The company of Pixar is in a moment without much boom, given that in recent years they have not released films that really become hits on par with Toy Story or Monsters Inc., but despite this, the second part of Inside Out will be released in a couple of weeks and up to a fifth of the toys are already in planning. However, to achieve certain objectives it is necessary to reduce costs, and that leads us to what is typical for companies, layoffs.
According to what has been confirmed by the media, 14 percent of the workforce of this animation company, around 175 employees, will be laid off within the next few days. Before the reductions, approximately 1,300 people worked in the animation studio, but a type of restructuring is being sought and they will eliminate positions that are not so relevant within the organization.
Layoffs are part of the general mandate of the head of Disney, Bob Iger, to refocus on quality, instead of producing content for streaming. Executives have talked about refocusing on quality during numerous earnings calls this year, saying creative teams across the company were too stretched in the arms race to feed streamers.
Here is part of the memorandum from the president of Pixar, Jim Morrisaddressed to staff:
Hello everyone.
I’ve spoken to you many times over the last year about our pending move away from series production for Disney+, the return to our focus on feature films, and the downsizing of our team that would accompany that. That day is here, and while it’s no surprise to anyone, it is one of the most difficult changes we have ever had to make, as it means we will say goodbye to several talented and dedicated colleagues and friends.
Today, leaders will begin the process of notifying employees whose positions will be affected. Calendar invitations to speak with a leader have already been sent to those individuals and we anticipate that we will have connected with everyone affected by the end of the day.
I want to assure you that we will provide you with extensive support as our colleagues begin to exit the study. We are committed to ensuring that your departure is handled with the utmost respect and care at every stage. This is important to me and I understand how important it is to all of us in the Pixar community. I will be hosting a short studio meeting via Zoom this afternoon at 5:00 to discuss today’s announcement further.
Despite the challenges in our industry over the past few years, you have all consistently shown up to contribute, collaborate, innovate, lead, and do great work in this studio. I give my deepest gratitude and to those who will leave us, I hope that our paths will cross again, both professionally and personally.
For now, Pixar It will provide severance pay support to those who are leaving the company in stages.
Via: Hollywood Reporter
Author’s note: It’s quite sad that now the animation world is also being affected by layoffs. But this is also understandable due to how badly it is doing in the streaming part.
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