Family brand collaborates with local stakeholders

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September 22, 2015 3:47 PM

The entertainment brand is set to produce an original film and TV series in Africa.

Deirdre King, Head of Marketing for The Walt Disney Company Africa

The Walt Disney Company Africa (TWDCA) has stressed its commitment to remain globally relevant and locally connected with its audience on the continent.

“Disney is a global family entertainment company with a strong commitment to South Africa and Africa,” says Deirdre King, Head of Marketing for The Walt Disney Company Africa.

“Being part of the local community is a core part of Disney’s commitment to the market as is recognizing the importance of Africa’s unique culture and supporting the development of local creative industries by collaborating with relevant stakeholders and audiences”, Deidre added while speaking to media at the 2015 MultiChoice Content Showcase.

An example of such collaboration is with Ebony Life TV. Disney partnered with the entertainment and lifestyle network to produced Desperate Housewives Africa. The production which which premiered on 30 April 2015 is a localized adaptation of the award-winning ABC Studios series.

The entertainment brand is also will be producing a film titled “Queen of Katwe”, starring Academy Award-winner Lupita Nyong’o in Africa, as well as the ABC television series “Of Kings and Prophets” – a biblical drama centred around a battle-weary king, a powerful and resentful prophet and a resourceful young shepherd. Both productions are set to be released in 2016.

For over 50 years, the family entertainment brand has been active on the continent, principally from out of South Africa. Noted as one of the major providers of children’s channels in Africa, TWDCA currently has three channels on Multichoice DStv platform, which include Disney Channel, Disney Junior and Disney XD. All three function across the continent.

Watch the 'Desperate Housewives Africa' trailer below:

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