Disney searching for `British Zac Efron` for UK version of ‘HSM’

London, July 04: Bosses at Disney are looking for youngsters who can do Zac Efron’s role in a UK version of ‘High School Musical’ on their new channel. The company is looking for UK-produced formats of shows like ‘High School Musical’ and ‘Hannah Montana’ for the new Disney XD channel, including entertainment series focused on music and sports. "We want formats that enable us to break new kid talent. We want to find the next Zac Efron in the UK and we think we can. It`s about empowering kids and kids want to sing, they want to dance they want to perform… We`re looking for formats that obviously work in the UK but can also work around Europe and globally,” a news daily quoted Jonathan Bosely, vice president of programming, Disney UK and Ireland. He added, "It`s about aspirational characters, great stories and a sense of achievement. What is the High School Musical for boys? The Hannah Montana? These are the things we`re really interested in – supercharged entertainment formats.” Disney XD, which will soon be launched in the UK, will replace Jetix and will primarily target boys between six and 14. High School Musical has a viewer-ship of near 225 million. Starring Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, it first became a phenomenon in 2006 when it was aired on the Disney Channel. ANI