AceShowbiz - Streaming giant Disney+ is increasing its production efforts across Europe, commissioning a diverse slate of scripted and non-scripted projects. This expansion includes a high-profile feature documentary on Welsh soul singer Duffy, a murder mystery set in Italy, and a supernatural Turkish comedy.

Angela Jain, Disney+’s head of content for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, revealed these plans during the Series Mania TV festival. She emphasized a strategic boost in regional content, aiming to broaden the streamer’s footprint across European markets.

One of the standout projects is a documentary focused on Duffy. The Welsh artist rose to international fame with her hit single "Mercy" before retreating from the public eye. Years later, she shared on social media that she had been abducted and assaulted. This new Disney+ documentary, produced in partnership with Rare TV and Stellify Media, marks the first occasion where Duffy will publicly discuss her ordeal.

In addition to this, Disney+ is commissioning an Italian murder mystery series titled Murder on Lake Garda. Described by Jain as "a classic whodunit," the story is based on Tom Hindle’s bestselling novel about a murder occurring on the eve of a lavish wedding. The production will be handled by Fremantle’s label The Apartment.

Adding a twist of humor and fantasy, Disney+ is also developing The Strange Story of Gustav Maier, a Turkish supernatural comedy about a 350-year-old virgin vampire who unexpectedly falls in love with a human. The Turkish production company MGX will be producing this quirky love story.

In Spain, the streamer has ordered a documentary series called Abandoned. This series explores the true story of three children who were found deserted at a train station in a major city. Forty years later, they embark on a journey to uncover the reasons behind their abandonment. The series will be produced by Luminol Media.

Notably absent from the slate is Germany, Europe’s largest TV market. Disney+ has paused several planned projects there as it reevaluates its local content strategy.

This ramp-up in European production reflects Disney+’s commitment to delivering diverse, locally relevant stories, combining documentaries, thrillers, and comedies to appeal to a wide audience across the continent.