Disney Ditches Films Lacking Tie-in potential, axes 650 jobs

Disney this week confirmed earlier reports in Variety by slashing the number of major films produced each year from 18 to 12. Despite having one of its most successful summers in years, with Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest becoming the year's number one film after just two weeks, the 'Mouse House' has decided to scale back production, slashing 650 jobs worldwide in the process. The company claims that it wants to focus on family oprientated entertainment as they offer far more lucratative marketing and tie-in opportunities.

In the first major restructure since Apple and Pixar CEO Steve Jobs joined the Disney Board, Adult orientated films are to be scaled back with Touchstone Pictures to only produce 2-3 films per year.

Among those leaving the company will be Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group president Nina Jacobson, who had been in charge of live-action films for 10 years. Other Disney staffers this week anxiously await  to find out if they face the chop or not.