``Stanley'' Begins His Journey of Discovery on Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney This Fall

Business Wire, July 10, 2001

Entertainment Editors/Television Writers

BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--July 10, 2001

New Educational Animated Series to Premiere September 2001 on the

Network's Programming Block for Preschoolers

Disney Channel, the leader in television for kids and families, will premiere its all-new, original half-hour animated series, "Stanley," in September 2001 as part of Playhouse Disney, the network's programming block for preschoolers, their parents and caregivers.

In addition to airing mornings on Disney Channel, "Stanley" will air in prime time on the recently announced Playhouse Disney network scheduled to launch in early 2002.

"Stanley" is a new, interactive, learning-based half-hour animated series created and executive produced by Jim Jinkins and David Campbell's (Disney's "PB&J Otter") Cartoon Pizza Productions, in association with Disney Channel.

The series is based on characters from the popular "Stanley" children's book series by Griff (Hyperion Books for Children, New York), and follows the adventures of six-year-old Stanley Griff. Hit recording artists The Baha Men ("Who Let the Dogs Out") perform the series' theme song which was written by Peter Lurye.

Stanley is an extremely imaginative and creative little boy who is wild about animals. In fact, he loves to make simple drawings of his favorite animals. His supportive and loving parents as well as his teasing, yet affectionate, older brother are privy to only part of Stanley's world. They can't see or hear the conversations he has with his pet goldfish, Dennis.

As Stanley's best friend and closest adviser, Dennis serves as a guide throughout each episode, bringing Stanley to an important understanding or life lesson that adds to his personal growth and self-confidence.

Of course, Stanley's family is also unable to see his creations come to life when he consults his "Great Big Book of Everything," which engages the viewers with questions and problem-solving involvement. Stanley's other talking pets include Harry, a playful and naive dog, and Elsie, an imperious, opinionated cat.

Creators and executive producers Jim Jinkins and David Campbell head Cartoon Pizza Inc., a newly formed animation production company based in New York. Jinkins and Campbell also serve as creators and executive producers of Disney Channel's Playhouse Disney animated series, "Disney's PB&J Otter," which was produced under their Jumbo Pictures Inc. banner.

Jinkins' first venture as a creator and executive producer for an animated series was "Doug," which aired on Nickelodeon. "Doug" received a 1991 ASIFA for Best Direction, a 1993 Ollie, 1993 and 1994 Parent's Choice Awards, and a 1995 Kid's Choice Award.

"Doug" is also a three-time CableACE nominee, two-time Emmy(R) nominee and was nominated for the prestigious Prix Jeunesse International Award.

Jinkins and Campbell also joined forces with Walt Disney Television Animation to create and executive produce "101 Dalmatians -- The Series," an animated adventure series that is currently airing on Toon Disney, Disney's 24-hour all-animation network.

Campbell partnered with Jinkins to launch Jumbo Pictures Inc. in 1991. He began his production career in theater, where he produced, co-produced and/or wrote several hit Broadway and off-Broadway stage shows, including "Sugar Babies," "Honky Tonk Nights" and "Colette."

Campbell also served as executive producer for Jumbo on shows including the multiple award-winning series "Doug," "Allegra's Window" and "101 Dalmatians -- The Series."

Disney Channel, combining original series, movies and specials with timeless classics, is the first general entertainment television network designed for kids and families. Currently available in 72 million homes, Disney Channel is a division of ABC Cable Networks Group, a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Co.