Pixar Animation Studios, a subsidiary of Disney, has announced major layoffs that are set to affect approximately 14 percent of its workforce. The decision, which was first proposed in January of this year, is part of a larger cost-cutting measure initiated by Disney CEO Bob Iger.
According to reports, nearly 200 employees will be laid off as part of the proposed restructuring, which is being deemed as the biggest in the history of the renowned animation studio. However, it has been clarified that the layoffs will not affect the top leadership at Pixar.
The decision to lay off nearly 14 percent of its workforce is a result of Disney's plan to reduce its streaming content and focus more on quality. This decision comes as movie production houses across the globe are struggling due to ongoing pandemic and social distancing norms.
In January, Reuters reported that the proposed layoffs could potentially affect up to 20 percent of Pixar's workforce, which would bring the total number of employees to less than 1,000. The report also stated that the company was looking to save more than $5 billion in costs through this restructuring.
14% of Pixar’s employees will be laid off as part of Disney’s cost-cutting measures.
It will be the biggest restructuring in Pixar's history.
(Source: https://t.co/T98Rp0iWUu) pic.twitter.com/nugpFGzA0n
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) May 21, 2024
In addition to the layoffs, Disney is also planning to cut back on its non-content costs and reduce its presence in the sports sector by approximately $3 billion. The company, which employs over 220,00 people globally, is expected to reduce its workforce by 7,000 employees through this cost-cutting measure.
Disney CEO Bob Iger has expressed his appreciation and respect for the dedication of the company's employees worldwide. He also laid out a new structure for Disney, which includes three separate segments – Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Parks.
The layoffs at Pixar are part of a larger initiative to restructure departments and reduce costs at Disney. In June last year, 75 jobs were cut at Pixar, which included two executives responsible for the box office disappointment of their latest release "Lightyear."
The animated film, which had a budget of $200 million, only managed to bring in $226.7 million in global ticket sales, failing to perform as well as previous Pixar hits such as "Toy Story 3" and "Toy Story 4," both of which earned more than $1 billion globally.
The studio has attributed the failure of "Lightyear" to the ongoing pandemic, which has severely impacted the entertainment industry. However, with the restructuring and cost-cutting measures in place, Pixar is hoping to bounce back with its future releases.
The layoffs at Pixar have sparked concerns among the animation community, with many expressing their disappointment and sadness on social media. However, with the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry and the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic, it is a difficult time for all studios and production houses.
The future of Pixar remains uncertain as it faces the aftermath of the pandemic and its effect on the entertainment industry. However, with its strong legacy of creating iconic and beloved animated films, many are hopeful that the studio will be able to adapt and overcome these challenging times. Only time will tell how the layoffs and restructuring will affect the company and its future projects.