I have to say that this was expected. Before the Pixar aquisition Walt Disney Feature Animation was geared to releasing one animated film every year (or so). With Pixar’s addition that will shift to a slightly longer distance in time. That usually means Layoffs.
And now, Disney has announced they will be reducing their animation staff. The cuts will all come from the Burbank studio as Pixar is seen as having the right size for it’s production schedule. And this all on the heels of a new contract approval by the animators guild. (Read)
While your at the Animation Guild Blog, take a moment to read this post about Roy Disney’s prophetic words on the removal of Michael Eisner and the return of quality to Disney animation.