Walt Disney Television Animation Special Projects and ESPN have teamed to bring to life the syndicated comic strip IN THE BLEACHERS. Disney has created a series of 15-second animated shorts based on the Steve Moore sports strip that will run during select ESPN Original Entertainment programming. The shorts mark the network's initial foray into animation and feature a witty, ever-changing cast of characters in situations centered around athletics. Staying true to the artistic style created by Moore, the shorts are loosely animated with April Winchell (RECESS), Kevin Michael Richardson (LILO AND STITCH) and Jeff Bennett (RETURN TO NEVER LAND) providing the voices. IN THE BLEACHERS is produced and directed by Ed Wexler and Gary Katona, the award-winning Walt Disney TV Animation Special Projects team that created the educational interstitial series, "Great Minds Think for Themselves" and "Find Out Why." "We're thrilled to be creating our first-ever project for ESPN," said Barry Blumberg, executive vice president, Walt Disney Television Animation. "We're always looking for ways to reach a wider audience and this partnership is a perfect example of how animation can crossover into new arenas."
