LA Screenings 2013: Disney Media Distribution

The Walt Disney Company’s focus on developing existing franchises into 21st century behemoths has so far been best encapsulated by the Marvel Universe feature The Avengers, which broke box office records last year and became the third-most profitable film ever.

That success that filtered through to Disney Media Distribution, which will be in town with ABC’s new Marvel TV series Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (pictured).

The show comes from Marvel Television and ABC Studios, and DMD’s senior VP and general manager, EMEA, Catherine Powell says the recent success of Iron Man 3, which follows the story of the metal-plated S.H.I.E.L.D. superhero Tony Stark, gives the show the perfect momentum heading into the Screenings.

“Iron Man 3 is the highest grossing film of 2013 so far and I believe the strength of the characters, cast and production values will translate well to TV,” says Powell.

DMD isn’t just relying on superheroes this year, however. “Our other shows also draw on ABC Studios’ strength and experience in storytelling,” adds Powell.

The slate also includes six dramas and two comedies, one of which is Ryan Seacrest Productions’ first scripted offering, dating-themed Mixology. The show is coproduced with ABC Studios and has The Hangover writing team Jon Lucas and Scott More attached. It follows ten people over one night in a trendy Manhattan bar.

Single-camera series Trophy Wife follows the trials and tribulations of a reformed party girl who marries a man with two ex-wives and three children. Says Powell: “Both [of our new comedies] have great characters and relationships but at their heart are warm and compelling.”