Disney tripling Euro animation

Disney is tripling the amount it spends on animation hailing from Europe and has revealed a new production slate.

The family content giant said that the initiative reflects the growing importance content sourced from outside the US to its global network of channels.

Disney will up the number of long-form animated series produced in Europe from 2 to 7 and the resulting shows will air on Disney Channel, Disney XD and Playhouse Disney.

Series in development for Disney Channel include I’m in Love with Rikki Doom, created by Dan Berlinka and Andy Williams at Dandy Productions, Tomax and the Amazing Things from UK indie Baby Cow and Out of Step, created by UK comedian Morwenna Banks.

For boy-skewed Disney XD, shows in development include Max Helsing: Monster Hunter, created by Bob the Builder art director Curtis Jobling and Joe Giant, from Lunar Jim creator Alexander Bar.

London will be the base for the European animation push, which will be headed by Marc Buhaj, senior VP, original programming, Disney Channels EMEA.

He will oversee a 14-strong team out of London and work on 2 long form series for Disney Channel, 4 for Disney XD and 1 for Playhouse Disney.