buzzz worthy. . .
"Elena of Avolar" series will start in 2016
Princess Elena of Avalor, a confident and compassionate
teenager in an enchanted fairytale kingdom inspired by diverse Latin
cultures and folklore, will be introduced in a special episode of Disney
Junior’s hit series Sofia the First beginning production now for a 2016 premiere. That exciting story arc will usher in the 2016 launch of the animated series Elena of Avalor,
a production of Disney Television Animation. The announcement was made
today by Nancy Kanter, Executive Vice President and General Manager,
Disney Junior Worldwide.
The role of 16 year-old Princess Elena, the bold, caring,
funny and clever ascendant to the throne in the fairytale kingdom of
Avalor, will be voiced by Aimee Carrero (ABC Family’s Young & Hungry).
Kanter said, “Our creative team has delivered a universal
story with themes that authentically reflect the hopes and dreams of our
diverse audience.” She continued, “What excites us most is the chance
to use distinctive animation and visual design to tell wonderful stories
influenced by culture and traditions that are familiar to the worldwide
population of Hispanic and Latino families and reflect the interests
and aspirations of all children as told through a classic fairy tale.”
As with all Disney Junior programming, Elena of Avalor stories
will be guided by an established curriculum that nurtures multiple
areas of child development: physical, emotional, social and cognitive;
thinking and creative skills, as well as moral and ethical development.
Created for kids age 2-7 and their families, the stories are designed
to communicate positive messages and life lessons that are applicable to
young children about leadership, resilience, diversity, compassion and
the importance of family and family traditions.
The series will be presented in 25 languages on Disney
Junior channels and daily programming blocks for kids age 2-7 on Disney
Channels, among other platforms, in 154 countries around the world. On
television alone, its estimated daily reach will be over 207 million
households.
Princess Elena’s journey began long ago when her parents
and kingdom were taken from her by the evil sorceress, Shuriki. Elena
bravely faced the sorceress to protect her little sister, Princess
Isabel, and grandparents but in the process, her magical amulet pulled
her inside its enchanted jewel, saving her life but imprisoning her at
the same time. Decades later, Princess Sofia of Enchancia discovers the
truth about the amulet she has worn since joining her royal family and
sets out to restore Elena to her human form and help her return to the
kingdom of Avalor.
While Elena is the rightful heir to the throne, she is
only age 16 so she will rule Avalor with the help of a Grand Council
comprised of her Grandfather Tito, Grandmother Cici and Royal Advisor,
Duke Esteban.
With some magical friends by her side – Mateo, a
wizard-in-training, and Skylar, a magical flying creature – Princess
Elena’s further adventures will lead her to understand that her new role
requires thoughtfulness, resilience and compassion, the traits of all
truly great leaders.
Elena of Avalor is executive-produced by Craig Gerber (of the Emmy Award-nominated Sofia the First). Silvia Cardenas Olivas (Moesha, The Brothers Garcia), an alumna of the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Television Writers Program, is the story editor, and Elliot M. Bour (The Little Engine That Could)
is the supervising director. The series’ cultural advisors are Doris
Sommer, Harvard University professor and Director of Graduate Studies in
Spanish; and Marcela Davison Aviles, Managing Director and Executive
Producer, El Camino Project, an international Latino arts initiative.
The series is a spin-off of Sofia the First which
has delivered the two highest rated telecasts in cable TV history among
Kids 2-5 and Girls 2-5, and the #2 preschooler cable TV telecast ever
in Total Viewers, Adults 18-40 and Women 18-49.
Disney Junior reflects the emotional connection
generations of consumers have to Disney storytelling and Disney
characters, both classic and contemporary. It invites mom and dad to
join their child in the Disney experience of magical, musical and
heartfelt stories and characters, while incorporating specific learning
and development themes designed for kids age 2-7. Disney Junior’s series
blend Disney’s unparalleled storytelling and characters kids love
deeply with learning, including early math, language skills, healthy
eating and lifestyles, and social skills. In the U.S., Disney Junior is a
daily programming block on Disney Channel and a 24-hour channel. There
are 34 Disney Junior channels in 25 languages around the world.