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.