Disney eyes international web revamp

Disney plans to overhaul its international web presence following a revamp of its UK site Disney.co.uk.

However, it has no current plans to offer full length episodes of its hit television shows such as Hannah Montana or feature films like Pirates of the Caribbean on its own site, which will be used primarily as a games portal and a destination for trailers.

Cindy Rose, senior VP and managing director, Walt Disney Internet Group, EMEA, said it would focus on Europe having overhauled the UK site. "We’ll be looking at France, Italy, Germany and Spain next," she said.

The UK site has been designed with a series of widgets – known as Disney Xtrme Digital – that lets kids create their own layout with the characters that interest them.

"We might take Disney shows and turn them into 4 minute snack size episodes," said Rose.

The site will complement the launch of Disney Channels’ recently commissioned local series such as Baker Coogan’s preschool puppet series Bunnytown, Coolabi’s The Shalia Show and Blue Zoo’s Clever Clogs.

"I’m sure that you will see all of those shows promoted on Disney.co.uk  and I’m sure you’ll see exclusive content based on those shows but you won’t see the [full] shows," she added.