MSN Europe buys two Disney online TV series

by Dan Leahul, Brand Republic 13-Oct-08, 12:15

LONDON - Disney's Stage 9 Digital Media has sold two short-form online comedy series, 'Squeegees' and 'Voicemail', to MSN Video, which will show them across Europe.

The agreement, which is Disney-ABC-ESPN Television's first Europe-wide distribution deal for Stage 9 programming, will be available on MSN Video in the UK starting today October 13, with roll-outs in France, Germany, Spain and Sweden to follow shortly.

'Squeegees' follows four hapless window washers who squeegee New York high rise buildings. 'Voicemail' was inspired by one man's decade-long collection of phone messages, capturing "an insight into the life of a 20-something male slacker in pursuit of happiness and the avoidance of responsibility".

Geoff Sutton, general manager of MSN Europe, said: "We want to give European consumers the best web-based entertainment available and working with innovators such as Disney's Stage 9 helps us to do this.

"People are changing the way they consume media -- they love the way they can snack on content online and spend time with quick-fix entertainment just like 'Squeegees' and 'Voicemail' that we're offering as part of today's announcement.

"This type of content helps us create even more engagement between our audience and advertisers."