Disney Pixar Job Cuts: Pixar Animation Studios, under Walt Disney, is set to undergo job cuts due to the completion of production on certain shows, resulting in an excess of staff, according to a source familiar with the situation. According to the reports, potential layoffs of up to 20% this year, reducing the studio’s 1,300-member team to under 1,000 in the coming months.
However, the source disputed the specific percentage and clarified that Pixar has not yet determined the exact number of job cuts, emphasizing that the layoffs are not imminent. The source did not provide a specific estimate but assured that these reductions would not impact Pixar’s theatrical output.
Pixar’s Emeryville studio in California had expanded its workforce for streaming series completion. As these shows conclude production, there is now a surplus of staff, leading to the contemplated job cuts.
While Disney has not responded immediately to requests for comment, CEO Bob Iger, aiming to control costs, has indicated a reduction in in-house streaming content production. The company plans to license shows and movies from third parties.
This move follows Pixar’s elimination of 75 positions in June of the previous year, including executives associated with the box office disappointment Lightyear. This marked Pixar’s first significant job cuts in a decade.
Pixar, renowned for cinematic franchises like Toy Story, The Incredibles, and Finding Nemo, faced a slow opening for its movie Elemental last year. However, the romantic comedy, exploring the coexistence of the classical elements – fire, water, earth, and air – ultimately garnered nearly US$500 million in worldwide ticket sales.
Disney’s acquisition of Pixar in 2006 aimed to revitalize its struggling Disney Animation division.
FAQs About Disney Pixar Job Cuts
Q. Is Pixar a part of Disney?
A. In 1979, Pixar, initially called Graphics Group, originated under George Lucas, the renowned producer of Star Wars. By 1982, it evolved into Pixar Studios, under Disney ownership, with John Lasseter assuming the role of chief creative officer. Over the past two decades, Pixar has produced a remarkable list of animated movies. Here’s a compilation of their cinematic creations during this period.
Q. How many movies has Pixar made?
A Pixar boasts a portfolio of 27 feature films, all distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures under the Walt Disney Pictures banner. Their inaugural film was the groundbreaking “Toy Story,” released on November 22, 1995. Notably, “Toy Story” marked the first-ever theatrically released CGI-animated feature. The latest addition to Pixar’s repertoire is “Elemental,” which premiered on June 2023.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Why is Pixar laying off employees?
The choice is influenced by a drop in advertising income from ABC and other TV stations, along with continued deficits in the Disney+ streaming division.
How hard is it to get hired by Pixar?
Landing a job at Pixar or another leading animation studio is the ultimate goal for aspiring animators. Who wouldn’t want to hone their skills alongside legends like John Lasseter and Pete Docter? But the job market for animators is fiercely competitive.
Is it better to work at Disney or Pixar?
Pixar Animation Studios excelled in 7 key areas: Overall Rating, Culture & Values, Work-life balance, Senior Management, CEO Approval, Recommend to a friend, and Positive Business Outlook. The two companies were on par in 1 area: Diversity & Inclusion.
Is Pixar a good company to work for?
Pixar Animation Studios received a solid 4.1 out of 5 rating from over 315 anonymous employee reviews, indicating it’s a good company to consider working for. An impressive 78% of employees would recommend it to a friend, and 62% have a positive view of the business.