Just got back from work where the mood was mixed. Seems like everyone thought this was a great move for Disney, but wished Pixar had remained independant of the mouse’s claws. I finished listening to the complete investor conference at lunch today. One thing that really stood out was how adamant Steve Jobs was that… Read More »Pixar RoundUp – III
It’s day one, the dawn of a new era at the Walt Disney Company. Hopefully, Steve Jobs and Bob Iger aren’t waking up going ‘What have I done!" I imagine there will be a honeymoon period as each side gets re-acquainted with the other. Although Lasseter has kept ties with The Disney Company, I’ sure… Read More »Pixar RoundUp – II
As news of the buyout sinks in I expect reactions will be varied. Already the Disney boards are buzzing with yeahs and nays. Yeahs appear to have the lead. I’m cautiously optimistic after seeing the interview on CNBC. I think if Iger is serious about the value and quality of the Pixar culture and how… Read More »Pixar Roundup – I
On CNBC Right now: Pixar CEO Jobs and Disney CEO Iger both in casual attire. Jobs in classic black turtle neck. Iger in button down shirt with no tie and open to reveal t-shirt.
Neithers want to pin down the moment that the idea of a complete buyout came forward. Both are excited about the deal, however. So let’s talk about that.
Iger: Buyout is not a reflection on supposedly poor WDFA quality, but rather on the quality of Pixar.
Jobs: Our relationship with Disney has been for 19 of our 20 years. We’re convinced that Bob really gets Pixar. Thinks that the ability of Disney to understand the culture of Pixar is there. But they spent less time talking the economics and more time talking about the culture of Pixar and its preservation.
Jobs: hinks the ‘Pixar’ brand will continue to exist and won’t be subsumed by Disney.
Jobs (on technology link): Iger was the first person I called when I wanted to put video content on the iPod. I expect that relationship to continue.
Jobs (asked about vision and ties with Apple): Claims its not about that. Instead it’s about Pixar buying into Bob Iger’s vision of where he wants to take Disney. Saw that Bob understands the importance of Animation. Jobs knew Iger could make this work.
Iger: (what he expects from Jobs): thinks Steve will be a big voice at Disney with his stock position. The potential of the partnership with Apple and its technology leadership is tremendous and he hopes to tap into that and Jobs knowledge of how all that works.
Iger (re: Lasseter’s contract): John’s under contract until 2011, original pixar contract remains in place. John and Ed (Catmull) are passionate and their passion is infectious. This gives John a broader pallatte to spread their talent around (Imagineering!).
(end of interview).
Looks good. Jobs really wanted to make the point that this was as much Pixar buying into Disney’s vision, as it was Disney wanting the Pixar property (but don’t let him fool you there either). Jobs on the Disney board should be interesting. Iger and Jobs appear to have a great working relationship and possibly a good friendship as well. Let’s hope that continues.
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Just came across the wire on Yahoo. Disney purchases Pixar for $7.4 billion. Here’s the good news, John Lasseter will report to directly Bob Iger and work as Chief Creative Officer for Animation and Principal Creative Advisor for Imagineering. Current Pixar President Ed Catmull will move over to run WDFA as well. Pixar will remain located in Emeryville.
There will be an investor conference call at 5:15 that will be webcast at To listen to the
Webcast, turn your browser to www.disney.com/investors/presentations
or http://corporate.pixar.com.
Fallout to follow.
Here’s the whole press release (see below)
[ Tags: disney, pixar, animation, steve+jobs, bob+iger, computer+animation, emeryville, john+lasseter, walt+disney ]
Reuters is reporting that The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors has approved the deal that would buy Pixar in a stock swap worth over $7 billion. The Pixar Board is expected to meet today to discuss the terms. The AP is now reporting the same thing. If the rumors are true, this would make… Read More »Disney Board Gives Go Ahead, source says
A lot of news today. None of it the big news we’re all waiting for (hint: Dixar or Pisney, your choice). So here’s a quick roundup of some of the other news that has come across The Disney Blog wires. Walt Disney Company says ‘No Hard Feelings, Michael’ and names a building after departed CEO… Read More »News Roundup
Update: Apparently this was a secret that wasn’t supposed to get out. The concept art and the info about the project has been removed from the company’s site. It’s been no secret that Disneyland is looking to upgrade their current Monorail fleet. They couldn’t get the original manufacturer to do the job, they were too… Read More »New Monorail Concept Drawing