Thread: Report: Disney Slashing Jobs, Film Releases

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Report: Disney Slashing Jobs, Film Releases

POSTED: 11:45 am PDT July 12, 2006

LOS ANGELES -- Walt Disney Co. is reportedly ready to substantially reduce its work force and slash its annual output of films from 18 to eight -- cutbacks greater than Hollywood had anticipated.

Additionally, Daily Variety reported all the movies will be Disney-branded, suggesting diminished roles for its Touchstone label. The Hollywood trade paper reports a Disney announcement is expected within 10 days.

Disney is not discussing the report while basking in the glow of a record debut weekend box office for "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest."

Disney's reported move reflects a trend in Hollywood to cut costs amid increasing overhead, production budgets and marketing bills.

Disney has said for some time it was going to cut its total number of films and concentrate on Disney-branded offerings, which make more money that those released on the studio's Touchstone label.

The studio has already greatly reduced the number of films released on its Miramax banner.

Next thing you know, they will move overseas to make cheaper movies

David Letterman got his 2 cents in. Tonight on his top 10 list, #9 Disney will replace the 7 Dwarfs with illegal immigrants.

Dixie