25% staff cut in Animation

[LIDisneyFan]

On the Reuters wire today

Walt Disney Co. (NYSEIS - news) lost 67 cents to $29.03 after it cut 25 percent of the jobs in its animation division that produced cartoon hits such as ``The Lion King'' and ``Aladdin'' to control costs.

Interesting way to control costs for a company known for animation

 

[Sarangel]

The 'theory' behind this is that costs for Animator's salaries were bumped up when Dreamworks and Warner Bros. were also hiring them, but since Warner has given up on Feature Animation. They need to drop Animator salaries to a more 'reasonable' level.

Sarangel

 

[Another Voice]

There are more animated films in production right now than at any time in history - and many times more than then when 'The Lion King' was produced. Even most live action movies are using some sort of computer animation in one form or another.

The 'lack of competition' line that Disney is putting out is, shall we say, just spin. There aren't any rumors of Dreamworks, Viacom or Warners cutting their salaries by 50%. If Disney would be willing to create a compelling story, salaries would not be an issue.

I just hope that Tiger Woods can draw...

 

[HBK]

I just hope that Tiger Woods can draw...

Great line Voice.

 

[HorizonsFan]

Even most live action movies are using some sort of computer animation in one form or another.

The more the computers do, the fewer animators they need.