Disney Channel Orders Live Action Comedy Series "Dog With A Blog"
The series, due this fall, stars G. Hannelius, Blake Michael, Francesca Capaldi, Beth Littleford, Regan Burns and Stephen Full as the voice of Stan the dog.
Disney Channel, the leading TV network for kids and families, has ordered "Dog With A Blog," a live action comedy series from Emmy-winning producer Michael B. Kaplan. A family sitcom from the pet's point-of-view, it centers on step-siblings whose parents buy them a dog to encourage them to get along. That happens - to some extent - as brother and sister discover a big secret about their family's latest addition... that the dog can talk AND blog. The series will introduce a talented cast, among them, Disney Channel's next big star: a four year-old, mixed breed named Kuma in the role of Stan, the talking dog with a blog. The announcement was made today by Adam Bonnett, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Disney Channel.
Production on the multi-camera series will begin this June in Hollywood for premiere in fall 2012 on Disney Channel U.S. and soon thereafter on Disney Channels around the world.
Starring are: G. Hannelius ("Den Brother," "Good Luck Charlie"), Blake Michael ("Lemonade Mouth"), Francesca Capaldi ("A.N.T. Farm"), Beth Littleford ("I'm in the Band," "Crazy, Stupid Love," "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart"), Regan Burns ("Wizards of Waverly Place") and Stephen Full ("I'm in the Band") as the voice of Stan the dog. Kuma is a Husky/Golden Retriever/Border Collie mix who was rescued from a shelter. He is trained by Guin Dill and Steve Solomon of Good Dog Animals, an animal company with over 40 years combined experience in the motion picture and TV industry.
Bonnett said, "With our track record of discovering young talent who are 'triple threats,' we launched a nationwide search and our reward is that we found the one dog who could talk, blog and do his own stunts. Working with kids and animals has never been more fun!"
In "Dog With A Blog," Tyler and Avery are new step-siblings. Tyler is popular, charismatic and seems to get by solely on his looks, and Avery is smart, socially responsible and despises guys like Tyler. However, the biggest adjustment for the newly blended family comes with their new dog Stan - who talks and blogs. He's smart, a bit of a trouble maker and loves his new family, who must keep his marvelous ability a secret. Stan's canine point of view, whether in the home, in the yard or on his blog, helps the kids navigate both their new sibling situation and ultimately, becomes the tie that binds the family of six (Tyler, Avery, little sister Chloe, Mom, Dad and Stan). Even though he talks and likes a lot of "human" things, Stan is still pure dog. He chases his tail, barks at mailmen, ardently approaches poodles and is not so wild about cats.
"Dog With A Blog" was created and executive-produced by Michael B. Kaplan who most recently created and executive-produced Disney XD's "I'm in the Band." His credits also include "Frasier" for which he received an Emmy Award, "Roseanne," "Girlfriends" for which he received a BET Comedy Award, and "Doogie Howser, M.D." The pilot was directed by Neal Israel ("Kickin' It," "Zeke and Luther," "Even Stevens") and produced by Leo Clarke ("Pair of Kings").