Kids, Let’s Exploit a Show describes Disney’s efforts to capitalize on its surprise hit, High School Musical — in India, and around the world:
At the movie studio, executives agreed to make Disney’s first foray into Bollywood. They reasoned that the only other country where bursting into song out of nowhere is a typical entertainment theme is India. The plan is to release a version in theaters, featuring local stars. The studio is considering local versions for Latin America and perhaps China and Japan.The question is whether “High School Musical” will travel. Disney is preparing to roll out the U.S. TV version of the song-and-dance medley in more than 100 countries starting in June. The first stop is Australia. For non-English-speaking markets, the dialogue will be dubbed and the singing will be subtitled.
Mr. Ross says the movie hinges on themes that resonate in every country: It’s about kids expressing themselves and recognizing diversity.
That doesn’t mean they’ll be using the same template in every country though. In India, for instance, the version being developed for theaters could be set in college against the backdrop of cricket. India will also get the U.S. television version with the songs dubbed by Bollywood stars.