Starz Kids and Family channel to provide two-hour teen/tween block of programming

'The Wannabes' part of new programming block

Starz Entertainment announced today that its STARZ KIDS & FAMILY channel will air four, live-action shows for teen and pre-teen audiences beginning Monday, September 5, 2011.  Known as “Camp Block,” these 30-minute shows will kick off with the international hit, “The Wannabes” at 4:00 p.m. ET/PT.  Other shows include “Mortified,” “Conner Undercover,” and “The Latest Buzz.”

STARZ KIDS & FAMILY is “excited to offer a unique two hour block of programming specially designed for young audiences,” says Stephan Shelanski, EVP Programming, for Starz Entertainment. "With everyone going back to school, we wanted to offer programming that appeals specifically to the families of our subscribers."

“Camp Block” kicks off with “The Wannabes”- a show with proven success amongst teenagers. Airing in more than 92 territories around the world, “The Wannabes” is a comedy with original music and music videos, and follows six talented high school students at a classical arts academy as they sing and dance their way to making their dreams of becoming huge pop stars come true. 

Shaylen Carson (Shaylen Carroll), Sarah Moody (Gabrielle "GiGi" LeMaire), Mariah Pettigrew (Mariah Parks), Drew Robinson (Drew Rojas Reinartz), Alan Taskin (Alan Shaw), and Andrew Stark (Andrew Bowen Stern) learn to balance their high school studies with their secret lives as musical group Savvy, getting into outrageous adventures along the way. “The Wannabes” is produced by Showcase Entertainment and Stern-LeMaire Productions, Inc.

'Mortified' starring Taylor Fry

Following “The Wannabes” at approximately 4:30 p.m. ET/PT, “Camp Block” also features “Mortified”, starring Marny Kennedy, Dajana Cahill, and Rachel Blakely. 

“Mortified” spotlights Taylor Fry, an eleven year old with an ordinary life and an extraordinary imagination. She copes with the daily pressures of school, parents and friends by making embarrassing situations a bit more hilarious. “Mortified” is produced by Australian Children's Television Foundation.

'Connor Undercover'

“Connor Undercover” is next up on the block and centers around Connor, a typical fifteen year old, whose world is suddenly more precarious when the president’s daughter comes to live with his family. Max Morrow, Gavin Fox, Lola Tash, Jordan Francis, Dylan Authors star in this series filled with suspense and intrigue. “Connor Undercover” is produced by Shaftesbury Films.

'The Latest Buzz'

Rounding out “Camp Block” is “The Latest Buzz” starring Zoe Belkin, Vanessa Morgan, Justin Kelly. It revolves around five, 14-old writers who work at a youth magazine during 8th period at school. They learn about the fast-paced world of publishing, all the while living the fast-paced life of a teenager. “The Latest Buzz” is produced by DHX Media.

The video featured below is an excerpt from “The Wannabes.”