Disney’s sequence of seven,000 layoffs, which started in late March, has now reached its animation and children divisions. Disney TV Animation’s SVP of Present Sequence, Khaki Jones, is leaving after 13 years with the studio. Jones supervised all sequence and short-form content material produced for Disney’s linear channels and Disney+. Additionally on the chopping block are Claire McCabe and Meghan de Boer, VP and Govt Director of the Youngsters Unit, respectively. Each execs have been promoted solely a yr previous to develop unscripted children’ initiatives based mostly on present Disney IPs.
The multi-phase layoff plan was initially ordered by Disney CEO Bob Iger in February to scale back prices by $5.5 billion. Within the course of, Marvel Leisure was absorbed into the corporate final month, and Disney chairman Isaac “Ike” Perlmutter was axed after many years of service, regardless of being instrumental to the success of the MCU.
Within the face of looming layoffs in animation, Iger revealed in early February that the corporate is shifting forward with sequels for the Frozen, Toy Story, and Zootopia franchises. Whereas the information of upcoming sequels is thrilling, the choice is almost definitely within the title of boosting a sagging inventory value. Along with the continuing value chopping, the corporate is betting on franchises which have a historical past of creating main dough. Frozen 2 took in $1.45 billion in 2019, whereas Pixar’s Toy Story 4 earned $1.07 billion in 2019 and Zootopia netted $1.02 billion in 2016. In comparison with newer movies, such because the disappointing Unusual World, tried and true titles are the most secure financial bets.
No phrase but on every other exec or workers cuts in TV or characteristic movie animation; reductions at ABC and Freeform are supposedly imminent.
Cybersecurity specialist by day, investigative journalist by evening.
