At the Deloitte Media & Telecoms 2024 and Beyond Conference in London, Jan Koeppen, Disney’s President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), emphasized the company’s ongoing commitment to producing hit content and maintaining strong consumer connections. Highlighting Disney’s $4.5 billion investment in U.K. productions over the past five years, Koeppen showcased Disney+’s wide reach, even in households without children, and celebrated the success of the series “Shogun.”
Disney’s Creative Legacy
Disney has been revitalizing its creative efforts since Bob Iger’s return as CEO, focusing on creating content that forms lasting bonds with audiences across generations. Koeppen pointed to “The Lion King” as a prime example of Disney’s strength in crafting stories and characters that endure over time. He also mentioned other timeless classics like “Peter Pan,” “Beauty and the Beast,” and “Moana,” as well as the expansive “Star Wars” saga, which now includes TV series like “The Mandalorian.”
Success Across Platforms
Koeppen argued that managing hit characters effectively ensures their longevity and appeal to new generations. He cited the upcoming “Deadpool & Wolverine” movie, which has already garnered over 365 million trailer views, as a testament to Disney’s franchise power. “The Lion King” franchise continues to thrive, with the stage show drawing 20 million visitors and a new film, “Mufasa: The Lion King,” set to release this December.
Commitment to Theatrical Releases
Despite the rise of streaming, Disney remains dedicated to theatrical releases. Koeppen emphasized that Disney values the theatrical experience, with eight of the ten highest-grossing movies of all time being Disney titles. He highlighted the positive impact of box-office success on the company’s broader portfolio, including live events, consumer products, and theme parks.
Adapting to Changing Viewership Habits
While acknowledging the shift towards streaming, Koeppen reaffirmed Disney’s belief in traditional TV networks. He noted that linear networks still play a significant role in their distribution strategy, with content licensed to partners like the BBC and ITV. This approach not only generates revenue but also builds awareness of key titles.
Disney+ Growth and Success
Koeppen shared impressive data about Disney+, which has tens of millions of subscribers across 85 countries in the EMEA region. Surprisingly, about half of these subscribers are households without children. General entertainment programming accounts for two-thirds of the total hours watched on the platform. Notably, “Shogun” has become the most-viewed general entertainment series premiere ever in the region, while “Coleen Rooney: The Real Wagatha Story” ranks as the most-watched unscripted series in the U.K., second only to “The Kardashians.”
Future Streaming Enhancements
Looking ahead, Koeppen promised further improvements to Disney+, hinting at the service’s increasing importance in Disney’s future plans. The company’s latest quarterly earnings report showed progress towards streaming profitability and an improved full-year earnings forecast, signaling a positive outlook for Disney’s digital ambitions.
In conclusion, Disney’s European strategy, as outlined by Koeppen, showcases a balanced approach between traditional and modern content distribution methods. By leveraging its rich legacy of storytelling and adapting to new media trends, Disney aims to continue its growth and maintain its position as a leading entertainment powerhouse.