You Just Won The Super Bowl Campaign Returns
Last year Disney unexplainably cancelled the famous "What’s Next" Super Bowl campaign. This year, however, they’re back with a whole new version of the classic.
Mary Blair book up at ASIFA Blog
It’s hard to beat the artistry of Mary Blair when it comes to representing children. The ASIFA-Hollywood Animation Archive blog has posted some scans of her long out of print book "Little Verses". In these paintings you can see the beginnings of Blair’s concept artwork for the 1964 World’s Fair attraction "it’s a small world".… Read More »Mary Blair book up at ASIFA Blog
Disney Shareholders persue Ovitz appeal
Believe it or not there is other Disney news to report. The decision freeing the Disney Board from any wrong doing in hiring and firing Michael Ovitz is under appeal. Plantiffs went before Delaware’s High Court and asked them to reverse the lower courts decision based on what they claim to be a misinterpretation of… Read More »Disney Shareholders persue Ovitz appeal
Toy Story III, off the shelf?
Reports from Burbank are that John Lasseter and Ed Catmull are cleaning house. First order of business, take those old toys off the shelf and put them in a box somewhere. News was spread through Walt Disney Feature Animation and the, once secret, Circle 7 unit that Toy Story III production has been stopped. Yep,… Read More »Toy Story III, off the shelf?
Pixar RoundUp – III
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
Pixar RoundUp – II
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
Pixar Roundup – I
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
live blog: CNBC Interview
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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