As if its ubiquity were not enough for long-suffering British and American parents, Disney is planning Chinese and Russian productions of High School Musical as it looks for ways in which to take the successful film franchise in emerging markets.

Far from sticking to the status quo, Rich Ross, the president of Disney Channels Worldwide, said that the original American production had been seen by 50 million viewers in China and that there was demand for a local version of the film in the People's Republic and in Russia.

Chinese and Russian High School Musicals are being scripted and should be ready for production next year. It has already adapted High School Musical for the Argentinian market, while two sequels of the original film have also been made.

Mr Ross added that local versions of other popular television shows could work well, saying he would be keen to adapt Hannah Montana for both Chinese and Japanese markets.

He also said that Disney was keen to launch the Disney Channel in China, Russia and parts of Eastern Europe.

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