Disney getting back to its roots? Will make nature docus

[doconeill]

From The Hollywood Reporter:

The Walt Disney Co. said Monday it will launch a new film production unit called Disneynature to produce documentary films about the environment.

CEO Robert Iger said the unit marks a return to the Disney tradition of making nature films.

The first of the unit's seven planned films will be "Earth," set for release on April 22, 2009, which is Earth Day. The other films are set for release through 2012.

"Earth" focuses on a yearlong journey of three mothers -- a polar bear, elephant and humpback whale with their offspring.

Iger said he expects the nature movies to receive wide release in theaters and to feature elements that appear in Disney enterprises involving the Internet, publishing and theme parks.

The films are expected to create new product lines without straining animation or other studio resources, he said.

"When you create high-quality family entertainment, you can have both success and create shareholder value," he said.

Disney shares rose 16 cents, or 0.5%, to $31.49 in midday trading.

 

[CanadianGuy]

WOW -- who coulda seen this coming? I didn't.

I loved the original nature stuff that Disney did so this is a pleasant surprise and if anyone has the money to do this right..

Knox

 

[Keyser]

"When you create high-quality family entertainment, you can have both success and create shareholder value," he said.

I know many will argue that Iger doesn't get it, but at least he sometimes says the right things...