Disney Downsizing To Exploit Growing International Markets
By Sheigh Crabtree, Anne Thompson and Borys Kit Hollywood Reporter
Current movie investments trends. Major studios invest money in international film markets.
Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook said Tuesday that as the studio downsizes its film output to 12-13 pictures per year with an emphasis on Disney-branded movies, it is replacing Nina Jacobson, who had headed its live-action film efforts. Oren Aviv, who has been serving as president of marketing and chief creative officer, will take over Disney's film production.
As part of the major corporate shake-up, Disney will reduce its work force by 650 positions worldwide, about 20% of its current work force, Cook said.
Aviv will take on the title of president of production at Walt Disney Pictures. Jim Gallagher, who has been serving as senior vp creative services, will replace Aviv as marketing president.
In addition, the studio is reorganizing its international businesses under two global units. Mark Zoradi, who has overseen international distribution, will add domestic distribution to his portfolio. He has been appointed president of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group, overseeing the distribution and marketing of all Disney and Touchstone films worldwide through Buena Vista Worldwide Marketing and Distribution. Robert Chapek, who has headed Disney's domestic home video efforts, will now look after international home video as well. He was named president of Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment, overseeing the worldwide distribution and marketing of the studio's films on home entertainment platforms through BVWHE.
Aviv, Zoradi and Chapek will report to Cook. Gallagher will report to Zoradi.
"It's a global business, no longer in L.A. and New York," Cook said of the reorganization. "As emerging markets become more important to us, we have to think about how best to organize and find efficiencies." Thus, it made sense for Cook to merge international and domestic marketing, he said.
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