LATEST NEWS
Disney Launching a Label to Release More Foreign Films in the US
by Alex Billington
May 11, 2011
Source: Variety
The Mouse House is going foreign? Yes indeed. Variety is reporting that the Walt Disney Company is looking to launch a production banner based in the US that will release Walt Disney Studios International Productions on DVD, VOD, digital download and theatrical release for certain films (case-by-case). They will find and distribute films that were "developed locally for territories such as China, Russia and India" and will brand and expand the films' "retail reach" in the US marketplace. This sounds like an interesting idea for distribution, but will they actually be able to get any interesting films? No titles have been announced.
One of their recent foreign successes, according to Variety, was a film called Zokkomon, an action-adventure film produced by Walt Disney Pictures India that premiered at the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles. I've never even heard of it, but maybe they were trying to hit niche audiences and/or racial demographics that I'm not a part of. Apparently Disney's goal with this new distribution tactic is to find "local, 'magical' stories that fit its brand and have appeal for specific foreign audiences." So are they just targeting foreign audiences who live in the US and that's it? I'm not sure, but it's an intriguing new distribution idea anyway.
Variety continues to attempt to clarify the details, since Disney hasn't formally announced anything yet, adding: "The new initiative aims to bring overseas stories to niche domestic audiences and explore the breakout potential of projects that may have cross-cultural appeal." I'd love to hear some titles. 20th Century Fox is also recently launching their own Fox World Cinema label, with similar plans focusing on DVD and VOD releases more than theatrical. I'm curious to see if this will mean anything more than just seeing more foreign films hit specific areas, or if we'll actually see a foreign title break out thanks to Disney.
Oddly, they also say that the new Disney distribution company won't be acquiring foreign films, only producing/developing them locally, then also releasing them in the US. I'm not really sure what to make of this yet, but I get the feeling we may not exactly be involved in a lot of these releases. Nonetheless, it seems that the distribution world is changing as technology progresses (and DVD sales continue to decline), I'm fascinated by all of the new ideas and innovations being developed for distribution (like Netflix and Open Road Films). As always, only time will tell if this is truly as lucrative and successful as Disney is hoping it is.
6 Comments
1
what a joke hahahaha well atleast they will make some money.
Anon on May 12, 2011
2
ANY indian movie that releases is automatically a success just because every sixth person on earth is an indian. so you can make profit with shit.
Anon on May 12, 2011
3
they've done this before, but maybe with less push or an "official: label: with Roadside Romeo in India and The Secret of the Magic Gourd in China. Maybe this is something different, but I don't see where.
lane on May 12, 2011
4
Disney just got more points form me =) Foreign films FTW!
Hangil713 on May 12, 2011
5
That's wonderful to share the Walt Disney experience with the world wow. I remember as child watching all those amazing characters come to life to share in the adventure and excitement. It will be very interesting to hear Donald Duck in Russian, that would be hoot! Rennie Sharp
Californiatonewyork on May 12, 2011
6
Do Dooni Chaar was a hit with movie audiences (A Walt Disney India film) and was a very sweet comedy. Also in China a local Walt Disney China production called Trail of the Panda was more in keeping with traditional Disney (ala the wonderful World of Disney) than anything the hollywood teen pop culture machine has produced in thirty years. I cant recomend it highly enough. There have been duds of course earlier local produced Disney films The Magic Gourd (China) and Roadside Romeo (India) were less than inspiring. But dont underestimate Disneys presence overseas. Such as the first Russian Disney film The Book of Masters.
India Livin on Jun 27, 2011
New comments are no longer allowed on this post.
FEATURED POSTS
FOLLOW FS HERE
Follow Alex's main account on Twitter:
Add our posts to your Feedly › click here
Get all the news sent on Telegram 
LATEST TO WATCH