What does it take to transform a locally inspired idea into a series audiences can experience on Disney+?
Across Asia Pacific, Disney’s local content teams work with creators, production companies and colleagues around the world to develop stories that feel authentic to their markets while connecting with audiences across cultures. The process brings together creative development, production, licensing, budgeting and business strategy, and no two projects follow exactly the same path.
Three employees from Korea, Australia and New Zealand, and Japan share a behind-the-scenes look at how local stories make their way to the screen.
Finding the story
Every project begins with an idea. In Korea, Jamie, Manager, Local Content, works across creative development and production, bringing Korean stories from early ideas to Disney+ audiences.
“I help identify and develop Korean stories that can become Disney+ Originals, working with creators and production partners from the earliest idea through production and final delivery.”
That work can include reviewing pitches and scripts, developing projects with creators and production partners, preparing projects for greenlight, and supporting them through production and final delivery. Working across both creative development and production, Jamie shapes each project while navigating the complexities of bringing a local story to the screen. While each market has its own creative landscape, Jamie believes specificity is what allows a story to travel.
“I believe the more honest and specific a story is, the more universally it can resonate.”
“I believe the more honest and specific a story is, the more universally it can resonate.”
Jamie - Manager, Local Content
Shaping the creative vision
Once a project enters development, teams help strengthen its creative direction while guiding it through the realities of production.
Sarah, Original Content Executive for Australia and New Zealand, works across local original series from their earliest pitches through development, production and delivery. Her weeks combine script reading and creative discussions with reviewing budgets, schedules, cuts and project milestones.
“It is a balance of creative thinking, collaboration and practical production oversight.”
Sarah saw that process come to life through her work on two seasons of The Artful Dodger.
“It has been especially meaningful to see moments on screen that were shaped in part by my script notes, or network cut feedback, and to then see the audience response to the show.”
"It has been especially meaningful to see moments on screen that were shaped in part by my script notes, or network cut feedback, and to then see the audience response to the show.”
Sarah - Original Content Executive
Building the business behind the story
Bringing a series to audiences also requires careful negotiation, planning and partnership.
In Japan, Yumi, Senior Manager, Content Acquisition and Production, negotiates terms for original content, oversees content licensing and manages the team’s overall content budget. Her role involves working across time zones and collaborating with internal teams, production companies and licensors.
One of the most meaningful projects of her career began when she advocated for an unconventional Japanese drama during a challenging period for local live-action content.
“This project taught me the importance of persevering and continuing to take calculated risks, even when the broader market environment appears challenging.”
“This project taught me the importance of persevering and continuing to take calculated risks, even when the broader market environment appears challenging.”
Yumi - Senior Manager, Content Acquisition and Production
Creating stories without borders
Although the employees work across different markets and areas of expertise, they all aim to protect what makes a story locally distinctive while finding the emotions that can connect with audiences everywhere.
“Although cultural nuances vary across countries, the emotions that great stories evoke are universal,” Yumi shared.
For future candidates, local content offers the opportunity to combine a passion for storytelling with skills across creative development, production, licensing, finance and business strategy.
“For anyone passionate about storytelling, local content at Disney is an incredible place to learn, contribute and grow,” Sarah said. “You have the opportunity to work on stories that can resonate globally, while collaborating with people who foster curiosity and creativity.”
Ready to make an impact of your own?
Visit DisneyCareers.com to view job openings and apply.
