LOS ANGELES - In a major strategy shift, the Walt Disney Co. said it will stop making direct-to-DVD sequels of such classic animated films as Cinderella, a move that reflects the growing influence of former Pixar Animation executives John Lasseter and Steve Jobs, who once called the films "embarrassing."
The change comes with a shake-up at the company's DisneyToon Studios, including the removal of longtime President Sharon Morrill, who will continue with the company in another capacity, Disney said Friday.
DisneyToon Studios will become part of Walt Disney Feature Animation and report directly to Animation President Ed Catmull and Lasseter, who assumed roles there after Disney bought Pixar Animation Studio last year for $7.4 billion in stock.
DisneyToon will now only produce original DVD films, including the upcoming film starring the fairy Tinkerbell. Little Mermaid III, currently in production, will be the last DVD sequel released.
Disney has been a leader in the direct-to-DVD category, selling millions of copies of such films as Lion King 1 1/2 and Bambi II. _________________ When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.
--Walt Disney
Joined: Feb 21, 2006 Posts: 4196 Location: Sanford, Fl
Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 10:55 am Post subject:
Another article I read about this included the killing of the Tinkerbell/Faires movie, which the artice stated was $30 million in the making (probably including all of the merchandise that was produced)...
That Tinkerbeel/Faires movie thing was messed up from the beginning... They were not going to release any of the merchandise until the movie was ready. But Execs decided to release everything when the movie was held back and kinda killed any tie-in opportunities...
But regarding not making any more direct to dvd sequels, I can only say two words:
THANK GOD! _________________ Up or Down North, South, East, or West An Adventurer's Life is Best!
Joined: Mar 09, 2006 Posts: 809 Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Posted: Mon Jun 25, 2007 4:29 pm Post subject:
What, no Hunchback 8 - Air Dog Quasi?
Seriously, the company seems to be making all the right moves, with Pixar in hand, Lasseter in command, and the team over at WDI (so says Re-Imagineering).
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Utilidors Audio Broadcasting / Utilidors.com / uabmagic.com are in no way affiliated with, endorsed or promoted by the Walt Disney Company or any of its subsidiaries.
All Music and requestable media Copyright the Walt Disney Company or their respective artists / Composers.
