Disney has big hopes for 'High School Musical 2'

From the Associated Press:

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ADULTS CROWDED the waiting room one recent winter day at Disney Channel's headquarters in Burbank. Some paced nervously around the couches and chairs, a few checked watches. There was little talk.

They were ready to audition for roles in this summer's TV movie "High School Musical 2," jobs that would make them instantly recognizable to millions of preteens.

Behind a wooden doorway, Disney Channel executives were working to keep the magic after launching one of the biggest entertainment phenomenons of 2006.

It's not that people aren't watching closely. When Disney posted 10 questions on its Web site last month asking fans to influence what was in the "High School Musical" sequel - things like choosing which dessert Zeke buys for Sharpay and which "Hannah Montana" star should appear in the movie - more than 27 million votes were cast in 20 days.

The success of "High School Musical" vaulted the Disney Channel into a tie with USA for top-rated cable network in prime time last year. The movie's soundtrack sold nearly 4 million copies in the U.S. and was the year's top-selling compact disc, even though you probably never heard songs like "We're All in This Together" unless you were a kid around 12 years

The 8.2 million people who watched the premiere of "Jump In!" in January - starring "High School Musical" heartthrob Corbin Bleu as an aspiring jump rope champion - made it the top-rated TV movie premiere in the network's history.

The Disney Channel's success wasn't sudden. It decided a decade ago to target 'tweens, realizing TV offered little to them. It was like the musical gulf between Barney and Eminem, said Rich Ross, the network's president.

Through trial and error, including a failed mystery series, Disney determined that its audience preferred comedies to dramas.

"Kids are going through a lot today, maybe more than ever," Ross said. "They want to smile and relax and laugh. Laughter is the antidote to a crazy world."

Gary Marsh, the network's entertainment president, believes there are five ingredients to a successful Disney Channel production. It should contain humor, optimism and depict real kids in real-life situations. It should tell an age-appropriate emotional story with situations preteens can relate to. And it should have navigational tools for life that kids can learn from, such as how to deal with a bully.

Many of the Disney shows are aspirational, like "Hannah Montana" and its depiction of a girl living the dream of being a pop star.

There's almost always music in a Disney production, something the kids can sing along to - and buy with their allowance when they hear the songs again on Disney's radio station - that won't send their parents screaming from the room.

"High School Musical" squarely hit all of these targets.

Marsh had been looking to make a full-scale musical, and producer Bill Borden sold his straightforward pitch in a single meeting: think "Grease" meets "Romeo & Juliet," with warring social cliques replacing warring families.

"It was so clear to me the simplicity of the story would stand up with the music," Marsh said.

That story had school basketball star Troy meeting beautiful brain Gabriella on vacation, where they bond over their secret love for singing. When Gabriella transfers to Troy's high school, they want to try out for the school musical together, but each of their friends try to keep them from crossing social barriers.

While the story of competing cliques drew the most attention, Ross believes another aspect of "High School Musical" was just as important: the idea of Troy pushing back against his father's expectations to forge his own path. That's an equally important element of "Jump In!" where Bleu's character jumps rope despite his father pressuring him to be a boxer.

The sequel is sure to be a major part of many kids' summers this year.

Zac Efron Walks from Footloose

Why oh why would Paramount let Zac Efron walk from the remake of "Footloose"? Hard to know the inner workings of the production company execs - but, Zac is gone and the film lives on. Some insiders say that Zac was too tired making yet another musical that is supposed to be directed by Kenny Ortega (is he still directing the project?)

The studio had this to say: "Footloose is a project we've longed to see re-booted for a new generation. While Zac is no longer attached, we remain excited and committed to the collective brain trust of Kenny Ortega, Neil Meron and Craig Zaden, who will reinvigorate the franchise. Their fresh take on the film will undoubtedly be filled with the same kind of breakout performances that we've come to expect from them."

Zac just completed "Me and Orsen Wells" with Claire Daines.

Zac Efron Gets Dirty

When asked about Zac Efron's pictures in April's Interview Magazine, Vanessa Hudgens noted, "damn! They're sexy" at the Kids' Choice Awards. Although, we're not quite she of what she thought of him posing with Edita Vilkeviciute who's nude - which Zac said was "pretty crazy". "It just kind of happened," said Efron, "She was so professional. It wasn't really up to me so I just kind of rolled with it. I had a great time. It was a refreshing kind of change."

You can find the pictures here:
http://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/zac-efron/

Washington DC Stroll for Vanessa Hudgens

Guess who's walking the streets of Washington DC these days? That's right! Venessa Hudgens is in town to work on the taping of the TNT special, "Christmas in Washington".

Seen out shopping, getting some Starbucks and strolling through the city, Hudgens is starring with Katharine McPhee, Colbie Caillat and others in the TV special performance.

Arriving in Washington yesterday she was looking more like a fashion style icon. Currently, Vanessa is searching for a new home in Hollywood and trying to get her drivers license.

More pictures can be found at Gossip Girls!!!

Zac Efron Sees a Ghost?

While working on the set of his new movie, Me and Orson Welles, Zac Efron believes he saw a ghost. Working with co-star Claire Danes, the pair exclaimed that while shooting on the Isle of Man in the Gaiety Theater, a ghostly figure appeared outside the theater's window!

With that spooky encounter - Zac Efron has become the butt of jokes among the crew, who keep teasing him about his spooky encounter.

How Old is Vanessa Anne Hudgens?

She's probably my favorite in all the HSM movies - and many people want to know this. So, Vanessa Anne Hudgens was born in Salinas, CA on December 14, 1988. As of this posting she is 20. Her beauty comes from the fact that her father has some Native American descent, and her mother is Filipino-born with some Chinese background.

HSM3 Trailer Preview!

From HSM-Rocks, the HSM3 Trailer will be shown this weekend during the showing of Wall-E:

1. The trailer starts with the famous Disney Pictures logo
2. "High School Musical" song start playing
3. The guys with the red hats start to show up:
4. Troy's face (Text : Troy)
5. Gabriella's face (Text: Gabriella)
6. Sharpay's face (Text: Sharpay)
7. Ryan's face (Text: Ryan)
8. Chad or Taylor didn't show up
9. HSM3 logo appears
10. Senior Year! tag appears
11. The guys throw up their hats
12. The guys scream: "YEAH!"
13. Tag: "Coming Soon"
14. Aprox. duration: 30 sec.

Vanessa Hudgens Out Shopping

Some great pictures of Vanessa Hudgens showed up today on JustJaredJr.buzznet.com. You can see her here out shopping.

You can find more of the pictures here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Scandals Continue for Vanessa Hudgens

The scandals for Vanessa Hudgens keep on coming. After the photos of her naked appeared on the Internet she is now apparently being sued for breach of contract by her former lawyer! He says she owes him $150,000.

Brian L. Schall, her lawyer, filed a complaint in Los Angeles Superior Court in September. He claimed to have helped her with the negotiations for her recording and songwriting contracts.

According to him she was supposed to pay five percent of her earnings from any deals he worked on of which she has only paid a portion.

Since the photos have appeared, Hudgens has kept very quiet and her relationship with Disney is in question. Let's hope she can get through this and back for HSM3!

Vanessa Hudgens Talks!

Vanessa Hudgens talked about show business, celebrities and High School Musical 3.

Vanessa said that she has always wanted to be an entertainer, but she would rather skip the celebrity part.

"I became an actress and started singing and dancing because I truly loved it," said Vanessa. "I did it because I genuinely enjoy doing it."

"I did not want to be a celebrity. … I think fame is just something that comes along when you are in something that is such a success."

"Fame is an interesting thing but my fans are very supportive and I thank them so much."

"It is a dog-eat-dog world," said the singer. "People want to know about people's business; no one really has a sense of privacy because everyone is trying to get into your business.

"And people become jaded and infatuated with Hollywood. I think it happens to a lot of celebrities and it messes with their head."

Vanessa said the extra attention is not for her. "I don't like people staring at me all the time and I don't want people following me around," she said.

Nose Fix for Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale, who starred in both HSM movies and as Maddie Fitzpatrick from the Suite Life, had a procedure done to fix a deviated septum last month. In People Magazine she said she couldn't breath out of one side of her nose and that it was getting progressively worse. Her doctor told her it was deviated by 80%.

Her doctor fixed both the deviation and two tiny fractures on the right nostril. In her interview she said "I didn’t do this because I believe in plastic surgery. I literally almost could not breathe out of the right side of my nose."

Like actresses Cameron Diaz and Jennifer Aniston before, Tisdale, now 22 years old, has joined them to correct a nose problem that was affecting their health as well.

Vanessa Hudgens in Washington DC

Guess who's walking the streets of Washington DC these days? That's right! Venessa Hudgens is in town to work on the taping of the TNT special, "Christmas in Washington".

Seen out shopping, getting some Starbucks and strolling through the city, Hudgens is starring with Katharine McPhee, Colbie Caillat and others in the TV special performance.

Arriving in Washington yesterday she was looking more like a fashion style icon. Currently, Vanessa is searching for a new home in Hollywood and trying to get her drivers license.

More information can be found at Gossip Girls!!!!!!!!!

High School Musical 3 Production May Be Delayed

Jim Hill Media, an entertainment industry news source, has noted that High School Musical 3's starting production date has been moved from January 2008 to April due to the current writer's strike. With most TV shows and movies now suffering from the strike, getting the HSM3 script into a finalize state may come even later.

Mr. Hill's Disney insiders noted: "We had hoped that the 'High School Musical 3' screenplay that was delivered just prior to the start of the strike would be shootable, but this thing is seriously in need of a rewrite. But as long as the Writer's Guild remains out on strike, we're not allowed to change a single word of this script. So right now, we're stuck."

With the announcement of the Hannah Montana movie production starting in 2008 as well, Disney may find themselves in a very tough situation. These two blockbusters are huge profit generators for 2008 and could jepordize the excitement for both.

Please read more here at Jim Hill Media!

High School Musical 3 is a Go!!

Yes, it was confirmed yesterday by Disney that High School Musical 3: Senior Year is now officially going to happen! Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale, Lucas Grabeel, Corbin Bleu and Monique Coleman will be reunited again on the big screen for a feature release.

The production schedule is tentatively set to start this spring under the direction again by Kenny Ortega and screenplay writer, Peter Barsocchini, who wrote the scripts for the Disney Channel Original Movies, High School Musical and High School Musical 2. The current release date is set for October 24th, 2008!

Oren Aviv, president of Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Production said, "We’re thrilled to have all of the talented cast members who helped to make ‘High School Musical’ such an incredible phenomenon joining us for this big screen motion picture event. They’ve developed a tremendous following with fans all over the world and ‘High School Musical 3: Senior Year’ takes these popular characters in some intriguing and entertaining new directions. Clearly, the music, spirit and personalities in these films have touched audiences in a very special way, and this latest musical adventure delivers lots of great new entertainment on an even grander scale. Kenny Ortega brings his enormous talents to this project and Peter Barsocchini has come up with a wonderfully inventive script that delivers plenty of delights and surprises."

With senior year and graduation being the main theme you can only guess that the future is uncertain for the East High Wildcats; will they split up for college? Is there one more musical left for them?

Ashley Tisdale, who stars as the diva Sharpay said she was "excited" at the news. "But it's going to be sad. It seems like it will be graduation and I'll be crying while we're filming," she explained.

"The success of this franchise has been nothing short of amazing. We’re thrilled with the connection fans have to the characters, and we’re very excited to see the High School Musical story continue on the big screen." noted Rich Ross, president, Disney Channels Worldwide.

High School Musical 3 - 245 Days and Counting to the End

It seems that we've reached the ultimate news that, unfortunately, the High School Musical series will be coming to a close this year. Kenny Ortega, the highly successful director of all three HSM stories noted, "This will be our last time together, and I love working with these kids so much." It looks like there won't be a High School Musical 4 in our future (at least with these actors and director).


With October 24, 2008 approaching quickly, Disney has one last chance to push the concept, cast and crew into super-stardom. (I wouldn't be too sure about that. If the film is a success there's no telling what kinds of spin-offs there might be - reunions, dramas, etc.)

In High School Musical 3:Senior Year the plan is to have Troy and Gabriella at a crossroads in their relationship with separation looming - "facing the prospect of being separated from one another as they head off in different directions to college. Joined by the rest of the Wildcats, they stage an elaborate spring musical reflecting their experiences, hopes and fears about their future."

This should be great - but a sad moment to know that we're at only 245 days and counting til the end.

Busy, Busy Ashley Tisdale

Ashley Tisdale is a busy person these days. With a second album in the works, HSM3 and her Degree Girl deoderant pitches she's on an amazing public blitz. With HSM3 filming this month she'll be in high demand.


Speaking to TV Guide she reflected on her role in HSM3: "I don’t know much, because I haven’t read the script yet! But I have recorded the songs, so I do know a little bit about it. It is senior year, so there’s going to be graduation and prom, but I can’t spill much else."

"All the music is great. They’re much bigger productions this time — they’re huge — so it’s going to be really exciting."

"I think every single moment with High School Musical was nerve-racking and exciting as well. It was a whole snowball effect, starting with the ratings themselves, and then going into the Billboard charts and getting a Billboard Award for the No. 1 album of the year. Every single moment of High School Musical was an OMG moment. It’s been a crazy ride."

"I would love for Johnny Depp to be in it. He did say in an interview that his kids love High School Musical and he wouldn’t mind doing a cameo. We should really jump on that one." Ashley said to Extra.

End of the Road for Troy and Gabriella

The time of graduation in HSM3 means more than just going to college for the High School Musical cast. "This is probably going to be the last one for a lot of the cast," Zac Efron said. "It’s graduation, a lot of us have to move on. Everything's been stepped up a few notches, all the dances, and I think the songs are pretty catchy this time around."

With only five months to go until the Disney cast graduates, the HSM franchise is not completely out of our lives. "High School Musical 4" was announced recently and I'm sure we'll see a lot of Zac Efron, Vannesa Anne Hudgens and the rest of the cast in many other movies.

"It’s kind of an honor to have ever been a part of it," Efron said. "So I’m thrilled just to have done it, the fanbase that it created. We’re making a great third film and I think it’s going to be a great legacy to leave for the Wildcats."

Last Day of Shooting for HSM3

Well, this is it! HSM3 wraps up shooting for the full cast. From a reality standpoint this makes everyone feel pretty low knowing that we won't see Troy and Gabriella play their roles ever again.

Recent news has leaked that the High School Musical 3 trailer will be coming out this weekend during the showing of Wall-E.

This was from HSM-Rocks:

1. The trailer starts with the famous Disney Pictures logo
2. “High School Musical” song start playing
3. The guys with the red hats start to show up:
4. Troy’s face (Text : Troy)
5. Gabriella’s face (Text: Gabriella)
6. Sharpay’s face (Text: Sharpay)
7. Ryan’s face (Text: Ryan)
8. Chad or Taylor didn’t show up
9. HSM3 logo appears
10. Senior Year! tag appears
11. The guys throw up their hats
12. The guys scream: “YEAH!”
13. Tag: “Coming Soon”
14. Aprox. duration: 30 sec.

Some HSM3 Movie Stills

Found some cool production stills made during the filming of HSM3.

Zac Efron on the Cover of Teen Vogue

BuddyTV reported that in the upcoming October issue of Teen Vogue, HSM lead Zac Efron will be the cover article. In a behind the scenes video on the magazine's website he noted, "I'm glad that someone is honoring the new and up-and-coming stars. I think there's a lot of new talent coming up. I'm proud to be representing!"

But Zac is part of that new talent bring amazing success to the Disney empire and becoming one of the most popular name in teen history. Even with that he still has some interest in the past - "I love Fred Estaire, Gene Kelly, Donald O'Connor... I could go on for days with old Hollywood," he said.

But, much like the hollywood jet setters of the past he's part of the current media success, "I'm growing up under a magnifying glass, and I just try to rise above it and live my life." This has been a burden as well leaving little privacy he told Teen Vogue, "You don't realize until it's gone, but it is so important to feel normal."

With the upcoming October release of High School Musical 3 Efron feels the pressure - a time to break his teen image to something more adult. Much like HSM3 he has similar questions, "The stakes are higher because there are real decisions to be made. What college are you going to? What happens to the girl? It's fun watching Troy grow into a man!"

Teen Vogue will reach newsstands on September 9th.

Could three of the hottest young actors get together for something that no one expected? How about Zac Efron from High School Musical and maybe just a

I really love this song!!!I really love this song!!!

Zac Efron, Justin Timberlake and Robert Pattinson?

Could three of the hottest young actors get together for something that no one expected? How about Zac Efron from High School Musical and maybe just a bit of Justin Timberlake - and, well, then add vampire fav Robert Pattinson to the mix and now you have a future movie!

Put them in a historical drama about Kent State University during the 1970's Vietnam protests and now you have a release called 'Ohio'. According to Star Magazine - "Everyone in the industry is shocked that Rob is already getting such big roles. Zac and Justin have been working for a lot longer than he has. There is a bit of jealousy there. Zac’s people want him to have the lead. And Justin’s people have asked that he get a lot of screen time."

There is no scheduled release date yet for 'Ohio'. Stay tuned!

How Old is Zac Efron?

This question just keeps coming up over and over. So, Zac Efron was born in San Luis Obispo, CA on October 18, 1987. As of this posting he is 21.

High School Musical 4 Announced!

Can it be true??!? Yes, today Disney announced that 'High School Muscial 4' is coming in 2010 with a brand new cast. With the graduation of Troy, Gabriella, Sharpay and Ryan it is time for a new set of students.Hopefully, with the signing of the screenwriter from the past movies, Peter Barscocchini, HSM4 will be just as good as the past. The tentative plot will have the East High Wildcats fighting a rivalry with the West High Knights - good material for some great love relationships.

I didn't see any information on Kenny Ortega directing, however. If not, this could be a fast ending to the HSM franchise. But, it is still very exciting. Stay tuned for more info!

Ashley Tisdale - Guilty Pleasure Coming in June

Ashley Tisdale has a new CD coming in June called "Guilty Pleasure" and was featured in Twist Magazine - here's what she had to say about her new video: "We shot the video from like three in the afternoon until seven in the morning! They even brought Coffee Bean mix so I could stay up to shoot. I was so excited though. Adam Gregory from 90210 plays my ex-boyfriend who cheats on me, poor guy! He's a really nice guy in real life. My friends think he's adorable and obviously he's very cute. The video's all about getting the best revenge on a guy who cheats on you. So in the video, he leaves his house and I get the hideaway key, so I go into his house. And then I let people in and I have this party at his house and everyone's throwing things — and there's also these gorgeous Brazilian male models and I'm taking pictures with them! And then I have this huge rock out performance in the pool where it's like my whole band's in the pool on platforms. It was really exciting."

17 again

Have you seen the new move 17 again . If you have not go and see it is ssssssssssssssssssooooo cccoool!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

High School Musical 3 Wins at Kids Choice Awards

Nickelodeon reported that over 90 million votes were cast for the 2009 Kids Choice Awards with High School Musical 3 coming in first for the Favorite Movie category.


Zac Efron accepted the award and said, "Lately, a lot of people have been taking credit for bringing back the musical, the truth is we've known who's been responsible for bringing back the musical all along. It was you guys!"

Also winning was Vanessa Hudgens for Favorite Movie Actress.

Nickelodeon will be repeating the show in case you missed it. Check out the nomination and winners at the Nick Kids Choice Awards page.

Ask Zac Efron a Question!

I just saw that People Magazine is offering a chance for people to ask Zac Efron any question!! If selected your answer could appear in the next People Magazine! Don't miss out on this chance - it may only be a week. You could ask him anything: High School Musical 3, Vanessa Hudgens, etc.

Here's the quote from People: "The High School Musical movies made him a worldwide heartthrob. Now Zac Efron is starring as a disillusioned thirtysomething miraculously transformed back into his teen self in the upcoming comedy 17 Again. Want to know about the real-life 21-year-old's dream roles, his buffer-than-ever bod and his low-key life onscreen with his leading lady, Vanessa Hudgens? Send us your questions for Zac, and you could see them featured in an upcoming issue of PEOPLE!"

Here is the link: http://www.people.com/people/reader/email/0,,20270115,00.html