MiceChat - News http://micechat.com/forums/ Disney and Industry News Links en Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:42:36 GMT vBulletin 60 http://micechat.com/forums/images/mc3/misc/rss.jpg MiceChat - News http://micechat.com/forums/ Miley Cyrus crew tour bus accident, 1 dead http://micechat.com/forums/news/127529-miley-cyrus-crew-tour-bus-accident-1-dead.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:28:06 GMT
Quote:
A tour bus transporting Miley Cyrus's crew was involved in a deadly crash outside Richmond, Va., on Friday.

Cyrus, 16, was not on board, PEOPLE has confirmed, and, according to her Web site, she is scheduled to perform Sunday in Greensboro, N.C.

"It was one of our tour buses, but not Miley's,” her manager told TMZ. "It was one of our buses that transported our lighting crew."

An investigation is underway to determine exactly why the bus – part of a four vehicle caravan – drifted off the road and overturned. One person, presumed to be the bus driver, died, while nine other people sustained minor injuries.
One Dead in Miley Cyrus Tour Bus Crash - Miley Cyrus : People.com

Miley Cyrus Concert -- The Show Must Go On... | TMZ.com ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/127529-miley-cyrus-crew-tour-bus-accident-1-dead.html <![CDATA['Lost-The Final Season' moves to Tuesdays]]> http://micechat.com/forums/news/127489-lost-final-season-moves-tuesdays.html Fri, 20 Nov 2009 01:10:39 GMT
Quote:
ABC has found a new home for "Lost": Tuesdays at 9 p.m., starting Feb. 2.

Show's final season will launch there with a two hour episode, dubbed "LA X," preceded by a one-hour clip special at 8 p.m.

The following week, on Feb. 9, "Lost" settles into its regular time slot. ABC is still mulling the rest of its midseason schedule, but it's believed that the return of frosh sci-fi entry "V" will take over the Tuesday 10 p.m. slot behind "Lost."

ABC moves 'Lost' to Tuesdays - Entertainment News, TV News, Media - Variety ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/127489-lost-final-season-moves-tuesdays.html Disney hotel employees working sick due to cuts http://micechat.com/forums/news/127468-disney-hotel-employees-working-sick-due-cuts.html Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:53:36 GMT After Disney cut paid sick time for Hotel Employees, many say they have been coming to work with flu-like symptoms. NEVER a good idea especially... After Disney cut paid sick time for Hotel Employees, many say they have been coming to work with flu-like symptoms.

NEVER a good idea especially with so many different strains of the flu going on right now.

The rift seems to come from this group not joining Disney's health program which 30 out of 31 unions companywide have already done. Sick-Time is one of the benefits.

This seems to be more about the union and Disney playing hard-ball and it's the employees (and possibly guests) getting hurt in the end.

Cuts prompt Disney hotel employees to work while sick - Around Disney : The Orange County Register

Quote:
Some Disney hotel employees say they have been going to work with flu-like symptoms since losing their paid sick time off — a benefit that got dropped amid a drawn-out contract dispute between their union and Disney.
Hotel workers have been working without a contract for nearly two years since Disney and their union hit a stalemate in negotiations over health care.
In June, the union axed sick pay from the health plan that it runs, saying Disney is failing to contribute enough money to cover that benefit.
Disney officials counter that hotel employees can get sick pay if they agree to join Disney’s health program, which 30 of 31 unions companywide have joined. At the Disneyland Resort, 10,000 full-time employees qualify for paid sick time under the company plan, said Suzi Brown, a Disney spokeswoman.
Caught in the middle are between 900 and 1,500 hotel workers, including Glynndana Shevlin and Kristi Richards, who have no paid sick time during the swine-flu pandemic. Both are union negotiators and full-time employees.
* More at the link ]]> News sir clinksalot http://micechat.com/forums/news/127468-disney-hotel-employees-working-sick-due-cuts.html <![CDATA['Captain Nemo' beached by studio]]> http://micechat.com/forums/news/127329-captain-nemo-beached-studio.html Tue, 17 Nov 2009 03:40:59 GMT ---Quote--- Disney has put “Captain Nemo: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” in dry dock. The picture, tentatively scheduled to begin production in...
Quote:
Disney has put “Captain Nemo: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” in dry dock.

The picture, tentatively scheduled to begin production in February, has been halted indefinitely, and McG is no longer steering the ship.

The studio confirmed that the studio won’t proceed with the film for now, and reps for the director confirmed he has withdrawn. McG will concentrate on other projects that include “Dead Spy Running,” a Warner Bros. drama that Stephen Gaghan is writing. McG is also attached to “Terminator 5,” though that movie is on hold indefinitely as the Terminator franchise works its way through bankruptcy court. McG just teamed with “Borat” helmer Larry Charles on a new NBC comedy.
more at:
Disney beaches "Captain Nemo"
BFDealmemo on Variety.com

7/7/09
http://micechat.com/forums/news/1193...sets-sail.html ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/127329-captain-nemo-beached-studio.html Disneyland park attendance increases http://micechat.com/forums/news/127137-disneyland-park-attendance-increases.html Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:35:53 GMT In news that should surprise nobody who has been to the parks this year, Disneyland attendance increased for the fiscal year that ended on October... In news that should surprise nobody who has been to the parks this year, Disneyland attendance increased for the fiscal year that ended on October 3rd.

From July to September, attendance increased 15% over the same period last year while attendance at Walt Disney World dropped 3%.

However, park spending was down and despite the increase in attendance, park revenue fell 7% over the fiscal year compared to last year.

Wonder why ...

UPDATE: Disney park attendance increases - Around Disney : The Orange County Register

Quote:
Attendance at Disney’s local theme parks spiked 15 percent in recent months as the company offered deals to lure more guests.
Walt Disney Co.’s latest financial report showed that the two Disneyland Resort parks increased visitation even with the economic downturn. On Thursday afternoon, the company released its figures for the end of the fiscal year, which concluded Oct. 3.
From July through September, Disneyland and Disney’s California Adventure brought in 15 percent more visitors than they did during the same period last year, said Thomas Staggs, Disney’s chief financial officer, during a conference call. At the same time, visitation in Disney’s Florida parks dropped 3 percent.
Overall, however, Disney tourists bought fewer Mickey ears and princess dresses: Visitors spent about 10 percent less on merchandise at the domestic parks, Staggs said.
Both locations saw hotel bookings dip during that three-month period.
Disneyland Resort’s three hotels had 4 percent fewer hotel stays compared to the previous year, Staggs said. That meant an 84-percent overall occupancy - the same as Disney’s Florida properties.
Hotel stays for next year are already falling behind, with bookings about 5 percent down, Staggs said. However, reservations started increasing when Disney announced new promotions this week. Disneyland, for example, is offering two free hotel nights to visitors who stay three nights and buy five-day park passes in the spring.
Over the past year, Disney has offered several promotions, including free park passes on birthdays and free nights as part of hotel packages. At Disney World, guests also could get free meals.
* More at the link ]]> News sir clinksalot http://micechat.com/forums/news/127137-disneyland-park-attendance-increases.html Parks and Resorts President and Disney CFO Swap positions http://micechat.com/forums/news/127097-parks-resorts-president-disney-cfo-swap-positions.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:27:35 GMT Disney Parks and Resorts President Jay Rasulo and CFO Tom Staggs have flipped positions at the company. What this means for the park as a whole... Disney Parks and Resorts President Jay Rasulo and CFO Tom Staggs have flipped positions at the company.

What this means for the park as a whole is unknown at this time, although you can't help but see that Staggs former title has the name "Financial" in the name. Hopefully he's not being brought in to reign in spending at the park (more than it already has been).

Company Town | Disney's Iger on executive shuffle | Los Angeles Times

Quote:
Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger said he had been planning for "quite some time" to give Chief Financial Officer Tom Staggs and Disney Parks Chairman Jay Rasulo new responsibilities, to broaden and deepen the experience of the executive team, but had been forestalled because of the economy.

"It's something that was my idea, something I broached with them a number of months ago," Iger said, adding he waited "until things stabilized before I moved them out of their roles."

Iger said that as chairman of Disney's Parks and Resorts division, Staggs gets an opportunity to gain operational experience -- although he denied Staggs is being positioned for the presidency, a long-unfilled No. 2 role at the company. "I've never known he's been looking for elevated responsibilities in the company," Iger said.

A Disney insider say the moves are intended to strengthen the executive team when Iger names a chief operating officer.

For Rasulo, the new post gives him a chance to manage the financial aspects of the company.
Discuss this topic in the Disney Business section on MiceChat

http://micechat.com/forums/disney-bu...ks-resort.html ]]> News sir clinksalot http://micechat.com/forums/news/127097-parks-resorts-president-disney-cfo-swap-positions.html A record 20 animated features vie for Oscar nominations http://micechat.com/forums/news/127063-record-20-animated-features-vie-oscar-nominations.html Thu, 12 Nov 2009 05:06:14 GMT *20 Animated Features Line Up for 2009 Oscar® Race* *Beverly Hills, CA (November 11, 2009)* — Twenty features have been submitted for...
20 Animated Features Line Up for 2009 Oscar® Race

Beverly Hills, CA (November 11, 2009) — Twenty features have been submitted for consideration in the Animated Feature Film category for the 82nd Academy Awards®.

The 20 submitted features are:

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel”
“Astro Boy”
“Battle for Terra”
“Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”
“Coraline”
“Disney's A Christmas Carol”
“The Dolphin – Story of a Dreamer”
“Fantastic Mr. Fox”
“Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs”
“Mary and Max”
“The Missing Lynx”
“Monsters vs. Aliens”
“9”
“Planet 51”
“Ponyo”
“The Princess and the Frog”
“The Secret of Kells”
“Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure”
“A Town Called Panic”
“Up”

“Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel,” “The Dolphin – Story of a Dreamer,” “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” “Planet 51,” “The Princess and the Frog,” “The Secret of Kells” and “A Town Called Panic” have not yet had their required Los Angeles qualifying run. Submitted features must fulfill the theatrical release requirements and meet all of the category’s other qualifying rules before they can advance in the voting process.

Under the rules for this category, a maximum of 5 features can be nominated in a year in which the field of eligible entries numbers at least 16.

Films submitted in the Animated Feature Film category also may qualify for Academy Awards in other categories, including Best Picture, provided they meet the requirements for those categories.
20 Animated Features Line Up for 2009 Oscar Race | Press Release | The Academy ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/127063-record-20-animated-features-vie-oscar-nominations.html New President - New Structure for Walt Disney Pictures http://micechat.com/forums/news/127040-new-president-new-structure-walt-disney-pictures.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 22:53:13 GMT Rich Ross has a new structure for Walt Disney Pictures. They are outlined to "an emphasis that reflects former Disney Channel chief Ross' emphasis on brands that can be utilized through the Disney company's many businesses".

What this means is expect more movie tie-in's in the parks, more cross-promotion on ABC, etc.

Rich Ross restructures Disney movie studio | Company Town | Los Angeles Times

Quote:
Rich Ross is putting his mark on Walt Disney Studios, bringing over a technology guru from Pixar and promoting the home entertainment chief to a newly created job. In addition, Jim Gallagher, the president of marketing, has left the studio.
The moves reflect Ross' attempt, in close coordination with Walt Disney Co. Chief Executive Bob Iger, to remake the studio to better reflect the new ways audiences are viewing movies in theaters, at home and on digital devices.
"The studio restructuring will embrace new possibilities and opportunities and find innovative ways to provide quality entertainment that is readily available," Ross said in a statement.
Bob Chapek, formerly president of home entertainment, has been promoted to the newly created role of president of distribution, in which he will oversee distribution across all platforms, including movie theaters, DVDs, pay TV and digital. In recent years, Chapek has led the studio's digital initiatives, particularly with Apple Inc.'s iTunes Store. Apple Chief Executive Steve Jobs is the largest individual shareholder of Walt Disney Company stock. Chuck Viane, previously president of distribution, will continue to oversee theatrical distribution and will now report to Chapek.
Greg Brandeau, who oversaw technology at Disney-owned animation studio Pixar from 1996 through 2001 and again starting in 2004, is taking the newly created role of chief technology officer.
Alan Bergman, a 13-year studio veteran who is currently president of Walt Disney Studios, retains that job and adds oversight of "studio franchises," an emphasis that reflects former Disney Channel chief Ross' emphasis on brands that can be utilized through the Disney company's many businesses.
* more at the link ]]> News sir clinksalot http://micechat.com/forums/news/127040-new-president-new-structure-walt-disney-pictures.html <![CDATA[Weinstein's give Disney 'Nine' business]]> http://micechat.com/forums/news/127010-weinsteins-give-disney-nine-business.html Wed, 11 Nov 2009 08:16:44 GMT The last time the Weinsteins and Disney ran so much promotion for a feature film musical adaptation it was for their shared Miramax Films production... The last time the Weinsteins and Disney ran so much promotion for a feature film musical adaptation it was for their shared Miramax Films production of 'Chicago' directed by Rob Marshall. It won the 2002 Oscar for Best Picture and five other categories out of thirteen nominations.

'Nine' is directed by Rob Marshall and stars 2-time Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis and five Oscar winning actresses.

Quote:
To promote its upcoming holiday tentpole "Nine," the Weinstein Co. has turned to Disney in a big way.

In its largest promotion to date, Disney/ABC Unlimited -- the sales group that handles Disney's cross-platform media deals -- has sealed a megapact with Weinstein that will embed content about "Nine" on a wide variety of shows, including ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" and daytime sudsers.

Under the arrangement, a themed dance number on the Nov. 17 episode of "Stars" will be set to the "Nine" song "Be Italian." Dancers will also wear outfits from the movie. Meanwhile, throughout the month of December, "Nine" will be written into episodes of "All My Children," "One Life to Live" and "General Hospital."
full article at:
TWC, Disney pact on 'Nine' - Entertainment News, Exclusives, Media - Variety ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/127010-weinsteins-give-disney-nine-business.html <![CDATA[Disney's Zoradi steps down]]> http://micechat.com/forums/news/126926-disneys-zoradi-steps-down.html Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:11:01 GMT
Quote:
Rich Ross is starting to put his stamp on the Mouse House's feature operations.

Mark Zoradi announced on Monday his resignation as president of worldwide marketing and distribution of the Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Group, becoming the first senior executive to depart since Ross took the reins as chairman of Walt Disney Studios early last month (Daily Variety, Oct. 6).

Zoradi, who leaves immediately, had worked for the Mouse House for the past 29 years and was appointed by Dick Cook, who resigned as chairman of the studio in September.
story at:

Mark Zoradi steps down at Disney

Exec exits post as worldwide marketing topper

Mark Zoradi steps down at Disney - Entertainment News, Business News, Media - Variety ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/126926-disneys-zoradi-steps-down.html <![CDATA['Up' flys high overseas]]> http://micechat.com/forums/news/126853-up-flys-high-overseas.html Sun, 08 Nov 2009 23:51:48 GMT
Quote:
Third on the weekend was Pixar/Disney's "Up," which boosted its international total to $367 million -- $48 million shy of the total recorded by Pixar/Disney's "Ratatouille" - thanks to an $8.4 million weekend at 4,278 screens in 26 markets.
Quote:

A Japan opening is set for Dec. 5.
'This Is It' tops overseas boxoffice ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/126853-up-flys-high-overseas.html <![CDATA['A Christmas Carol' unwraps]]> http://micechat.com/forums/news/126798-christmas-carol-unwraps.html Sat, 07 Nov 2009 22:42:42 GMT
Quote:
Family crowd pleaser "Disney's A Christmas Carol" easily took the top spot Friday with close to $9 million in a frame that was crowded with wide releases from such headliners as George Clooney, Cameron Diaz and Milla Jovovich.
Quote:
Compared to director Robert Zemeckis' previous performance-capture animated films, the first day for "Christmas Carol" fell in between the first Friday of 2004's G-rated "The Polar Express" which made $6.2 million and his 2007 PG-13 lit pic adaptation "Beowulf" which made $10 million. "Beowulf" and "Polar Express" respectively posted opening weekends of $27.5 million and $23.3 million. Matinees will no doubt work in favor of "Christmas Carol" as it looks to keep its lock on No. 1.

"Christmas Carol" stars Jim Carrey as both Ebenezer Scrooge and the classic tale's three ghosts. Gary Oldman, Colin Firth, Cary Elwes and Robin Wright Penn also star. Pic was in play at 3,683 sites, 2,035 of which were 3-D equipped (including 181 Imax screens).
more at:
'Christmas Carol' cheers in $9 million
'Christmas Carol' cheers in $9 million - Entertainment News, Film News, Media - Variety

5/18/09
http://micechat.com/forums/news/1166...mas-carol.html ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/126798-christmas-carol-unwraps.html Walt Disney Animation Studios wants you! http://micechat.com/forums/news/126746-walt-disney-animation-studios-wants-you.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:29:32 GMT *Walt Disney Animation * *resume/reel drop off event * *in Los Angeles!* **Walt Disney Animation Studios is hiring!** *We are accepting...
Walt Disney Animation
resume/reel drop off event
in Los Angeles!


Walt Disney Animation Studios is hiring!

We are accepting artistic resumes and reels for positions on upcoming feature length animated projects based in Burbank, California.

We will host will host a resume and reel drop off event in the Los Angeles area on Wednesday, November 11th

Please join us at Equator Books in Venice to chat about our projects and drop off your resume and reel!

Date: Wednesday, November 11th
Time: 6:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Equator Books
www.equatorbooks.com
1103 Abbot Kinney Blvd
Venice, CA 90291
map:http://tinyurl.com/3xrtkf


Current and upcoming positions at our Burbank studio include:

CG Animators
Technical Animators
Character Pipeline Technical Directors
Lighting/Render Pipeline Technical Directors
General Technical Directors
Lighting Artists (early 2010)
Lighting Assistant Technical Directors (early 2010)
Software Engineers, Pipeline Services
Software Engineers, CG Animation Tools
Software Engineers, Lighting & Rendering
Technical Support Engineers

To register for the event and print out a reel receipt, please visit http://bit.ly/2G7Ngt

If you can’t make the event but would still like to apply, please visit http://www.disneyanimation.com/careers/
 ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/126746-walt-disney-animation-studios-wants-you.html <![CDATA['Up' release party at Fenton's Creamery 11/10]]> http://micechat.com/forums/news/126731-up-release-party-fentons-creamery-11-10-a.html Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:29:09 GMT ---Quote--- Animation giant Pixar is turning to Oakland’s own Fentons Creamery to celebrate the Blu-Ray/DVD release of its summer blockbuster Up....
Quote:
Animation giant Pixar is turning to Oakland’s own Fentons Creamery to celebrate the Blu-Ray/DVD release of its summer blockbuster Up.

The public is invited to join Pixar animators from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. this Tuesday to kick off the Blu-Ray/DVD release. Animators will demonstrate how to draw characters from the film and there will be a photo opportunity with Up’s house floating away. Fentons will also be serving up a special “Spirit of Adventure Sundae” for the event and contests will be held to win various prizes, including copies of the film, Pixar prize packages, and free ice cream.
Fentons Creamery is located at 4226 Piedmont Ave., Oakland
Oakland?s Fentons Creamery will host Pixar Party for 'Up' Blu-Ray/DVD Release ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/126731-up-release-party-fentons-creamery-11-10-a.html <![CDATA[Depp + Jolie = 'POTC 4' & 'Lone Ranger' delays...]]> http://micechat.com/forums/news/126691-depp-jolie-potc-4-lone-ranger-delays.html Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:01:39 GMT Should Johnny Depp take the title role in the new film, 'The Tourist' starring alongside Academy Award winner Angelina Jolie it could signal a delay or the death of his continuing his iconic role of Captain Jack Sparrow in Disney's next 'POTC' cinematic chapter. Not to mention the previously-announced Jerry Bruckheimer production, 'The Lone Ranger'.

Quote:
The emergence of Depp is surprising, since he was expected to make his next film at Disney: a fourth installment of "Pirates of the Caribbean" or "The Lone Ranger."


full story at:

Johnny Depp in talks for 'Tourist'

Thesp may costar with Angelina Jolie in film

Johnny Depp in talks for 'Tourist' - Entertainment News, Los Angeles, Media - Variety ]]> News ALIASd http://micechat.com/forums/news/126691-depp-jolie-potc-4-lone-ranger-delays.html