Stage 9 Digital Media develops original content for the Web.

The Disney-ABC Television Group on Thursday, Feb. 28, launched "Squeegees," a comedy series about window washer slackers, on ABC.com and YouTube. It is one of several original short-form films that will be created by Stage 9, an experimental new media content studio. "Squeegees"' first-run is being sponsored by Toyota.

"An integral part of our overall digital strategy, Stage 9 was created to bridge the gap between user-generated content and traditional production, and is a perfect example of how we are continually looking at innovative methods to develop, produce, market and distribute the high-quality programming that consumers demand," said ANNE SWEENEY, co-chair, Disney Media Networks, and president, Disney-ABC Television Group. "By partnering with extremely talented creative individuals and producing in a variety of genres, Stage 9 has the ability and positioning to put experimental new media content on the map."

Upcoming short-form programming will include "Voicemail 2," the second season of ABC.com's first original series about a man's decade-long collection of phone messages, as well as the sci-fi thriller "Trenches," which is set in the middle of a war on another planet,  and due out in the Spring.

Academy Award-winning short-form producer BARRY JOSSEN has been named general manager of Stage 9, and is overseeing the development of 20 programs targeted at the Adults 18-34 audience.