prompted by customer feedback, Michael Paull, president of Disney+ and ESPN+, said during the presentation.
“We have built early momentum by meeting customers wherever they are on the devices they prefer,” Paull said. “The availability of our app on mobile and connected devices has helped to amplify our reach into more streaming households and deepen subscriber engagement.”
Ahead of launch, Disney+ set deals with Roku, Apple TV and other connected-tv partners...
The company on Thursday during its Disney Investor Day presentation also announced an update to the successful bundle it rolled out with Disney+, ESPN+ and ad-supported Hulu. In 2021, a new bundle option for $6 more per month will feature the no-ad version of Hulu.
The addition of the pricier bundle was prompted by customer feedback, Michael Paull, president of Disney+ and ESPN+, said during the presentation.
“We have built early momentum by meeting customers wherever they are on the devices they prefer,” Paull said. “The availability of our app on mobile and connected devices has helped to amplify our reach into more streaming households and deepen subscriber engagement.”
Ahead of launch, Disney+ set deals with Roku, Apple TV and other connected-tv partners...
- 12/10/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney Plus reached a new milestone, just over a year after its debut, hitting 86.8 million paid subscribers worldwide as of Dec. 2. That’s within shouting distance of the high end of the 90 million customers Disney originally expected to land — in year four of the streaming service’s life.
The new sub count is up 13.1 million from the last reported number of 73.7 million paid subscribers globally for Disney Plus as of Oct. 3. The service has become an even more critical pillar for Disney, especially as the Covid crisis has depressed box office and theme park revenue.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek made the announcement at the outset of its 2020 investor day event Thursday, saying the explosion of Disney Plus has exceeded the company’s “wildest expectations.” During the presentation, execs also announced that a huge swath of new originals will be coming to Disney Plus under the Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Animation...
The new sub count is up 13.1 million from the last reported number of 73.7 million paid subscribers globally for Disney Plus as of Oct. 3. The service has become an even more critical pillar for Disney, especially as the Covid crisis has depressed box office and theme park revenue.
Disney CEO Bob Chapek made the announcement at the outset of its 2020 investor day event Thursday, saying the explosion of Disney Plus has exceeded the company’s “wildest expectations.” During the presentation, execs also announced that a huge swath of new originals will be coming to Disney Plus under the Star Wars, Marvel, Disney Animation...
- 12/10/2020
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In a surprise announcement, Bob Iger said he was stepping down as Disney’s chief exec citing “the successful launch of Disney’s direct-to-consumer businesses” as one reason for the timing as he hands off to new CEO Bob Chapek.
True, Disney earlier this month reported tremendous growth for Disney Plus, racking up 28.6 million users just three months out of the gate, as well as gains at Hulu (which it now controls) and ESPN Plus. The company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International division is headed by Kevin Mayer, who had been seen by some as a possible successor to Iger in the CEO seat. Disney created Dtci in 2018 as part of a reorg in creating a dedicated home for its streaming initiatives.
Yet there are signs that Disney’s streaming businesses are still very much a work in progress, with key questions of how all the pieces will fit together — or not — moving forward.
True, Disney earlier this month reported tremendous growth for Disney Plus, racking up 28.6 million users just three months out of the gate, as well as gains at Hulu (which it now controls) and ESPN Plus. The company’s Direct-to-Consumer & International division is headed by Kevin Mayer, who had been seen by some as a possible successor to Iger in the CEO seat. Disney created Dtci in 2018 as part of a reorg in creating a dedicated home for its streaming initiatives.
Yet there are signs that Disney’s streaming businesses are still very much a work in progress, with key questions of how all the pieces will fit together — or not — moving forward.
- 2/26/2020
- by Todd Spangler and Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Lawrence G. Paull, who was an Oscar-nominated production designer on the classics “Blade Runner” and “Back to the Future,” has died. Paull died on Nov. 10 in La Jolla, California. He was 81.
Among Paull’s other credits are Robert Zemeckis’ “Romancing the Stone” and Ron Underwood’s “City Slickers.” He also worked on “Born Yesterday,” “Predator 2,” “Harlem Nights,” “Escape From L.A.” and “Naked Gun 33-1/3: The Final Insult.”
“I was very saddened to read of Larry’s passing,” director Ridley Scott said in a statement. “I haven’t seen him in a number of years. But I remember I was always struck by his staunch and faithful support of the strange plan for the unique world of ‘Blade Runner.’ Between Syd and myself, and Larry, it was a challenging, monumental task for him and against all odds. The proof is in his work in the film. So I guess We won.
Among Paull’s other credits are Robert Zemeckis’ “Romancing the Stone” and Ron Underwood’s “City Slickers.” He also worked on “Born Yesterday,” “Predator 2,” “Harlem Nights,” “Escape From L.A.” and “Naked Gun 33-1/3: The Final Insult.”
“I was very saddened to read of Larry’s passing,” director Ridley Scott said in a statement. “I haven’t seen him in a number of years. But I remember I was always struck by his staunch and faithful support of the strange plan for the unique world of ‘Blade Runner.’ Between Syd and myself, and Larry, it was a challenging, monumental task for him and against all odds. The proof is in his work in the film. So I guess We won.
- 11/14/2019
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
Lawrence G. Paull, the Oscar-nominated production designer who helped create the distinctive looks of 1980s films including the visually groundbreaking 1982 “Blade Runner.” died on Nov. 10 of heart disease in La Jolla, Calif. He was 81.
Paull received an Academy Award nomination for art direction with David L. Snyder for Ridley Scott’s prescient film based on the Philip K. Dick novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” He won the BAFTA award for production design for the influential sci-fi film, which depicted a Los Angeles in 2019 with 105 million residents and incessant rain. Together with Scott, Snyder and visual futurist Syd Mead, they conceived a dystopian world of familiar detective film tropes interwoven with a decaying vision of the near future.
Scott said in a statement, “I was always struck by his staunch and faithful support of the strange plan for the unique world of ‘Blade Runner.'”
He helped create the...
Paull received an Academy Award nomination for art direction with David L. Snyder for Ridley Scott’s prescient film based on the Philip K. Dick novel “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” He won the BAFTA award for production design for the influential sci-fi film, which depicted a Los Angeles in 2019 with 105 million residents and incessant rain. Together with Scott, Snyder and visual futurist Syd Mead, they conceived a dystopian world of familiar detective film tropes interwoven with a decaying vision of the near future.
Scott said in a statement, “I was always struck by his staunch and faithful support of the strange plan for the unique world of ‘Blade Runner.'”
He helped create the...
- 11/14/2019
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
Updated with user reports of technical issues. The moment of truth has finally arrived for Disney’s long-awaited, high-stakes entry into the streaming race, Disney+.
The $7-a-month subscription service went live in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands at midnight Pt as Monday became Tuesday. With a menu of film and TV titles from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic, Disney+ joins Apple TV+, which launched November 1, and two upcoming services from WarnerMedia and NBCUniversal as the stiffest challenges yet to Netflix.
There were scattered reports of technical problems in the initial hours, with some users taking to Twitter to complain about issues with logging in and streaming. According to the website DownDetector, the East Coast of the U.S. was the site of most of the glitches, which spiked between 7Am and 8Am Et, then declined, and then ticked up again.
Few expect any of the new...
The $7-a-month subscription service went live in the U.S., Canada and the Netherlands at midnight Pt as Monday became Tuesday. With a menu of film and TV titles from Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and National Geographic, Disney+ joins Apple TV+, which launched November 1, and two upcoming services from WarnerMedia and NBCUniversal as the stiffest challenges yet to Netflix.
There were scattered reports of technical problems in the initial hours, with some users taking to Twitter to complain about issues with logging in and streaming. According to the website DownDetector, the East Coast of the U.S. was the site of most of the glitches, which spiked between 7Am and 8Am Et, then declined, and then ticked up again.
Few expect any of the new...
- 11/12/2019
- by Dade Hayes and Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Brad Wilson, a seasoned marketing executive who has helped build the brands of LendingTree, Travelocity and other companies, has been named Evp of performance marketing for Disney+ and ESPN+.
Within the media company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International unit, Wilson will report to Michael Paull, president of Disney Streaming Services.
“Brad is a talented and accomplished marketing executive who shares our vision for data-driven marketing that will accelerate customer growth, engagement, and retention for ESPN+ and the upcoming Disney+ streaming service,” Paull said. “Brad’s wealth of experience gained from building and growing some of the most well know online consumer brands will be invaluable to our team as we continue to drive growth for ESPN+ and prepare for the upcoming Disney+ launch.”
ESPN+, a $5-a-month complement to ESPN, has drawn more than 2 million subscribers since its spring 2018 launch. Disney+, a $7-a-month entertainment service drawing from the Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm and National Geographic libraries,...
Within the media company’s Direct-to-Consumer and International unit, Wilson will report to Michael Paull, president of Disney Streaming Services.
“Brad is a talented and accomplished marketing executive who shares our vision for data-driven marketing that will accelerate customer growth, engagement, and retention for ESPN+ and the upcoming Disney+ streaming service,” Paull said. “Brad’s wealth of experience gained from building and growing some of the most well know online consumer brands will be invaluable to our team as we continue to drive growth for ESPN+ and prepare for the upcoming Disney+ launch.”
ESPN+, a $5-a-month complement to ESPN, has drawn more than 2 million subscribers since its spring 2018 launch. Disney+, a $7-a-month entertainment service drawing from the Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm and National Geographic libraries,...
- 9/26/2019
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
The Walt Disney Company has named former Lending Tree exec Brad Wilson as executive vp, performance marketing for the studio's direct-to-consumer streaming platforms.
Wilson will lead performance marketing for ESPN+ and the upcoming Disney+ streaming service, working with the studio's brand and content marketing teams to leverage data-driven and other digital market strategies.
"Brad is a talented and accomplished marketing executive who shares our vision for data-driven marketing that will accelerate customer growth, engagement and retention for ESPN+ and the upcoming Disney+ streaming service,” Disney Streaming Services president Michael Paull, to whom Wilson will report, said ...
Wilson will lead performance marketing for ESPN+ and the upcoming Disney+ streaming service, working with the studio's brand and content marketing teams to leverage data-driven and other digital market strategies.
"Brad is a talented and accomplished marketing executive who shares our vision for data-driven marketing that will accelerate customer growth, engagement and retention for ESPN+ and the upcoming Disney+ streaming service,” Disney Streaming Services president Michael Paull, to whom Wilson will report, said ...
- 9/26/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Disney+ has gone live in the Netherlands – two months ahead of its U.S. launch.
The Hollywood studio has surprised Dutch consumers by unveiling the service for a two-month free trial ahead of its November 12 launch. The Netherlands was always going to be day-and-date with the U.S. and Canada but the unveiling is still a surprise.
Titles to have gone live include Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, all three Iron Man films, Guardians of the Galaxy, the Captain America films, Ant-Man and Thor titles as well as Doctor Strange.
The entire Star Wars franchise is also available, although there’s obviously no sign of The Mandalorian.
The service has different tabs for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and Nat Geo as well as different categories including classic films, hit movies, documentaries and musicals. There is also a 4K Ultra HD and Hdr section.
In...
The Hollywood studio has surprised Dutch consumers by unveiling the service for a two-month free trial ahead of its November 12 launch. The Netherlands was always going to be day-and-date with the U.S. and Canada but the unveiling is still a surprise.
Titles to have gone live include Avengers, Avengers: Age of Ultron, Avengers: Infinity War, Black Panther, all three Iron Man films, Guardians of the Galaxy, the Captain America films, Ant-Man and Thor titles as well as Doctor Strange.
The entire Star Wars franchise is also available, although there’s obviously no sign of The Mandalorian.
The service has different tabs for Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and Nat Geo as well as different categories including classic films, hit movies, documentaries and musicals. There is also a 4K Ultra HD and Hdr section.
In...
- 9/12/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney is to begin rolling out its streaming service Disney+ internationally in November – with a number of territories going day-and-date with the U.S.
The Hollywood studio has revealed plans to launch the service in Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand – the first global details for the forthcoming Svod platform.
Disney+ will launch in Canada and the Netherlands on November 12, in tandem with the U.S. launch, while the following week the service will launch in Australia and New Zealand on November 19.
In Canada, it will be priced C$8.99 per month, or $89.99 per year, and in Holland, it will cost €6.99 per month of €69.99 per year, In Australia, it will cost A$8.99 per month or $89.99 per year, and Nz$9.99 per month or $99.99 in New Zealand.
Customers will be able to subscribe to Disney+ directly or via in-app purchases and will be available on a slew of platforms including Apple, Google,...
The Hollywood studio has revealed plans to launch the service in Canada, the Netherlands, Australia, and New Zealand – the first global details for the forthcoming Svod platform.
Disney+ will launch in Canada and the Netherlands on November 12, in tandem with the U.S. launch, while the following week the service will launch in Australia and New Zealand on November 19.
In Canada, it will be priced C$8.99 per month, or $89.99 per year, and in Holland, it will cost €6.99 per month of €69.99 per year, In Australia, it will cost A$8.99 per month or $89.99 per year, and Nz$9.99 per month or $99.99 in New Zealand.
Customers will be able to subscribe to Disney+ directly or via in-app purchases and will be available on a slew of platforms including Apple, Google,...
- 8/19/2019
- by Peter White
- Deadline Film + TV
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