http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-disney-comedy31-2009dec31,0,6452567.story

The cable network hopes to widen its demographic with its new family-centric sitcom ‘Good Luck Charlie.’

By Dawn C. Chmielewski

If dying is easy and comedy is hard, then writing comedy for Disney Channel must be harder still.

Take the biology joke originally considered for the network’s new sitcom “Good Luck Charlie,” which is slated to premiere in the spring. A teenage girl and her “hot” classmate are snuggled on the couch during a study date. When he reaches to turn off the light, she was to say: “Now I’m in the mood for some biology.”

The line received a hearty laugh at a table reading but also raised the eyebrows of Adam Bonnett, Disney Channel’s senior vice president of original series, who jokingly asked the show’s creative team if they could convey the same information without being “so . . . biological.” The dialogue was eventually replaced by a chaste glance. “There was sensitivity that she was being a little too forward,” Bonnett said.

At most other networks, where many sitcoms swim in the muck of lowbrow humor, the joke in question might well have been thrown out too, but for an entirely different reason — namely, that it wasn’t “biological” enough. And even with most other programs on Disney Channel, which courts and still has a dominant hold on the tween audience, the line probably wouldn’t have made it to the table read stage.

But Disney is trying something different with “Good Luck Charlie,” a show it hopes will reach across generations in the same way that NBC’s “The Cosby Show” and ABC’s “The Wonder Years” once did. In seeking out this older demographic, however, the network faces a dilemma: Can it craft a comedy sophisticated enough — and realistic enough — to appeal to adults without alienating its core viewers, who, after all, come to Disney to avoid racier programming?

“What ‘Good Luck Charlie’ represents is an evolutionary step to really put the family into our kid-driven family brand,” said Gary Marsh, Disney Channel’s entertainment president. “Do I think this will be a first choice for 35- to 40-year-old moms? Not necessarily . . . . But if we do our jobs properly and we create the authenticity we’re talking about, it will allow us to tackle stories in a more grounded way that will be more appealing to parents than other shows we’ve done before.”

Disney Channel’s attempt to capitalize on the timeless appeal of the family sitcom in hopes of luring children and adults reflects a larger industrywide return to more inclusive comedies — such as ABC’s “Modern Family,” CBS’ “The Big Bang Theory” and Fox’s high school-centered musical comedy “Glee.”

For now, Disney Channel maintains a prime-time ratings edge over its principal cable rival, Nickelodeon, among tweens on the strength of shows such as “Sonny With a Chance,” “Wizards of Waverly Place” and “The Suite Life on Deck.” The shows, which appeal to adolescents ages 9 to 14, revolve around the exploits of teen stars Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez and Dylan and Cole Sprouse. But Nick is gaining momentum at night, airing reruns of such sitcoms as “Malcolm in the Middle” and ” George Lopez.”

Like those programs, “Good Luck Charlie” seeks to mine the mirth of the everyday. But unlike the traditional, adult-centric family sitcoms, the series is told principally through the eyes — and video diary entries — of the show’s 17-year-old protagonist, Teddy, played by Bridgit Mendler. Together with teenage brother P.J. (Jason Dolley) and 10-year-old brother Gabe (Bradley Steven Perry), Teddy pitches in to help their working parents care for their new baby sister, Charlotte (a.k.a. Charlie).

“I like the realness of it. I like the more authentic tone,” said Dolley, who has been in the Disney Channel films “Hatching Pete” and “Minutemen.” “I like the family sitcom. That’s something different for Disney, which also appealed to me.”

The new comedy makes a calculated departure from the cruise ship and rock star fantasies of the channel’s other shows, which can seem off-puttingly opulent in today’s anxious financial times. Instead, its creators — Phil Baker and Drew Vaupen, the forces behind “Suddenly Susan” and “What I Like About You” — opted for the living room.

“What we want to do is acknowledge the reality of the times in which we live, where two parents work, where kids are expected to help out around the house in meaningful ways. Real-life issues happen,” Marsh said. “Everyone isn’t living ‘The Life of Riley’ all the time.”

The higher ambitions for the show, however, remain grounded in the ultra-safe Disney brand. The writers are constrained by that sensibility, which make sexual double-entendres and bawdy wordplay out of the question.

“We will try to do something that’s made to appeal on an adult level, but we don’t want to exclude the kids,” said Vaupen. “If it is something that plays to the adults and not to the kids, our rule is: Will this elicit a conversation between parents and child that might be uncomfortable? So, if the answer to that is yes, then we probably won’t do it.”

Take, for example, the Darwinian outcome of one joke based on the evolution chart.

“[Disney] wanted us to go away from that for fear of [upsetting] people who don’t believe in evolution,” Vaupen said. “We’re going to shoot that line but have an alternate just in case down the road we can’t go that way.”

Something the show did not turn away from during a recent shoot was physical comedy — specifically, projectile vomit. Baby Charlie splatters Teddy’s jacket as her big sister leans in to coo over her. And then there was a suggestion to up the stakes. “Can we take this a little bit further and have the baby spit up on her face?” Bonnett asked. “I would love to just see it right in her face.”

Dan Staley, a veteran television writer and one of the show’s executive producers, wondered whether that would be excessive. “Not for our audience,” Bonnett replied. “You’ve got to give them that punch.”

The show also didn’t flinch when it came to an airborne baby. One scene called for the baby-toting father to trip down the stairs, momentarily launching the little one (who is safely caught moments later). Like anything else in the carefully controlled world of Disney, the comic idea was focus-tested to assure that it drew the desired response: laughter.

“There was a lot of talk about it. There were a lot of meetings about it,” said Bonnett. “The way it’s done. It works in execution. It scared a lot of people on the page, but it works in execution.”

Even more unusual is the exchange it elicits between the husband and wife, in which she confesses to feeling overwhelmed by the conflicting demands of career and parenthood. That conversation wouldn’t happen on most Disney Channel series, where the parents play an unfailingly supporting role to the tween stars.

“The mom confesses that she’s overwhelmed; she’s not sure she can pull this off,” Bonnett said. “And just playing that scene the way we did, a very real scene between husband and wife, kind of makes this show different.”

dawn.chmielewski@ latimes.com
Copyright © 2009, The Los Angeles Times

http://www.livingstondaily.com/article/20090826/NEWS01/908260318

BY CHRISTOPHER BEHNAN • DAILY PRESS & ARGUS • AUGUST 26, 2009
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You may have seen them at the Howell Melon Festival.

Or at the Friday night concert series in downtown Howell.

You may soon see them doing community service or at your local church, and, if you’re a student in Howell, they could become your classmates.

They’re probably the last group of people you would imagine doing any of the above: the cast of a major international television series.

It’s the cast of “The Wannabes,” the teen-themed musical series being filmed at the Howell Public Schools Parker Campus right now and for the next several months.

The above efforts are all part of integrating the cast — primarily teenage entertainers — and crew into the community.

Shooting began almost two weeks ago, and many cast and crewmembers have already begun bringing families to town to stay with them here during the shoot.

“Everybody loves it here. I love the lifestyle here,” said Jeff Spilman, a producer for Ferndale-based S3 Entertainment Group LLC.

“When you’re here, you’re a member of the community,” Spilman added.

Most, if not all, of the out-of-town cast and crew members are living in the same Howell-area apartment complex while filming lasts at least through early 2010.

Five members of the cast are school age, and will receive schooling of some kind during production. Producers are in talks with the Howell district to potentially enroll them in the district.

The teenagers, and others with the production, are seeking local churches to attend during their stay.

The production is considering requiring the cast to conduct community service in the Howell area, said Rick Gibson, executive producer assistant for “The Wannabes.”

“You’re definitely going to see us all out in the community. That’s for sure,” Gibson said.

Like “High School” — a high school stoner film shot last year at the Parker Campus, which is on Wright Road off D-19 in Marion Township — “The Wannabes” is providing district students a glimpse into the world of filmmaking through in-class visits.

“The Wannabes” storyline is shaped around Savvy, a real-life, Houston-based teen singing and dancing ensemble. The group was discovered by industry executives a year and a half ago.

In the series, the teen performers earn the name The Wannabes after enrolling in the Highlands Academy of Arts and are restricted from performing their mix of pop, rock and hip-hop music.

The students dress in a variety of disguises and perform their music while working at Moody’s Sweet Shop, the local student hangout.

Commerce Township resident Dawn Hathaway, whose son, Alex, 15, has appeared in several scenes, attested to the family-like nature of the set. She normally works from home, but brings her work to Parker each day Alex is on the set.

“It really feels like family. It is family,” Dawn Hathaway said.

“It’s this small community of people,” she added.

Background

“The Wannabes” was scheduled to be shot and the storyline set in Houston before S3 Entertainment Group managed to bring the production to Michigan to take advantage of the state’s generous film tax incentive program.

The company is co-producing the series with Houston-based Stern-LeMaire Productions Inc.

In recent weeks, “The Wannabes” was given the green light to shoot all planned 26 episodes. At least the first eight episodes have been approved by the Michigan Film Office to receive an up to 42 percent rebate on all production related expenses made in the state.

Executive Producer Ron Stern said the budget for the 26 episodes is between $8 million and $10 million.

Spilman has said the production is spending “millions” in Livingston County alone.

The show will be distributed by Showcase Entertainment, and will most likely be seen overseas before the United States, most likely on children’s television networks.

The Howell school district jumped at the chance to again have industry professionals interact with students, said Rick Terres, the district’s associate superintendent for business.

“You kidding me?” Terres said of the unique opportunity.

The production has a contract with the district to rent the Parker building for $17,500 per month through Aug. 1, 2010.

Spilman said the production has employed roughly 95 percent Michigan workers in the wardrobe and props departments, as well as electricians, construction, transportation and other jobs.

At least some of those dollars will boost the Genoa Township Bob Evans restaurant, which is an on-site caterer.

The set

The Daily Press & Argus last week was granted a tour of the set at Parker — now clearly Highlands Academy of Arts.

Producers said the name Highlands was conceived in Houston, and isn’t related to the Howell High School Highlander mascot.

While Howell students won’t fill Parker’s seats this year — it served as the district’s building for grades 10-12 in 2007-2008 and was mostly closed the following year because the district couldn’t afford to operate two high schools — the school’s classrooms are being well-used by the production.

One room comprises both the office of Principal Mr. Pesckow and a location for hallway shots for the series.

Principal Pesckow’s office is decorated with photos of the fictitious principal’s family and a photo roster of the academy’s equally fictitious top students.

“We certainly have transformed everything. We’re now at Highlands Academy of Arts,” Spilman said between music-video takes last week.

The show features one music video per episode.

Moody’s Sweet Shop is set up in the school’s gymnasium. When shooting at Moody’s, kitchen shots will be filmed in Parker’s cafeteria kitchen.

Like other fine arts academies seen on television, the Highlands academy is decorated with images of musical notes, ballet dancers and other fine arts.

Gibson said the layout of the school works well with the single cameras being used, which work to provide 360-degree shots of the set.

“We have everything the way we want it. We’re using the whole school,” he said.

The day of the tour, the crew was finishing shooting the series’ first episode. In the storyline, the boys and girls have a fight and reconcile by the end of the show.

A shoot was planned for later that day in an area set up to be a student lounge.

Unlike “High School,” which filmed several scenes outside the school building and in the Howell area, “The Wannabes” is almost entirely being shot inside the school.

There have been about two outdoor shoots so far for “The Wannabes,” both for music videos shot on the football field and at the school’s front entrance.

The first eight episodes will entirely be on the school’s campus, then other locations in the Howell area will be sought for scenes. Producers wouldn’t say where those locations will be.

To date, the cast and crew have been on set four, 10-hour days Mondays through Thursdays each week.

Two cast members, Shaylen Carroll, 16, and Mariah Parks, 15, were found wondering the academy’s “halls” during the Daily Press & Argus tour.

Both have family members who are also involved in the production. Carroll’s mother is the production’s nurse, and Parks’ father location manager.

Carroll said the girls, used the to Houston heat, weren’t fazed by recent weeks’ humid weather.

“We’re Texas girls, so we’re built for the heat,” she explained.

Contact Daily Press & Argus reporter Christopher Behnan at (517) 548-7108 or at cbehnan@ gannett.com.

(Montclair, New Jersey – August 18, 2009) – Bradford Licensing LLC, a global licensing firm representing some of
the world’s best-known logos, trademarks, and entertainment properties, is pleased to announce its newest partnership with “THE WANNABES,” a ‘tween television show created by writer/producer Doreen Spicer (Disney Channel’s hit movie, Jump In! and The Proud Family) and directed by Eric Dean Seaton (Suite Life of Zack and Cody, That’s So Raven, Cory in The House and Sonny With A Chance). The Wannabes (www.thewannabes.TV/) is making its international debut in early 2010.

The Wannabes which stars the Texas-based musical group Savvy (www.savvymusic.biz) revolves around five high
school freshman living in a fictional Michigan town. These very talented youths dream of becoming famous hip-hop
stars but are forced by their parents to attend a stuffy arts school that only teaches subjects such as classical ballet and instrumental music.

The Wannabes is being licensed by Showcase Entertainment, a company responsible for successfully distributing the teen hit “Flight 29 Down” to over 100 countries. Yet because of the brilliant cast and captivating themes of the show, Showcase Entertainment projects The Wannabes will air in more countries than “Flight 29 Down” by end of the first season! Along with placement in over 30 countries already, the episodes have been picked up by ABC in Australia, Noga Communications in Israel, The Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, and by RTL Disney in Germany. The show will be shopped for domestic distribution after the filming of the first four episodes currently in production.

“We are thrilled to have Bradford Licensing come on board to handle the branding and licensing of our new TV
‘tween sitcom, The Wannabes. Filming is exceeding everyone’s expectations and we are excited about the show’s launch and its most promising future. We know that the licensing aspect of the show will contribute to fan loyalty and help grow the brand,” Executive Producer, Christine LeMaire stated.

Since The Wannabes features a musically diverse group of singers and dancers, there is greater opportunity to expand the licensing program to include additional relevant categories. Since each episode ends with a music video showcasing the series stars, this segment in itself becomes an incredible promotional tool.

“We are extremely enthusiastic in partnering with The Wannabes. Combining the show’s ‘tween appeal, the incredible talent of the show’s stars, and the very likeable characters within the storyline, we feel the licensing
program will be a huge success. It has already generated tremendous interest by potential licensees,” said Michelle
Minieri, President of Bradford Licensing.

In advance of The Wannabes debut, Bradford Licensing is offering exclusive pre-debut licenses. Companies interested in partnering with The Wannabes should contact Bradford Licensing at info@bradfordlicensing.com

About Bradford Licensing, LLC: Established in 1982, Bradford Licensing LLC is a full-service brand licensing
agency with worldwide brand extension capabilities. Bradford develops licensing programs based on the leading
corporate brands, television series and characters, fashion brands, sporting events and non-profit organizations.
Bradford is based in Northern New Jersey and maintains a network of agents in all major foreign countries, including
Europe, the Asia Pacific Rim, and South America. Current Bradford clients include Pepsi, 7Up, Mountain Dew, City
of Beverly Hills, Aspen Colorado, Marilyn Monroe by Shaw Family Archives, PEZ Candy among others.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 18th, 2009 at 10:55 am and is filed under Bradford, The Wannabes. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

http://www.nt2099.com/J-ENT/news/blu-ray-dvd-reviews/dvd-reviews-film-tv/sonny-with-a-chance-sonnys-big-break-vol-1-a-j-ent-dvd-review/

August 15, 2009 by Dennis Amith

DVD TITLE: Sonny with a Chance: Sonny’s Big Break Vol. 1
DURATION: 89 Minutes (23 minutes per episode)
DVD INFORMATION: Full Screen (1:33:1), Dolby Digital Stereo Sound, Spanish Language Tracks.  Subtitles: Spanish
COMPANY: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment
RATED: TV G
RELEASE DATE:  August 25, 2009

Directed by Eric Dean Seaton and Lee Shallat Chemel
Written by Phil Baker, Drew Vaupen
Producer: Patty Gary Cox
Associate Producer: Chris Phillips
Consulting Producer: Amy Engelberg, Wendy Engelberg
Music by Christopher A. Lee
Cinematography by Wayne Kennan, Kenneth D. Zunder
Edited by Brian Schnuckel
Production Design by Garvin Eddy
Costume Design by Julie Rhine

Starring:
Demi Moore as Sonny Munro
Tiffany Thornton as Tawni Hart
Sterling Knight as Chad Dylan Cooper
Brandon Smith as Nico
Doug Brochu as Grady
Allisyn Ashley Arm as Zora
Michael Kostroff as Marshall Pike
Nancy Mckeon as Conny Munroe
Jillian Murray as Portlyn
Brent Tarnol as Josh
Vicki Lewis as Joy

Four episodes of the latest smash-hit Disney Channel Original Series are now available on DVD. Meet Sonny (Camp Rock’s Demi Lovato), a talented Midwestern girl who relocates to Los Angeles to join the cast of the most popular sketch comedy show for teens and tweens, “So Random!” But life behind the scenes on a Hollywood set is not as idyllic as Sonny imagined, especially because of her fellow performers: the selfabsorbed Tawni (Tiffany Thornton), suave Nico (Brandon Mychal Smith), funnyman Grady (Doug Brochu), quirky Zora (Allisyn Ashley Arm) and dreamy Chad Dylan Cooper (Sterling Knight), star of the teen drama “Mackenzie Falls” that films in the adjacent studio, and his simmering rivalry with the cast of “So Random!” Sonny With A Chance: Sonny’s Big Break comes with bonus features as well as a bonus world premiere episode on the DVD!

From the writer and producer who has worked on popular animated titles such as “The Fairly Odd Parents”, “Danny Phantom” and “Family Guy” comes the Disney Channel series “Sonny with a Chance” starring pop star Demi Lovato.
The series started airing on February 2009 and I have to admit that among the Disney Channel shows that I have watched with my son, “Sonny with a Chance” is actually quite enjoyable and highly entertaining.
The series revolves around an Internet star named Sonny Munroe (Demi Lovato) who is from Wisconsin.  She and her mother Connie (Nancy McKeon, “Facts of Life”) move to Hollywood for Sonny’s first major television role, to be part of the popular sketch comedy show “So Random!”.  Joining her on the show is the diva Tawni Hart (Tiffany Thornton), the comedic best friends Nico (Brandon Smith) and Grady (Doug Brochu) and the youngest member of the group, and also quite odd at times, Zora (Alllisyn Ashley Arm).  Along with the show’s producer Marshall Pike (Michael Kostroff), the group comes up ideas for their sketch show for the week and trying to maintain their grades in school.
But all is not easy for Sonny, which she soon discovers.  Her castmate Tawni who likes all the attention to her self is not so thrilled she has to share the show with another girl and also, the cast of the teen drama “Mackenzie Falls” led by actor and teen hearthtrob Chad Dylan Cooper (Sterling Knight) have been at war with the cast of “So Random!”.  Testing Sonny’s allegiance since she is a big fan of Chad but now part of a show despised by him and his castmates.
For “Sonny with a Chance: Sonny’s Big Break Vol. 1?, the series comes with the following episodes which are not in broadcast or production order.  Here are spoiler-less summaries:
EPISODE 1 – SKETCHY BEGINNINGS – Sonny joins the cast of “So Random!” and meets her castmates for the first time.
EPISODE 2 – WEST COAST STORY – Sonny meets actor Chad Dylan Cooper (who she admires) of the teenage drama “MacKenzie Falls” but quickly learns of the rivalry between the cast of “So Random!” and “MacKenzie Falls”.
EPISODE 5 – CHEATER GIRLS – Sonny and Tawni have a great idea for a sketch for “So Random!” but because of Sonny’s bad grade in a class, she is pulled off the show unless she shows improvement.
EPISODE 3 – SONNY AT THE FALLS – Chad Dylan Cooper and the cast of “MacKenzie Falls” come up with an idea to get back at “So Random!” by causing friction with Sonny and her castmates.
“Sonny’s Big Break Vol. 1? also comes with a bonus episode:
UNAIRED EPISODE – SONNY IN THE MIDDLE – Sonny buys Nico and Grady a video game chair as a present for their birthday but the guys get into an argument over who will play in the chair that their friendship becomes torn and each of them look towards Sonny to be their new best friend.  As of this time, this episode is only on this DVD and has only been shown on Delta flights and has not aired on television yet.
VIDEO & AUDIO:
“Sonny with a Chance: Sonny’s Big Break Vol. 1? is presented in full screen (1:33:1) and audio is presented in Dolby Digital Stereo Sound (and also includes the Spanish language track).  Subtitles are in Spanish.
It’s important to note that “Sonny with a Chance” is the first Disney Channel Original Series to be shot and aired in High Definition.  It would be great to see Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment possibly release the whole series on Blu-ray in the near future.
SPECIAL FEATURES:
“Sonny with a Chance: Sonny’s Big Break Vol. 1? includes the following special features:
A BONUS EPISODE – The DVD comes with an episode titled “Sonny in the Middle”.
Demi’s Big Break – (3:28) Before Demi Lovato did “Camp Rock” and became a big pop star, she auditioned for “Sonny with a Chance” in July 2007.  This clip features Demi auditioning for the role.
Mackenzie Falls Season Finale Cliffhanger – (7:03) Literally the cliffhanger finale starring Chad Dylan Cooper and fellow cast members.
Dylan & Cole Sprouse: Blu-ray is Suite – (5:57) A promotion for Disney’s Blu-ray featuring the Sprouse twins and Kim Rhodes (who plays their mother Carey on their show).

Disney has renewed Demi Lovato’s “Sonny With a Chance” for a second season.

“Sonny With a Chance” is exec produced by creator Steve Marmel, along with Michael Feldman, Brian Robbins and Sharla Sumpter Bridgett.

http://www.wxyz.com/news/local/story/The-Wannabes-Production-Begins-in-Howell/DN3m56oJt0WQAFdAfcazrA.cspx?rss=785

HOWELL, Mich. (WXYZ) – “The Wannabes,” the first TV series to call Michigan home, is now in full production mode, and Action News offers a sneak peek of the filming at Parker High School in Howell.

WATCH ALICIA SMITH’S REPORT IN THE VIDEO PLAYER ON THE RIGHT

“The Wannabes” is a half-hour sitcom which follows six tweens who “wanna be” pop stars, but they find the arts academy boarding school they attend kind of cramps their style.

One of the key writers behind the Disney Channel’s hit movie “Jump In!” and “The Proud Family” is Doreen Spicer, and she’s also the creative force behind “The Wannabes.”

The show’s director is Eric Dean Seaton, who is also known for his work on “That’s So Raven,” “Cory in the House,” and “The Suite Life of Zack and Cody.”

And expect great things from “The Wannabes” cast, who are played by the actual pop recording group “Savvy.”

From singing and acting…to classical dance steps…and smoking cool moves…”The Wannabes” is a group you’ll soon be seeing more of.

“The Wannabes” is looking for character actors to play teachers and parents, and extras 18-years-old and younger. Send a headshot, contact information, and related experience to thewannabesextras@gmail.com

http://woodlandsonline.com/npps/story.cfm?nppage=31497

Savvy Heads To Howell, Michigan To Film TV Series

THE WOODLANDS, Texas — Ron Stern of Stern-LeMaire Productions, Inc. announced that The Woodlands-based teen pop recording group known as “Savvy” is moving to Howell, Michigan to start filming 26 episodes of “The Wannabes” on August 3.

Packing their bags for six months, the Savvy artists Alan Shaw, Andrew Stern, Drew Reinartz, Mariah Parks, Sarah LeMaire and Shaylen Carroll have been cast to star in the series. Savvy was formed in 2004 by Christine LeMaire and since then the group has recorded a CD, filmed a DVD and several music videos, television pilot; and performed over 400 live concerts, including a national mall tour for Radio Disney. The artists all are triple threats and have been living their dreams and following their passions.

Two additional Texas actors will be co-starring in the show, Steven Scott will play the owner of a sweet shop and David LaDuca will portray the stuffy school principal in this comedy series. The remaining cast and extras will be cast in Michigan.

Filming was first proposed to be done in Houston, Texas, however because of the Michigan film industry’s huge incentive program the location was changed.

Stern stated, “Partnering with S3 Entertainment Group (S3EG) who are the leading provider of services to the film industry in Michigan has become a most successful collaboration.”

Jeff Spilman, managing partner of S3EG stated, “Involving local youth and experienced actors in The Wannabes is an excellent opportunity to demonstrate Michigan’s exceptional talent base and work force to the larger out of state film industry.”

Also partnering is Showcase Entertainment, Inc. a Los Angeles based sales and Distribution Company. They have successfully licensed internationally the series to countries all around the globe. The show will be shopped for domestic licensing after the filming of the first four episodes.”

The half-hour comedy sitcom follows a group of freshman teens attending a performing arts academy boarding school where they assume they’d learn to be pop stars, but unfortunately not. The stuffy academy only teaches the classics: ballet, instrumental music, and Shakespeare. After a contemporary singing battle in the student lounge, the five teens are given one week of punishment to work at a local café, for free! Fortunately for them, the daughter of the café owner, played by Sarah LeMaire, shares the same hopes of becoming a pop star.

She coaxes her dad into letting her and the academy students rock out at the café, but the café owners gets his own ideas. The owner will allow them to rock out every week but the kids have to be in funny disguises promoting his specials of the week. The series will follow these wannabe pop stars as they learn to tolerate, but appreciate their high school career and really enjoy their secret life as pop stars. And the audience will see how funny things can get as they try to climb their way to the top of the pop charts. Hiding their identity from their strict principal won’t be easy but they’ll do anything to keep singing and dancing the way they like it – Savvy style!

The series was created by writer/producer, Doreen Spicer (Disney Channel’s hit movie “Jump In!” & “The Proud Family”) and will be directed by one of Disney’s finest directors, Eric Dean Seaton (Sonny With A Chance”, That’s So Raven, Cory in the House, Suite Life of Zack & Cody). Spicer, LeMaire and Stern will work as executive directors on the series that begins filming August 3, 2009.

http://www.fresnobee.com/entertainment/story/1504509.html

TOLUCA LAKE, Calif. _ Consider this television paradox: Sterling Knight stars on a TV show millions watch but his character headlines a TV show no one’s seen.

Knight plays Chad Dylan Cooper on the Disney Channel series “Sonny With a Chance.” The comedy is about the interaction of the casts of two very different television programs that film on adjoining soundstages.

Most of the action on “Sonny” focuses on the sketch-comedy show that stars Demi Lovato. Knight’s character stars on the teen-angst drama series “MacKenzie Falls,” which isn’t shown. That is, until now.

A series of webisodes _ extended previews of what episodes of “MacKenzie Falls” would look like if the show existed _ will premiere each Monday this summer on MacKenzieFalls.com.

“There have only been a couple of brief moments in ‘Sonny’ where you got to catch a glimpse of the rehearsals for the show,” says Knight between bites of a salad during a lunch interview at a small restaurant just a few blocks from the Disney Channel offices. “Actually, no one really knew what the show was about because you never saw it, we didn’t have to be specific.”

Knight met with “Sonny with a Chance” writers to come up with a “MacKenzie Falls” outline. It pokes fun at soap operas and dramas aimed at teens.

“I am really interested to see what kind of audience we get because we’re having fun with a genre our demographic doesn’t know very much about. I don’t know a lot of 9-year-olds who watch ‘Days of Our Lives,’” Knight says.

An entire cast was hired to work with Knight on the webisodes. The actor hopes that some of them make it onto “MacKenzie Falls” if extended scenes get added to “Sonny With a Chance.”

Knight is much different from his “MacKenzie Falls” role. His character Cooper is deeply in love with himself while Knight is slightly embarrassed by the attention he gets from the TV show.

“Understanding I am the most unphotogenic person on the planet helps,” Knight says.

Knight’s interest in acting started while he was growing up in Houston. He worked in local community theater until his family moved to Southern California when he was in the ninth grade. Shortly after that he started landing roles in shows such as “Hannah Montana” and “Grey’s Anatomy.”

In between making the test episode of “Sonny With a Chance” and the show going into production, Knight worked on the feature film “17 Again.” That gave him the chance to talk with co-star Zac Efron about being part of the Disney world.

That means actors have to bring lots of energy to the set. It leaves Knight tired, but he’s willing to do it because he’s proud of the show and channel.

“It can be argued that some of the programming on prime-time television may not be suitable for the way you want to raise your children,” Knight says. “The Disney Channel is a place where the subject matter is appropriate. Your children aren’t going to see anything naughty or bad.”

He adds the same goes for the webisodes of “MacKenzie Falls.”

___

SONNY WITH A CHANCE

8 p.m. EDT Sundays, Disney Channel

MACKENZIE FALLS

MacKenzieFalls.comWebisodes give Disney actor a role within a role