The Walt Disney Company has announced it is terminating its online film service Disney Movies Online at the end of the year, as it can’t keep up with client demands. The site, which allows users to buy and rent Disney films from an online library, will cease service from December 31. In a statement, a Disney spokesperson said: “The digital environment is rapidly evolving and Disney Movies Online does not have the flexibility that many users today demand. We made a business decision to close the service until we are able to provide the greatest value and experience to our customers.” The conglomerate meanwhile has been developing its own video-on-demand service called KeyChest since 2009. The service still has no launch date.
Channel 4 Gets a New Head of Comedy… Phil Clarke has been named Channel 4 Head of Comedy. Clarke set up the comedy department in All3media’s Objective Productions in 2003, where he produced hit shows such as ‘Peep Show’, ‘Fresh Meat’ and ‘Pete Versus Life’. Clarke will take over from Shane Allen, who has taken up a position in the BBC’s comedy department. Shows which are currently on Channel 4’s comedy slate include BAFTA-winning ‘Black Mirror’, Ricky Gervais’s ‘Derek’ and Sharon Horgan’s ‘Bad Sugar’.
BBC and Channel 4 series win International Emmys… Charlie Brooker’s ‘Black Mirror’ has won in the TV Movie/Mini-Series category in this year’s International Emmy Awards. The Channel 4 series is written by Brooker, and has added Irish actor Domhnall Gleeson to the cast of season two. BBC film ‘Terry Pratchett: Choosing to Die’ won the International Emmy for Best documentary. KEO co-produced with the BBC. See all International Emmy Award winners here.
If you watch one trailer today… HBO unveiled its latest poster last week, now check out the trailer for ‘Game of Thrones’ season three. The Irish-shot fantasy drama is scheduled to air on Sky Atlantic in April 2013.
