500 animation jobs will go

[DVC-Landbaron]

We knew it was coming, but somehow seeing an official release.... Well. 'Nuff said. Check it out yourself.

Sad, sad article.

 

[HBK]

"I have watched with increasing concern and consternation as the artists of the studio were ever increasingly left out of the creative process to the point where their contribution was reduced to little more than numbers on a ledger."

Yeah, there's magic at work for you!

Disney executives say they aren't cutting back on quality, just fat.

Sure.....but that "fat" was what made Disney special. That "fat" was the attention to detail, which made Disney's products heads and tails above anyone elses'.

The studio's more recent Emperor's New Groove was a box-office disappointment

Yeah, it was a huge disapointment. Heck, maybe if there was some advertising and happy meal tie ins it would have been more of a "success".

But hey, I guess promoting your films are considered "fat".

The economics of the animation industry no longer support the kind of salaries Disney paid to lure top talent in the 1990s when the company engaged in a bidding war with DreamWorks and other studios, Schumacher said.

But 50 Million for some type of cockamamie endorsement (but it's not an endorsement) deal with Tiger Woods is really lean.....no fat there....

 

[DisDuck]

Yes, they cut animators but until the next film comes out under this structure, how do you know its impact (in advance). Does your Magic Mirror on the wall tell you.

Sorry for the steam but it seems some of us are back on the bash train.

By the way, I liked Emporer and thought it better than Prince of Egypt and El Dorado. Much better. Significantly better. Head & Tails above better.

 

[HBK]

Not Bashing, Simply pointing out the truth...

By the way, I liked Emporer and thought it better than Prince of Egypt and El Dorado. Much better. Significantly better. Head & Tails above better.

While not having seen the two Dreamworks pics, I'd like to say I LOVED Emporer!

I love Disney. I hate to see them flopping around like a fish out of water....but unfortunatly that is where the company currently is....

 

[DisDuck]

Ok to put a positive on it. Fish flopping out of water led to land animals which led to humans. So maybe Disney is just evolving and trying out a few different variations before natural selection picks out the best one.

 

[Another Voice]

"Yes, they cut animators but until the next film comes out under this structure, how do you know its impact (in advance). "

Enjoy 'Atlantis' because there's not much in the pipeline. 'Lilo and Stitch', 'Treasure Planet', and maybe 'Brother Bear'. Animated features take years to develop. The damage won't be apparent for a bit, but it's already been done.

Disney has made it very clear that they are out of the feature animated business and the creative talent is reacting in droves. "Cutting animators" isn't like shutting down the auto assembly line for a long weekend. The company is losing people with 20 or more years of experience - the raw talent that is the heart of the entire effort.

By the way, is bashing any worse of a crime than uncritical rationalization?

 

[DisDuck]

I am not uncritical (used to be but DVC can attest that I have moved towards the middle).

Actually, it does not bother me that there is not a new animated feature every year. Where is it written that there must be one. I would rather wait for something good then for something like Pokemon or RugRats or El Dorado.

 

[DVC-Landbaron]

I am not uncritical (used to be but DVC can attest that I have moved towards the middle).

YES!! Absolutely!! Where once stood a Disney defender, now stands a Disney moderate. Rose-colored-glasses off and eyes wide opened!

Actually, it does not bother me that there is not a new animated feature every year. Where is it written that there must be one. I would rather wait for something good then for something like Pokemon or RugRats or El Dorado.

I'm right with you Dis. I'd prefer that they strive for greatness rather than quantity. But, I think you missed AV's point. I think he's saying we're not likely to see ANYTHING worthwhile come out of Disney because NOTHING is in the pipeline. And now they are losing the talent to put anything into that pipeline. Save for the rampant sequel-itis that seems to have infected their philosophy lately, Disney animation, as we knew it, is dead!!

Did I read that right AV?

 

[HBK]

I agree with you too DIS...as I'm sure Voice would as well....but....

Actually, it does not bother me that there is not a new animated feature every year. Where is it written that there must be one. I would rather wait for something good then for something like Pokemon or RugRats or El Dorado.

The problem is you can't build a house without supplies. By gutting feature animation, Disney seems content to release such marvels as Lady & The Tramp II: Scamp's adventure. The only difference is where these movies are released....instead of being direct to video, these will be the new theatrical releases.....

Does that qualify as "something good" or a movie worth waiting for?

 

[DisDuck]

Only time will tell. Remember Fantasia (the original was a bust & panned by critics) when first released. I am welling to wait to see the results before judging. Some have already judged. Each to their own.

 

[HBK]

Originally posted by DisDuck
Only time will tell. Remember Fantasia (the original was a bust & panned by critics) when first released. I am welling to wait to see the results before judging. Some have already judged. Each to their own.

And Walt went on record after the bust saying he would go back to doing what the public wanted. He tried to force his view on us, and it didn't work back then.

That's the difference. If Walt kept churning out Fantasia sequels at that time, we wouldn't be talking about a Disney company.

 

[Amateur Imagineer]

Hi all!! I've been around these boards for a long time, but this is my first post!

I'm really horrified by this latest shakedown. I've been trying to ignore the recent downturn in Disney quality, looking through the bad in the hope that it was only a temporary situation. But this does it...think about the most recent Disney developments:

1) Internal troubles at what's left at WDI, with the loss of several key veterans

2) Labor troubles which *might* lead to a strike. The very thought of that makes me shudder, but Disney's been ignoring their labor problems for awhile, and their lack of acting before is really the cause of their current problems.

3) Park problems at WDW. I just came back from there, and while there are still glimmers of hope (Millionaire is wonderful, the level of crowd interaction is unprecedented), Animal Kingdom is a glaringly unfinished park, Innoventions looks worse and worse, World Showcase needs a boost, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea brings a tear to one's eye.

4) DCA. "Nuff said

5) THIS debacle. The heart of Disney has ALWAYS been the animation studios...after all, it all started with a mouse. The concept of quality family entertainment started with Disney's animated films, and was extended into the theme park business. Apparently, Eisner and company would be more content to throw money and Bruckheimer/Bay then toward great family entertainment. Walt must be rolling in his grave...and Katzenberg must be grinning with delight.

I'm really getting concerned about Disney's future, but I don't know what can be done about it.

Well, that was a long first post! Thanks for reading!

 

[HBK]

I gotta tell you Imagineer....what a well written, thought out, logical post!!!

If only some other's could state their position as clearly as you!

You better get used to living in the past when it comes to Disney Animation....as Voice said, with the company letting go of the animators, they are basically folding up the tent and waiving their white flag.

It's awfull funny though....Katzenburg seems to be able to make an animated hit and actually turn a profit on it. I wonder why Disney decided they couldn't anymore?