Disney Is Laying Off Dozens From Studio Division
Earlier today, we here at MickeyBlog reported that over 300 employees were being let go from ESPN. It now looks like further layoffs are happening at Disney-affiliated studios according to a recent piece in Variety.
What we know so far is that more than 50 employees have been let go in the studios marketing group, the New York based theatrical division and Searchlight Pictures. In addition, and with a similar strategy to that proposed at ESPN, hundreds of open positions have been eliminated as well.
According to the piece in Variety, so far, six people at Searchlight Pictures (formerly Fox Searchlight) were laid off on Thursday.
This is further proof that Disney’s massive empire has been hit hard by the Coronavirus in many areas! Disneyland theme park is still closed with no reopening date in sight. Disneyland Paris has had to reclose due to the continued spread of the virus and Broadway theaters will remain shuttered into at least late next Spring. As a result Disney also announced back in may that Frozen would not be reopening on Broadway.
In addition, Disney is sitting on a slew of cinematic releases including Black Widow, West Side Story and the Eternals. While others like Hamilton, Mulan and Pixar’s upcoming Soul are being used to bolster numbers on Disney’s new streaming service- Disney+
It should also be noted that Disney isn’t the only studio facing tough cuts. Lionsgate also reported this week that 15% of its picture group were being laid off. Sony Pictures is also letting members of its marketing and distribution teams go as it looks to consolidate operations.
This is a story that we’ll continue to follow here at MickeyBlog. Readers are encouraged to keep following along with us for further news and updates!
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Source: Variety