NEWS: Disney Names Rob Mills as Head for New Unscripted Programming Unit

The Walt Disney Company has been in the process of shifting its focus to direct-to-consumer services, such as streaming services like Disney+.

©Disney

With that shift has come some major changes to the structure of Disney’s TV studios. One piece of the restructure involves introducing an in-house production unit responsible for unscripted programming. And, Disney recently announced who will head up the new department.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Robert Mills has been promoted to Executive VP of Unscripted and Alternative Entertainment for Walt Disney Television. Previously, Mills served as Senior VP for Alternative Series at ABC so his new role will offer him the ability to expand on his experience and bring new programming to Disney’s direct-to-consumer platforms.

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Currently, three unscripted series are already available on Disney+ including Encore!, Marvel’s Hero Project, and The World According to Jeff Goldblum. Now, with Mills serving in his new role, it is likely that the selection will expand.

Marvel’s Hero Project ©Disney and Marvel

The move to create an in-house alternative production division follows similar decisions made by Fox and NBCUniversal. Now, these networks will be responsible for production, casting, and creative talent development instead of having to outsource the unscripted programming.