'High School Musical' Gets Spin-Off in the U.K.

The Guardian U.K. is reporting that Disney Channel U.K. has commissioned the local programmer The Foundation, owned by RDF, to make a "High School Musical" spin-off show, entitled "Club High School Musical: Make It Happen."

This is reportedly the first time Disney has outsourced to produce a program inspired by "High School Musical" in Blighty. 

The spin-off, which consists of four 15-minute reality clips and will air next month, follows four "High School Musical" fans as they work to prepare a dance event over four days.

Nigel Pickard, director of family programming at RDF, is executive producing. The program was commissioned by Disney Channels U.K. and Ireland vice president, programming Jonathan Boseley. Says Pickard in the Guardian U.K. ""It has been a fantastic opportunity for a great creative collaboration on what is an ambitious project supporting the hugely popular and successful High School Musical franchise. We hope this is the beginning of an exciting new relationship."

Seconds Boseley in the paper, "At Disney we are committed to creating localised content to complement our global output and deepen the connection with our audience, so we're delighted to be launching Club High School Musical: Make It Happen, in the UK...The show, which showcases the dedication and ingenuity of four UK kids faced with an incredible challenge, mirrors High School Musical's positive themes of teamwork and friendship that have inspired kids around the world, and we are confident that this new series will do the same."

To access the full report in the Guardian U.K., click here.