Star Wars mastermind George Lucas — Disney’s largest individual shareholder — has come out with a statement supporting Disney’s board and CEO Bob Iger, urging Mouse House investors to reject bids by two activist investor groups to take seats on the media company’s board.
“Creating magic is not for amateurs,” Lucas said in a statement released Tuesday. “When I sold Lucasfilm just over a decade ago, I was delighted to become a Disney shareholder because of my longtime admiration for its iconic brand and Bob Iger’s leadership.”
Lucas continued, “When Bob recently returned to the company during a difficult time, I was relieved. No one knows Disney better. I remain a significant shareholder because I have full faith and confidence in the power of Disney and Bob’s track record of driving long-term value. I have voted all of my shares for Disney’s 12 directors and urge other shareholders to do the same.
“Creating magic is not for amateurs,” Lucas said in a statement released Tuesday. “When I sold Lucasfilm just over a decade ago, I was delighted to become a Disney shareholder because of my longtime admiration for its iconic brand and Bob Iger’s leadership.”
Lucas continued, “When Bob recently returned to the company during a difficult time, I was relieved. No one knows Disney better. I remain a significant shareholder because I have full faith and confidence in the power of Disney and Bob’s track record of driving long-term value. I have voted all of my shares for Disney’s 12 directors and urge other shareholders to do the same.
- 3/19/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
Trian Partners is revealing more detail on its plans to shake up Disney, should founder Nelson Peltz and fellow nominee Jay Rasulo be elected to Disney’s corporate board next month.
As part of its ongoing proxy fight with Disney, Trian published a 130-page whitepaper, accusing Disney’s current board of directors of being “the root cause of Disney’s underperformance” in recent years.
But while much of the paper assigns blame to the board and reiterates many of the claims made by Trian previously, it also offers suggestions for what the company should do, and what Peltz and Rasulo would push for, should they win board seats at Disney’s April 3 annual meeting.
Among the suggestions are to “right-size” both Disney’s studio business and its linear TV networks.
“We believe that it is unlikely that Disney can realize its full potential if it refuses to sufficiently right-size expenses...
As part of its ongoing proxy fight with Disney, Trian published a 130-page whitepaper, accusing Disney’s current board of directors of being “the root cause of Disney’s underperformance” in recent years.
But while much of the paper assigns blame to the board and reiterates many of the claims made by Trian previously, it also offers suggestions for what the company should do, and what Peltz and Rasulo would push for, should they win board seats at Disney’s April 3 annual meeting.
Among the suggestions are to “right-size” both Disney’s studio business and its linear TV networks.
“We believe that it is unlikely that Disney can realize its full potential if it refuses to sufficiently right-size expenses...
- 3/4/2024
- by Alex Weprin
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Descendants of Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney have weighed in on the bid by two activist investment firms to win seats on the board of the Walt Disney Co. — and they’re in Bob Iger’s corner in the fight.
Nelson Peltz, the activist investor who runs hedge fund Trian Partners, is waging a proxy-fight battle to install himself and ex-Disney CFO Jay Rasulo as directors; Peltz’s stated aim is to drive up the price of Disney’s stock. Another investment firm, Blackwells Capital, supports the leadership of CEO Bob Iger and the current board but is urging Disney shareholders to vote for its own three candidates instead of Disney’s or Trian’s nominees.
Disney opposes the candidates put forward by Trian and Blackwells as lacking “the appropriate range of talent, skill, perspective and/or expertise,” and is urging shareholders to vote for its own 12 nominees.
Nelson Peltz, the activist investor who runs hedge fund Trian Partners, is waging a proxy-fight battle to install himself and ex-Disney CFO Jay Rasulo as directors; Peltz’s stated aim is to drive up the price of Disney’s stock. Another investment firm, Blackwells Capital, supports the leadership of CEO Bob Iger and the current board but is urging Disney shareholders to vote for its own three candidates instead of Disney’s or Trian’s nominees.
Disney opposes the candidates put forward by Trian and Blackwells as lacking “the appropriate range of talent, skill, perspective and/or expertise,” and is urging shareholders to vote for its own 12 nominees.
- 3/1/2024
- by Todd Spangler
- Variety Film + TV
In two open letters to shareholders of the Walt Disney Company, grandchildren of Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney came out in support of CEO Bob Iger and current management, which is being assailed by two investment firms trying to change the makeup of the company’s board.
“From Mickey and Minnie, to Snow White and Mary Poppins, Disney is not a company that makes widgets – it makes magic,” wrote Roy P. Disney Susan Disney Lord, Tim Disney and Abigail Disney, who has been outspokenly critical of the company in the past. “And it takes a special group of leaders with a deep respect and understanding for this tradition to develop the kinds of incredible experiences – whether in a theme park, at a movie theatre, or in your own home – that touch people’s hearts. Bob Iger, his management team, and the Board of Directors are faithful to this magic.
“From Mickey and Minnie, to Snow White and Mary Poppins, Disney is not a company that makes widgets – it makes magic,” wrote Roy P. Disney Susan Disney Lord, Tim Disney and Abigail Disney, who has been outspokenly critical of the company in the past. “And it takes a special group of leaders with a deep respect and understanding for this tradition to develop the kinds of incredible experiences – whether in a theme park, at a movie theatre, or in your own home – that touch people’s hearts. Bob Iger, his management team, and the Board of Directors are faithful to this magic.
- 2/29/2024
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
The grandchildren of Walt Disney and Roy O. Disney are voicing their support for Bob Iger in his board seat battle against Nelson Peltz.
Two separate letters were sent to shareholders Thursday from each set of grandchildren, including Abigail Disney, who has been outspoken against recent Disney practices.
In the letter from grandchildren of Roy O. Disney, which is signed by Abigail and three others, the grandchildren outline the “magic” they experienced at the company throughout their childhoods, and say that Iger can continue that spirit at the company. Meanwhile, they call Peltz one of the “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and also one of the “villains” in a Disney story.
“Bob Iger, his management team, and the Board of Directors are faithful to this magic. They understand that the longevity of The Walt Disney Company isn’t only the result of smart business decisions; it is rooted in the...
Two separate letters were sent to shareholders Thursday from each set of grandchildren, including Abigail Disney, who has been outspoken against recent Disney practices.
In the letter from grandchildren of Roy O. Disney, which is signed by Abigail and three others, the grandchildren outline the “magic” they experienced at the company throughout their childhoods, and say that Iger can continue that spirit at the company. Meanwhile, they call Peltz one of the “wolves in sheep’s clothing” and also one of the “villains” in a Disney story.
“Bob Iger, his management team, and the Board of Directors are faithful to this magic. They understand that the longevity of The Walt Disney Company isn’t only the result of smart business decisions; it is rooted in the...
- 2/29/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
October 16, 2023 marks the official 100th anniversary of The Walt Disney Company. While many enterprises now make up the conglomerate — from theme parks to sports broadcasting — animation has been at its core since the beginning.
The legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios continues strongly today. 2023 also sees the theatrical debut of "Wish" — the studio's first original fairytale — from the co-director of "Frozen" and starring Ariana DeBose as Asha, the story's protagonist. "Wish" is accompanied in theaters by a new short film, "Once Upon a Studio," starring Mickey Mouse and featuring characters from every feature-length film in the Disney Animation canon.
Even for a studio with such a rich, beloved filmography as Disney's, the past 100 years have been an ebb and flow of highs and lows, hits and bombs, artistic phenomena and creative scarcity. With each generation, Disney Animation must redefine itself for its audience while retaining the signatures that make it iconic.
The legacy of Walt Disney Animation Studios continues strongly today. 2023 also sees the theatrical debut of "Wish" — the studio's first original fairytale — from the co-director of "Frozen" and starring Ariana DeBose as Asha, the story's protagonist. "Wish" is accompanied in theaters by a new short film, "Once Upon a Studio," starring Mickey Mouse and featuring characters from every feature-length film in the Disney Animation canon.
Even for a studio with such a rich, beloved filmography as Disney's, the past 100 years have been an ebb and flow of highs and lows, hits and bombs, artistic phenomena and creative scarcity. With each generation, Disney Animation must redefine itself for its audience while retaining the signatures that make it iconic.
- 10/7/2023
- by Blake Taylor
- Slash Film
“I woke up one day and realized that, just by virtue of being born lucky, I had so much more than everyone else,” says Abigail Disney. “And I don’t think I’ve slept well since I figured that out.”
Disney, the granddaughter of The Walt Disney Company co-founder Roy O. Disney, has used her considerable means to make the world a better place since the ‘90s, backing a string of non-profits and producing documentaries that shine a light on societal injustices. These have included Pray the Devil Back to Hell,...
Disney, the granddaughter of The Walt Disney Company co-founder Roy O. Disney, has used her considerable means to make the world a better place since the ‘90s, backing a string of non-profits and producing documentaries that shine a light on societal injustices. These have included Pray the Devil Back to Hell,...
- 7/25/2023
- by Marlow Stern
- Rollingstone.com
Left: Walt Disney with one of his creations Mickey Mouse (Photo: General Photographic Agency/Getty Images); right: Disney cartoonists on strike in 1941 (Photo: LA Times/Wikicommons)Graphic: The A.V. Club
With their concurrent Hollywood strikes, the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild have designs on transforming the...
With their concurrent Hollywood strikes, the Writers Guild of America and the Screen Actors Guild have designs on transforming the...
- 7/17/2023
- by Ray Greene
- avclub.com
When they sang "Ev'rybody wants to be a cat," that apparently included the Academy Award and six-time Grammy Award-winner, Questlove. In news first reported by Deadline, Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson is set to direct a live-action/animation hybrid remake of "The Aristocats" for the House of Mouse. The film is being compared to similar hybrid films like "Sonic the Hedgehog" and "Space Jam: A New Legacy," featuring live-action performers crossed with CGI. There's no word yet on whether or not this means the titular cats will look like CGI updates of their animated origins, or if this will be another semi-realistic uncanny valley adventure similar to Disney's recent remake of "The Lion King."
Admittedly, the timing of this announcement is somewhat suspicious, as Disney also announced that they'd be laying off roughly 7,000 employees starting this week. It's a shame that the news of Questlove's "The Aristocats" remake is coming on the...
Admittedly, the timing of this announcement is somewhat suspicious, as Disney also announced that they'd be laying off roughly 7,000 employees starting this week. It's a shame that the news of Questlove's "The Aristocats" remake is coming on the...
- 3/27/2023
- by BJ Colangelo
- Slash Film
When I was a kid, I remember hearing about the Disney Vault. Every once in a while, movies and shows would be brought in and out of this vault, apparently for special occasions. But this was very much a marketing tool to drum up the popularity of classic productions from The Walt Disney Company. There wasn't a literal vault where these things were kept ... right?
Well, in a way, there actually is a "Disney Vault." The Walt Disney Archives is an initiative that was started by Roy O. Disney in 1970 in order to collect and preserve the legacy of the company started by his brother. Over 50 years later, this archive (largely due to the groundwork laid by original Disney archivist Dave Smith) has assembled integral pieces of history from the House of Mouse's existence like props, costumes, and documents and ensures that they're kept safe and intact for future generations to enjoy.
Well, in a way, there actually is a "Disney Vault." The Walt Disney Archives is an initiative that was started by Roy O. Disney in 1970 in order to collect and preserve the legacy of the company started by his brother. Over 50 years later, this archive (largely due to the groundwork laid by original Disney archivist Dave Smith) has assembled integral pieces of history from the House of Mouse's existence like props, costumes, and documents and ensures that they're kept safe and intact for future generations to enjoy.
- 2/17/2023
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
(Welcome to 100 Years of Disney Magic, a series examining the history, achievements, and legacy of The Walt Disney Company over the last century. Part 2, "The Dream Comes True: The Birth Of Disney Brothers Studio," investigated the animator arriving in Hollywood and founding the Disney Brothers Studio with his brother Roy. In Part 3, we explore the rise and fall of Walt's first breakout hit, Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.)
When we think "Walt Disney," one iconic cartoon character comes to mind -- the shrill-voiced optimist, Mickey Mouse. Much like Kermit the Frog is to Jim Henson, the squeaky lil' anthropomorphized rodent is a reflection of his creator. Mickey Mouse is humble, yet bold. He works hard. He loves his friends and family. He's distinctly American. Heck, Mickey was even voicedby Walt Disney initially. It's no wonder that mouse ears became a trademark icon for the Disney brand as a whole, appearing on T-shirts,...
When we think "Walt Disney," one iconic cartoon character comes to mind -- the shrill-voiced optimist, Mickey Mouse. Much like Kermit the Frog is to Jim Henson, the squeaky lil' anthropomorphized rodent is a reflection of his creator. Mickey Mouse is humble, yet bold. He works hard. He loves his friends and family. He's distinctly American. Heck, Mickey was even voicedby Walt Disney initially. It's no wonder that mouse ears became a trademark icon for the Disney brand as a whole, appearing on T-shirts,...
- 2/16/2023
- by Sarah Milner
- Slash Film
The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary got prime billing during Sunday’s Super Bowl Lvii.
The 90-second spot hightlights storytelling and scenes from iconic Disney films, TV series, theme parks, stage productions, as well as a compilation of words and sayings written by Walt Disney, a determined young animator and entrepreneur from Kansas City who moved to Los Angeles and founded an animation studio with his older brother, Roy O. Disney.
Among the characters featured in Disney100 Special Look is of course Mickey Mouse, the company’s mascot who was first sketched by Disney.
The company’s 100th anniversary date is Oct. 16, 2023. There is a yearlong calendar of events, including Disney100: The Exhibition, a sprawling traveling spectacle that first opens in Philadelphia in the coming weeks.
“As we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, it is remarkable to look back at Walt Disney’s legacy and his passionate pursuit...
The 90-second spot hightlights storytelling and scenes from iconic Disney films, TV series, theme parks, stage productions, as well as a compilation of words and sayings written by Walt Disney, a determined young animator and entrepreneur from Kansas City who moved to Los Angeles and founded an animation studio with his older brother, Roy O. Disney.
Among the characters featured in Disney100 Special Look is of course Mickey Mouse, the company’s mascot who was first sketched by Disney.
The company’s 100th anniversary date is Oct. 16, 2023. There is a yearlong calendar of events, including Disney100: The Exhibition, a sprawling traveling spectacle that first opens in Philadelphia in the coming weeks.
“As we commemorate our historic 100th anniversary, it is remarkable to look back at Walt Disney’s legacy and his passionate pursuit...
- 2/13/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Walt Disney Co. Archives director Becky Cline has spent the past several months shuttling between the studio’s Burbank lot and Philadelphia, where a sprawling exhibit is debuting in February as part of the conglomerate’s yearlong 100th anniversary celebration in 2023. After Philly’s famed Franklin Institute, Disney100: The Exhibition will embark on a global five-year tour. The 15,000-square-foot spectacle will showcase more than 250 items, including Mickey Mouse sketches through the years, the storybook seen in 1937’s Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the snow globe from 1964’s Mary Poppins, not to mention Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar and Pixar paraphernalia.
None is more important than the contract signed by Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney on Oct. 16, 1923, to make a series of six Alice in Wonderland-themed cartoons for distributor M.J. Winkler, who booked animated shorts to play before silent movies. The pact marked the founding of the Disney Brothers Studio,...
None is more important than the contract signed by Walt Disney and his brother Roy O. Disney on Oct. 16, 1923, to make a series of six Alice in Wonderland-themed cartoons for distributor M.J. Winkler, who booked animated shorts to play before silent movies. The pact marked the founding of the Disney Brothers Studio,...
- 1/6/2023
- by Pamela McClintock
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Bob Iger, who was reinstalled as CEO of the Walt Disney Co. yesterday, will be eligible to receive up to 27 million in each of the two years he is under contract to lead the company.
The compensation targets covering Iger’s new contract window, from November 20, 2022, through December 31, 2024, were disclosed today in an SEC filing. The exact amount of Iger’s pay ultimately will depend on a host of factors, including how the company performs as well as his own progress toward financial targets.
The reinstallation of Iger in the top job, which he held for 15 years before ceding the role to company veteran Bob Chapek, has stunned the media industry and the larger business community. While some CEOs, among them Howard Schultz at Starbucks and Steve Jobs at Apple, have successfully returned to their alma maters, encores are hardly the norm. In the shakeup last night, Chapek was ousted...
The compensation targets covering Iger’s new contract window, from November 20, 2022, through December 31, 2024, were disclosed today in an SEC filing. The exact amount of Iger’s pay ultimately will depend on a host of factors, including how the company performs as well as his own progress toward financial targets.
The reinstallation of Iger in the top job, which he held for 15 years before ceding the role to company veteran Bob Chapek, has stunned the media industry and the larger business community. While some CEOs, among them Howard Schultz at Starbucks and Steve Jobs at Apple, have successfully returned to their alma maters, encores are hardly the norm. In the shakeup last night, Chapek was ousted...
- 11/21/2022
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Abigail Disney’s Fork Films, the production company and funder that has backed titles including The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales, Crip Camp and The Tale, has closed its doors, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
A handful of staff positions (fewer than 10) at the company, which put an emphasis on impact-driven documentary projects, have been terminated as a result of the closure. Disney first informed the staff of her decision in February, with the intention of shutting down entirely by September. Variety was the first to report the news.
“After much reflection, Abigail decided to close Fork Films,” a representative said in a statement. “Several Fork Films’ staff members will continue working on ‘The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,’ its release and impact campaign in the coming months. She plans to continue making films.”
Founded in 2007 by Disney, the granddaughter of...
Abigail Disney’s Fork Films, the production company and funder that has backed titles including The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales, Crip Camp and The Tale, has closed its doors, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
A handful of staff positions (fewer than 10) at the company, which put an emphasis on impact-driven documentary projects, have been terminated as a result of the closure. Disney first informed the staff of her decision in February, with the intention of shutting down entirely by September. Variety was the first to report the news.
“After much reflection, Abigail decided to close Fork Films,” a representative said in a statement. “Several Fork Films’ staff members will continue working on ‘The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,’ its release and impact campaign in the coming months. She plans to continue making films.”
Founded in 2007 by Disney, the granddaughter of...
- 10/4/2022
- by Katie Kilkenny
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Abigail Disney’s documentary and feature production company Fork Films, which is behind such projects as “Crip Camp” and her recent doc “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” is shutting down, TheWrap has learned.
A spokesperson for the company told TheWrap that fewer than 10 roles were ultimately eliminated. However, staff was informed of the decision to shutter the company back in February and had been working to wind the company down by the end of September. Further, individual stakeholders, collaborators and filmmakers were informed of the decision as of July.
Several staffers will remain to complete working on the rollout of their most recent film “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” over the coming months, according to the spokesperson. Disney plans to continue making films, the spokesperson adds.
Also Read:
‘The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales’ Review: Disney’s Magic Kingdom Takes a Hit in Sobering Documentary
Disney,...
A spokesperson for the company told TheWrap that fewer than 10 roles were ultimately eliminated. However, staff was informed of the decision to shutter the company back in February and had been working to wind the company down by the end of September. Further, individual stakeholders, collaborators and filmmakers were informed of the decision as of July.
Several staffers will remain to complete working on the rollout of their most recent film “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” over the coming months, according to the spokesperson. Disney plans to continue making films, the spokesperson adds.
Also Read:
‘The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales’ Review: Disney’s Magic Kingdom Takes a Hit in Sobering Documentary
Disney,...
- 10/3/2022
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
This review originally ran in conjunction with the film’s world premiere at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
A couple of years ago, Bob Iger, at the time the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, got an email from Abigail E. Disney, the granddaughter of Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney and the grandniece of Walt Disney. Abigail was disturbed by the fact that Iger had made 66 million the previous year while many Disneyland employees lived below the poverty line; Iger replied that he shared her concern but it was the fault of the government, and referred her to the human resources department, which defended its treatment of Disney employees.
More recently, she sent Iger another email. “Dear Bob,” it read. “You didn’t seem to understand my email, so I made this movie.”
“This movie” is “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” which premiered on Monday at the virtual 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
A couple of years ago, Bob Iger, at the time the CEO of the Walt Disney Company, got an email from Abigail E. Disney, the granddaughter of Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney and the grandniece of Walt Disney. Abigail was disturbed by the fact that Iger had made 66 million the previous year while many Disneyland employees lived below the poverty line; Iger replied that he shared her concern but it was the fault of the government, and referred her to the human resources department, which defended its treatment of Disney employees.
More recently, she sent Iger another email. “Dear Bob,” it read. “You didn’t seem to understand my email, so I made this movie.”
“This movie” is “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales,” which premiered on Monday at the virtual 2022 Sundance Film Festival.
- 9/30/2022
- by Steve Pond
- The Wrap
August 2022 marks the 58th anniversary of Walt Disney's "Mary Poppins." Featuring Julie Andrews as the titular nanny from the beloved P.L. Travers book series, the critically acclaimed live-action/animated hybrid became the highest-grossing movie of 1964 and was the only Walt Disney Studios film to earn a Best Picture nomination at the Academy Awards during the founder's lifetime.
However, like many films of that era and prior, there aren't many pieces of screen used memorabilia left to display and share with the adoring public. Those involved in the productions at the time viewed such items as "just props" to be disposed of when cameras stopped rolling. That's why Roy O. Disney founded the Walt Disney Archives in 1970, with the goal of collecting, preserving, and making props available not just for research but so future generations could enjoy them. Luckily, when it comes to the practically perfect Poppins, some people worked hard...
However, like many films of that era and prior, there aren't many pieces of screen used memorabilia left to display and share with the adoring public. Those involved in the productions at the time viewed such items as "just props" to be disposed of when cameras stopped rolling. That's why Roy O. Disney founded the Walt Disney Archives in 1970, with the goal of collecting, preserving, and making props available not just for research but so future generations could enjoy them. Luckily, when it comes to the practically perfect Poppins, some people worked hard...
- 8/30/2022
- by Ben F. Silverio
- Slash Film
"The Disney company is ground zero of the widening inequality in America." An official trailer has debuted for the searing documentary film titled The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales, which originally premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival earlier this year. This is definitely the film that Disney does not want you to see because it shatters their perfect image as this fairytale company that makes all your (and your kids') dreams come true, primarily by underpaying workers and exploiting labor worldwide for their greedy gain. Dr. Abigail E. Disney looks at America's dysfunctional and unequal economy and asks why the "American Dream" only seems to work for the wealthy, yet is a nightmare for people born with less. Using her family's story, Disney explores how this systemic injustice took hold and imagines a way toward a more equitable future. I saw this at Sundance and highly recommend this film to every last American.
- 8/22/2022
- by Alex Billington
- firstshowing.net
Abigail E. Disney is holding a magnifying glass to the company founded by her family in the first trailer for “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales.” Through the lens of the Happiest Place on Earth, the documentary, which premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, examines the wealth disparity between the rich and the poor in the United States.
“The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” was directed by Kathleen Hughes and Abigail Disney, whose grandfather Roy O. Disney co-founded The Walt Disney Company with his brother Walt Disney. In addition to her work as a documentary filmmaker, she is a social activist who has been working to illuminate the systemic injustice of America’s worker economy. She’s been openly critical of The Walt Disney Company’s pay practices and has long called for wage equality.
“A custodian would have to work for 2,000 years to make what [former Disney CEO] Bob Iger makes in one,...
“The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” was directed by Kathleen Hughes and Abigail Disney, whose grandfather Roy O. Disney co-founded The Walt Disney Company with his brother Walt Disney. In addition to her work as a documentary filmmaker, she is a social activist who has been working to illuminate the systemic injustice of America’s worker economy. She’s been openly critical of The Walt Disney Company’s pay practices and has long called for wage equality.
“A custodian would have to work for 2,000 years to make what [former Disney CEO] Bob Iger makes in one,...
- 8/19/2022
- by Rebecca Rubin
- Variety Film + TV
If Abigail Disney had listened to her financial advisers growing up, the heiress would have concentrated on one thing above all else: getting even richer.
The granddaughter of The Walt Disney Company co-founder Roy O. Disney says of those early money managers, “They were really lovely, wonderful, nice people who had known me since I was a child… and they taught me some things that it took me a long time to break open and really unpack. Nobody said this out loud—this was just implied—but if you end your life without more than you started with, then you’ve somehow failed. And beyond that, your children should be better off than you were.” But with her, the imperative to compile wealth on top of wealth didn’t take. “I think that’s an appropriate thing, maybe in the middle class or the working class,” she notes. “But I...
The granddaughter of The Walt Disney Company co-founder Roy O. Disney says of those early money managers, “They were really lovely, wonderful, nice people who had known me since I was a child… and they taught me some things that it took me a long time to break open and really unpack. Nobody said this out loud—this was just implied—but if you end your life without more than you started with, then you’ve somehow failed. And beyond that, your children should be better off than you were.” But with her, the imperative to compile wealth on top of wealth didn’t take. “I think that’s an appropriate thing, maybe in the middle class or the working class,” she notes. “But I...
- 5/23/2022
- by Matthew Carey
- Deadline Film + TV
A member of the Disney family has come out publicly as transgender and spoke out against homophobic state laws sweeping many conservative local governments currently. Charlee Corra Disney uses they/them pronouns, and their great-grandfather was the co-founder of Disney, Roy O. Disney. Charlee told The Los Angeles Times that they work as a high school science […]
The post Charlee Corra Disney, Member Of Disney Family, Comes Out As Transgender appeared first on uInterview.
The post Charlee Corra Disney, Member Of Disney Family, Comes Out As Transgender appeared first on uInterview.
- 4/18/2022
- by Jacob Linden
- Uinterview
“The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” is one of the most talked-about documentaries at this year’s Sundance Film Festival, both because of its take on the widening gap between the rich and poor in the United States and because Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Roy O. Disney, is one of the directors, alongside Kathleen Hughes.
Abigail Disney’s name, and the fact that she takes aim at the company co-founded by her grandfather (who died shortly after opening Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971) gives what could have been a run-of-the-mill documentary additional dimension and spark.
Disney and Hughes sat down for an interview at TheWrap’s virtual Sundance Studio and discussed what prompted them to make the film. In a particularly candid moment, Disney expressed doubts about Bob Chapek, the company’s new CEO, who started in home video before moving on to run the consumer products and theme park divisions.
Abigail Disney’s name, and the fact that she takes aim at the company co-founded by her grandfather (who died shortly after opening Walt Disney World in Florida in 1971) gives what could have been a run-of-the-mill documentary additional dimension and spark.
Disney and Hughes sat down for an interview at TheWrap’s virtual Sundance Studio and discussed what prompted them to make the film. In a particularly candid moment, Disney expressed doubts about Bob Chapek, the company’s new CEO, who started in home video before moving on to run the consumer products and theme park divisions.
- 1/28/2022
- by Drew Taylor
- The Wrap
At the same moment Disney-critical documentary “The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales” was premiering at the Sundance Film Festival, the media giant’s controversy du jour involved the treatment of dwarfs in its upcoming live-action “Snow White” remake. “Heigh-ho! Heigh-ho!” as the lyrics go. “We dig up diamonds by the score / A thousand rubies, sometimes more / Though we don’t know what we dig ’em for.” Turns out, the employees of Disneyland can say the same, generating enormous wealth for shareholders and CEOs while earning barely enough to feed their families — a situation Abigail Disney wants to do something about.
The granddaughter of The Walt Disney Co. co-founder Roy O. Disney — and a direct beneficiary of its corporate policies — Abigail Disney doesn’t like to see the little guy exploited. Some may recognize the filmmaker (who shares credit with “The Armor of Life” collaborator Kathleen Hughes) from media appearances,...
The granddaughter of The Walt Disney Co. co-founder Roy O. Disney — and a direct beneficiary of its corporate policies — Abigail Disney doesn’t like to see the little guy exploited. Some may recognize the filmmaker (who shares credit with “The Armor of Life” collaborator Kathleen Hughes) from media appearances,...
- 1/28/2022
- by Peter Debruge
- Variety Film + TV
Bob Iger is barely out the door at the Walt Disney Company and already a film from a scion of the founding family has come along to give the well compensated ex-ceo a kick in the ass.
However, the Abigail Disney co-directed The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales documentary doesn’t have much to add to the discussions of income inequity, ice cold hearted corporations and the legacy of the Reagan Revolution, except a high profile and well-heeled surname.
Debuting with its world premiere at the virtual Sundance Film Festival tonight as the House of Mouse’s stock took a whack from Wall Street, the Abigail E. Disney and Kathleen Hughes directed The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales proves to be less an exercise for social and economic justice and more a vanity exercise with talking heads.
Which is more than a real shame, it is a tragically missed opportunity.
However, the Abigail Disney co-directed The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales documentary doesn’t have much to add to the discussions of income inequity, ice cold hearted corporations and the legacy of the Reagan Revolution, except a high profile and well-heeled surname.
Debuting with its world premiere at the virtual Sundance Film Festival tonight as the House of Mouse’s stock took a whack from Wall Street, the Abigail E. Disney and Kathleen Hughes directed The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales proves to be less an exercise for social and economic justice and more a vanity exercise with talking heads.
Which is more than a real shame, it is a tragically missed opportunity.
- 1/25/2022
- by Dominic Patten
- Deadline Film + TV
Abigail E. Disney, the granddaughter of Walt Disney Company co-founder Roy O. Disney, has spoken out against the treatment of Disney employees and the compensation of Disney executives in the past; with The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales, she and co-director Kathleen Hughes investigate the poor working conditions and hand-to-mouth living of Disneyland workers and the riches of Disney CEO Bob Iger. Editor David Cohen explains how he shaped the footage into a narrative and the constant evolution of Abigail Disney’s role in front of the camera. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the editor of your […]
The post “The Problem Is Getting More and More Urgent”: Editor David Cohen on The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “The Problem Is Getting More and More Urgent”: Editor David Cohen on The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/24/2022
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine - Blog
Abigail E. Disney, the granddaughter of Walt Disney Company co-founder Roy O. Disney, has spoken out against the treatment of Disney employees and the compensation of Disney executives in the past; with The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales, she and co-director Kathleen Hughes investigate the poor working conditions and hand-to-mouth living of Disneyland workers and the riches of Disney CEO Bob Iger. Editor David Cohen explains how he shaped the footage into a narrative and the constant evolution of Abigail Disney’s role in front of the camera. Filmmaker: How and why did you wind up being the editor of your […]
The post “The Problem Is Getting More and More Urgent”: Editor David Cohen on The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
The post “The Problem Is Getting More and More Urgent”: Editor David Cohen on The American Dream and Other Fairy Tales first appeared on Filmmaker Magazine.
- 1/24/2022
- by Filmmaker Staff
- Filmmaker Magazine-Director Interviews
Ruthie Tompson, who began her career at the Walt Disney Studios as a painter in the Ink and Paint Department during the first golden age of Disney animation, died peacefully in her sleep at her home at the Motion Picture and Television Fund in Woodland Hills, Calif. on Sunday. She was 111.
Tompson worked at The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1975 after completing work on “The Rescuers” (1977). Additionally, she was one of the first three women invited to join the International Photographers Union, Local 659 of the IATSE, in 1952. In 2000, as the employee with the longest history with Walt and Roy O. Disney, Tompson was named a Disney Legend, the prestigious honor awarded to individuals in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to The Walt Disney Company.
Born in Portland, Maine, on July 22, 1910, Tompson was raised in Boston, Mass. Her family moved to California in 1918, arriving first in Oakland on Nov.
Tompson worked at The Walt Disney Company for nearly 40 years, retiring in 1975 after completing work on “The Rescuers” (1977). Additionally, she was one of the first three women invited to join the International Photographers Union, Local 659 of the IATSE, in 1952. In 2000, as the employee with the longest history with Walt and Roy O. Disney, Tompson was named a Disney Legend, the prestigious honor awarded to individuals in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to The Walt Disney Company.
Born in Portland, Maine, on July 22, 1910, Tompson was raised in Boston, Mass. Her family moved to California in 1918, arriving first in Oakland on Nov.
- 10/11/2021
- by Katie Song
- Variety Film + TV
Over the past few years, Abigail Disney has made no secret of her concerns around the corporate policies of The Walt Disney Co., criticizing its compensation practices for senior executives and its treatment of lower-level employees.
Unlike most company shareholders, however, Disney has a personal connection to the entertainment giant, which was co-founded by her grandfather, Roy O. Disney, the brother of Walt.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter’s editor-at-large Kim Masters on Kcrw’s The Business podcast, the Emmy-winning director says that Disney’s C-suite turnover and the novel coronavirus pandemic have only exacerbated her concerns around the company’s future.
“I don’...
Unlike most company shareholders, however, Disney has a personal connection to the entertainment giant, which was co-founded by her grandfather, Roy O. Disney, the brother of Walt.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter’s editor-at-large Kim Masters on Kcrw’s The Business podcast, the Emmy-winning director says that Disney’s C-suite turnover and the novel coronavirus pandemic have only exacerbated her concerns around the company’s future.
“I don’...
- 12/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Over the past few years, Abigail Disney has made no secret of her concerns around the corporate policies of The Walt Disney Co., criticizing its compensation practices for senior executives and its treatment of lower-level employees.
Unlike most company shareholders, however, Disney has a personal connection to the entertainment giant, which was co-founded by her grandfather, Roy O. Disney, the brother of Walt.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter’s editor-at-large Kim Masters on Kcrw’s The Business podcast, the Emmy-winning director says that Disney’s C-suite turnover and the novel coronavirus pandemic have only exacerbated her concerns around the company’s future.
“I don’...
Unlike most company shareholders, however, Disney has a personal connection to the entertainment giant, which was co-founded by her grandfather, Roy O. Disney, the brother of Walt.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter’s editor-at-large Kim Masters on Kcrw’s The Business podcast, the Emmy-winning director says that Disney’s C-suite turnover and the novel coronavirus pandemic have only exacerbated her concerns around the company’s future.
“I don’...
- 12/18/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Few companies have been hit as hard by the Covid-19 pandemic as Disney, which has reorganized, restructured and suffered massive revenue and job losses. But Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney and daughter of longtime Disney executive Roy E. Disney, argues it didn’t have to be this way.
“If they had been less motivated by simply pushing profits to shareholders, but rather to stakeholders, their employees wouldn’t have had to run to food banks quite as quickly,” Disney, a filmmaker and social activist who co-founded production companies Level Forward and Fork Films, told TheWrap’s founder and editor-in-chief, Sharon Waxman, during TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on Wednesday.
“They might have had the savings to support themselves on and Disney might have had some cash on hand, instead of having to borrow immediately for their needs,” she continued. “So it’s the grasping after...
“If they had been less motivated by simply pushing profits to shareholders, but rather to stakeholders, their employees wouldn’t have had to run to food banks quite as quickly,” Disney, a filmmaker and social activist who co-founded production companies Level Forward and Fork Films, told TheWrap’s founder and editor-in-chief, Sharon Waxman, during TheWrap’s Power Women Summit on Wednesday.
“They might have had the savings to support themselves on and Disney might have had some cash on hand, instead of having to borrow immediately for their needs,” she continued. “So it’s the grasping after...
- 12/9/2020
- by Tim Baysinger
- The Wrap
Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Walt Disney Co. co-founder Roy O. Disney, continued her attacks on her namesake company in a fusillade of tweets Thursday warning that “layoffs are coming.”
The 24-part attack centered on what she called the “greed-is-good” ethos of American corporations, including Disney, a matter of considerably more urgency during Covid-19 and the resulting economic downturn.
The tweetstorm began with a re-tweet of a New York Times story about a study of executive compensation across 3,000 public companies. The article concluded that top executives generally sacrificed little during the crisis even as average workers suffered. Iger, the Times reported, took a salary cut of more than $2 million, but that amounted to only about 3% of his 2019 pay. Along with Disney, that pattern held true for two-thirds of the companies surveyed.
“Disney furloughed its workers because they intend to lay many of them off, but they didn’t want the bad...
The 24-part attack centered on what she called the “greed-is-good” ethos of American corporations, including Disney, a matter of considerably more urgency during Covid-19 and the resulting economic downturn.
The tweetstorm began with a re-tweet of a New York Times story about a study of executive compensation across 3,000 public companies. The article concluded that top executives generally sacrificed little during the crisis even as average workers suffered. Iger, the Times reported, took a salary cut of more than $2 million, but that amounted to only about 3% of his 2019 pay. Along with Disney, that pattern held true for two-thirds of the companies surveyed.
“Disney furloughed its workers because they intend to lay many of them off, but they didn’t want the bad...
- 7/30/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Shamrock Capital, the LA-based investment firm created by the late Roy E. Disney, has closed a new content fund with $400 million in committed capital to acquire existing entertainment IP rights in film, TV, music and video games.
The Shamrock Capital Content Fund II follows an inaugural fund that raised $250 million and holds an interest in more than 800 films, 1,000 television episodes, and 5,000 music compositions. The funds don’t invest in unreleased content but beyond that have a broad scope, eyeing product that was just released into its initial window, to content that’s decades old. It tends to acquire rights directly from producers, directors, showrunners and artists versus major studios.
The deals aren’t announced but occasionally a seller will agree to make them public. In fall 2018, Shamrock acquired Tor Hermansen and Mikkel Erikson’s Stargate music publishing catalog with Katy Perry’s Firework, Rihanna’s Diamonds and Beyonce’s Irreplacable.
The Shamrock Capital Content Fund II follows an inaugural fund that raised $250 million and holds an interest in more than 800 films, 1,000 television episodes, and 5,000 music compositions. The funds don’t invest in unreleased content but beyond that have a broad scope, eyeing product that was just released into its initial window, to content that’s decades old. It tends to acquire rights directly from producers, directors, showrunners and artists versus major studios.
The deals aren’t announced but occasionally a seller will agree to make them public. In fall 2018, Shamrock acquired Tor Hermansen and Mikkel Erikson’s Stargate music publishing catalog with Katy Perry’s Firework, Rihanna’s Diamonds and Beyonce’s Irreplacable.
- 7/21/2020
- by Jill Goldsmith
- Deadline Film + TV
Abigail Disney posted a 25-tweet thread ripping the Walt Disney Co.’s plan to furlough 100,000 workers, mostly in its theme park division, in a move she says is about preserving executive bonuses and shareholder dividends.
“What the actual f–k?????” she wondered in one of the initial tweets kicking off the thread, which is pinned to the top of her account. Alluding to an estimate of the shareholder dividend from a recent Financial Times article Disney wrote that $1.5 billion would “pay for three months salary to front line workers. And its going to people who have already been collecting egregious bonuses for years.” She described the idea of paying bonuses during the pandemic as “the Real outrage.”
More from Deadline'Toy Story 4' Has A Friend In Many: No. 6 On Deadline's 2019 Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament'Aladdin' Keeps Disney's Live-Action Toon Pics On A Magic Carpet Ride: No. 7 On Deadline's 2019 Most Valuable Blockbuster...
“What the actual f–k?????” she wondered in one of the initial tweets kicking off the thread, which is pinned to the top of her account. Alluding to an estimate of the shareholder dividend from a recent Financial Times article Disney wrote that $1.5 billion would “pay for three months salary to front line workers. And its going to people who have already been collecting egregious bonuses for years.” She described the idea of paying bonuses during the pandemic as “the Real outrage.”
More from Deadline'Toy Story 4' Has A Friend In Many: No. 6 On Deadline's 2019 Most Valuable Blockbuster Tournament'Aladdin' Keeps Disney's Live-Action Toon Pics On A Magic Carpet Ride: No. 7 On Deadline's 2019 Most Valuable Blockbuster...
- 4/22/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Disney CEO Bob Iger collected $47.5 million in total compensation in 2019, down nearly 28% from the $65.6 million he made in 2018, the company disclosed late Friday in an SEC filing.
According to a proxy statement, Disney paid Iger $3 million in base salary, nearly $30 million in stock and option awards and another $21.8 million in non-equity incentive plan compensation. The 2018 package reflected a one-time incentive that was awarded to Iger after he agreed to stay on as company chief past the date when he had initially announced he would retire.
No other executive got close to Iger’s level in 2019, with CFO Christine McCarthy coming in No. 2 with a total package of just shy of $15 million, up from $11.8 million in 2018.
The amount of Iger’s pay — and that of other corporate CEOs — has generated criticism in recent years. Disney heiress Abigail Disney, grand-daughter of Roy O. Disney, co-founder of the company, labeled his 2018 compensation “insane.
According to a proxy statement, Disney paid Iger $3 million in base salary, nearly $30 million in stock and option awards and another $21.8 million in non-equity incentive plan compensation. The 2018 package reflected a one-time incentive that was awarded to Iger after he agreed to stay on as company chief past the date when he had initially announced he would retire.
No other executive got close to Iger’s level in 2019, with CFO Christine McCarthy coming in No. 2 with a total package of just shy of $15 million, up from $11.8 million in 2018.
The amount of Iger’s pay — and that of other corporate CEOs — has generated criticism in recent years. Disney heiress Abigail Disney, grand-daughter of Roy O. Disney, co-founder of the company, labeled his 2018 compensation “insane.
- 1/17/2020
- by Dade Hayes
- Deadline Film + TV
Filmmaker and philanthropist Abigail Disney and industry veteran Adrienne Becker joined forces to launch the content studio Level Forward in early 2018 after they’d briefly paired up in an effort to buy Weinstein Co. out of the ashes of bankruptcy.
Disney and Becker came to realize that they were kindred spirits in their interest in social justice and advancing the showbiz careers of women and people of color. Level Forward is designed to provide creative support and nontraditional financing for projects from creators who are willing to trade big upfront fees for a larger share of equity and more creative freedom.
Disney and Becker detail their growing portfolio and company ethos on the latest installment of “Strictly Business,” Variety‘s weekly podcast featuring conversations with industry leaders about the business of media and entertainment.
Disney, who is the granddaughter of Walt Disney Co. co-founder Roy O. Disney, also discusses her...
Disney and Becker came to realize that they were kindred spirits in their interest in social justice and advancing the showbiz careers of women and people of color. Level Forward is designed to provide creative support and nontraditional financing for projects from creators who are willing to trade big upfront fees for a larger share of equity and more creative freedom.
Disney and Becker detail their growing portfolio and company ethos on the latest installment of “Strictly Business,” Variety‘s weekly podcast featuring conversations with industry leaders about the business of media and entertainment.
Disney, who is the granddaughter of Walt Disney Co. co-founder Roy O. Disney, also discusses her...
- 10/9/2019
- by Cynthia Littleton
- Variety Film + TV
Disney has responded to comments made by Abigail Disney, granddaughter of Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney, condemning what she sees as gross imbalances in the company’s salary practices. In a lengthy series of tweets made on Sunday, Ms. Disney said “by any objective measure a pay ratio over a thousand is insane,” adding that such an imbalance has a “corrosive effect on society.” She began her remarks referencing Disney CEO Bob Iger, who made $65.6 million last year, or 1,424 times that of the median Mouse House employee.
In a statement given to the New York Times, the company defended it salary practices, aggressively disputing Ms. Disney’s characterizations.
“Disney has made historic investments to expand the earning potential and upward mobility of our workers, implementing a starting hourly wage of $15 at Disneyland that’s double the federal minimum wage,” the statement said, adding that the company had committed up to...
In a statement given to the New York Times, the company defended it salary practices, aggressively disputing Ms. Disney’s characterizations.
“Disney has made historic investments to expand the earning potential and upward mobility of our workers, implementing a starting hourly wage of $15 at Disneyland that’s double the federal minimum wage,” the statement said, adding that the company had committed up to...
- 4/24/2019
- by Jude Dry
- Indiewire
Abigail Disney, the granddaughter of Disney co-founder Roy O. Disney and daughter of longtime Disney executive Roy E. Disney, believes that the compensation of Disney CEO Bob Iger is “insane,” according to a report from Fast Company.
Disney made the assessment at the inaugural Fast Company Impact Council on Thursday, noting, “I like Bob Iger. Let me be very clear. I think he’s a good man.” Nonetheless, she noted, “I think he’s allowing himself to go down a road that is the road everyone is going down.”
According to Fast Company, Iger’s compensation grew by 80% in 2018 to $65.6 million. Citing an Equilar study, the outlet said that Iger’s compensation was 1,424 times that of the median Disney employee.
Also Read: Bob Iger on Disney-Fox Deal Close: 'I Wish I Could Tell You That the Hardest Part Is Behind Us'
In a statement to Fast Company, a Disney spokesperson said,...
Disney made the assessment at the inaugural Fast Company Impact Council on Thursday, noting, “I like Bob Iger. Let me be very clear. I think he’s a good man.” Nonetheless, she noted, “I think he’s allowing himself to go down a road that is the road everyone is going down.”
According to Fast Company, Iger’s compensation grew by 80% in 2018 to $65.6 million. Citing an Equilar study, the outlet said that Iger’s compensation was 1,424 times that of the median Disney employee.
Also Read: Bob Iger on Disney-Fox Deal Close: 'I Wish I Could Tell You That the Hardest Part Is Behind Us'
In a statement to Fast Company, a Disney spokesperson said,...
- 4/22/2019
- by Tim Kenneally
- The Wrap
Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith, the historian who spent 40 years cataloging and preserving the company’s legacy of entertainment and innovation, died Friday in Burbank, Calif. He was 78.
Smith served as Disney’s chief archivist from 1970 to 2010. He was named a Disney Legend in 2007 and served as a consultant to the company after his retirement.
“He was the unsung hero of Disney’s history who, as our first archivist, spent 40 years rescuing countless documents and artifacts from obscurity, investing endless hours restoring and preserving these priceless pieces of our legacy, and putting them in context to tell our story,” said Disney chairman-ceo Bob Iger. “Dave was a true Disney Legend, and we are indebted to him for building such an enduring, tangible connection to our past that continues to inspire our future.”
Smith was hired in 1970 by Walt Disney’s brother, Roy O. Disney. His first job was to...
Smith served as Disney’s chief archivist from 1970 to 2010. He was named a Disney Legend in 2007 and served as a consultant to the company after his retirement.
“He was the unsung hero of Disney’s history who, as our first archivist, spent 40 years rescuing countless documents and artifacts from obscurity, investing endless hours restoring and preserving these priceless pieces of our legacy, and putting them in context to tell our story,” said Disney chairman-ceo Bob Iger. “Dave was a true Disney Legend, and we are indebted to him for building such an enduring, tangible connection to our past that continues to inspire our future.”
Smith was hired in 1970 by Walt Disney’s brother, Roy O. Disney. His first job was to...
- 2/16/2019
- by Variety Staff
- Variety Film + TV
Walt Disney Archives founder and Disney Legend Dave Smith died today in Burbank, California at age 78. His four-decade career at The Walt Disney Company was dedicated to preserving Disney’s treasures from film, television, theme parks, and beyond.
Named a Disney Legend in 2007, Smith shared his wide knowledge of the company’s rich history in books and through his popular magazine column, “Ask Dave.”
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Dave Smith’s passing,” said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “He was the unsung hero of Disney’s history who, as our first archivist, spent 40 years rescuing countless documents and artifacts from obscurity, investing endless hours restoring and preserving these priceless pieces of our legacy, and putting them in context to tell our story. Dave was a true Disney Legend, and we are indebted to him for building such an enduring, tangible connection to...
Named a Disney Legend in 2007, Smith shared his wide knowledge of the company’s rich history in books and through his popular magazine column, “Ask Dave.”
“I’m deeply saddened to learn of Dave Smith’s passing,” said Bob Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “He was the unsung hero of Disney’s history who, as our first archivist, spent 40 years rescuing countless documents and artifacts from obscurity, investing endless hours restoring and preserving these priceless pieces of our legacy, and putting them in context to tell our story. Dave was a true Disney Legend, and we are indebted to him for building such an enduring, tangible connection to...
- 2/16/2019
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
Abigail Disney described how her outrage over Harvey Weinstein’s conduct prompted her to launch a bid for The Weinstein Co. and ultimately led to the creation of a new type of entertainment company that blends creativity with a broader social mission.
The documentary filmmaker and granddaughter of Walt Disney Co. co-founder Roy O. Disney offered a blistering critique of Weinstein and of billionaire Ron Burkle, who backed a bid for The Weinstein Co. that was fronted by a Maria Contreras-Sweet.
Referring more broadly to the industry, Disney remarked, “If raping and pillaging is part of your business plan, it’s probably how you treat everything else in your world.”
In a video conference call with a handful of journalists, Disney said she was “filled with rage” by the allegations of rape and sexual assault against the once-powerful Hollywood producer. She said her anger motivated her to back a bid to take over the studio.
The documentary filmmaker and granddaughter of Walt Disney Co. co-founder Roy O. Disney offered a blistering critique of Weinstein and of billionaire Ron Burkle, who backed a bid for The Weinstein Co. that was fronted by a Maria Contreras-Sweet.
Referring more broadly to the industry, Disney remarked, “If raping and pillaging is part of your business plan, it’s probably how you treat everything else in your world.”
In a video conference call with a handful of journalists, Disney said she was “filled with rage” by the allegations of rape and sexual assault against the once-powerful Hollywood producer. She said her anger motivated her to back a bid to take over the studio.
- 6/27/2018
- by Dawn C. Chmielewski
- Deadline Film + TV
55 years ago today, audiences got to meet Pongo, Perdita, Patch, and 98 more spotted puppies when “101 Dalmatians” opened in theaters. The film is often credited with saving Disney Animation — 1959’s “Sleeping Beauty” under-performed at the box office, leading to massive layoffs. Roy O. Disney, Walt’s brother, even tried to convince Walt to shut down their animation department and shift focus to TV production. Fortunately for Baloo, Ariel, Simba, Elsa and all the animated Disney greats that were yet to come, “101 Dalmatians” was a box office hit — it was the 10th highest grossing film of 1961 in the U.S. and Canada. And the characters of “101 Dalmatians” have made their mark on pop culture in the 55 years since. Cruella de Vil, the movie’s villain who wants to turn the puppies into a dog-skin fur coat, ranked at #39 on AFI’s list of the top 50 movie villains of all time. Glenn Close...
- 1/25/2016
- by Emily Rome
- Hitfix
Exclusive: Armor Of Light, a documentary about faith and guns which marks the directorial debut of producer Abigail Disney (granddaughter of the late Roy O. Disney) is bowing in theaters on October 30, backed by an unusual grassroots marketing effort that is working hard to bring in both card-carrying NRA members and conservative evangelicals, as well as those who are in groups for gun legislation. Plans are underway right now to be able to make the movie free to…...
- 10/21/2015
- Deadline
A version of this story first appeared in the Oct. 16 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe. Though Hollywood often dismisses or mocks evangelical Christians, director Abigail Disney is specifically courting them with her new anti-gun documentary, The Armor of Light. Disney boasts a calling-card name, hailing from the legendary Disney family (her father is former Disney vice chairman Roy E. Disney, who famously worked to oust Michael Eisner from the company, and her grandfather Roy O. Disney co-founded The Walt Disney Co. with her great-uncle Walt Disney.
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- 10/7/2015
- by Tatiana Siegel
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Reddit
This is a photo of the first Disneyland gate-ticket ever sold. This was from opening day on July 17th, 1955. It was purchased for $1 by Roy O. Disney and found in his desk after he passed away.
These days people who want to go to Disneyland have to pay 96 freakin' bucks. It's amazing to see how much Disneyland has grown over the years, and how it manages to still entertain people. So much so that they are willing to spend crazy amounts of money to be entertained.
Here's a little story about the Disney archives from the La Times a few years back. Disney basically hired a guy to go through the desks and offices of Walt and Roy after they died.
After Walt Disney died in 1966, his grieving staff sealed his office suite in Burbank, and even as work proceeded on "The Jungle Book" there was anxiety that the...
This is a photo of the first Disneyland gate-ticket ever sold. This was from opening day on July 17th, 1955. It was purchased for $1 by Roy O. Disney and found in his desk after he passed away.
These days people who want to go to Disneyland have to pay 96 freakin' bucks. It's amazing to see how much Disneyland has grown over the years, and how it manages to still entertain people. So much so that they are willing to spend crazy amounts of money to be entertained.
Here's a little story about the Disney archives from the La Times a few years back. Disney basically hired a guy to go through the desks and offices of Walt and Roy after they died.
After Walt Disney died in 1966, his grieving staff sealed his office suite in Burbank, and even as work proceeded on "The Jungle Book" there was anxiety that the...
- 8/25/2014
- by Joey Paur
- GeekTyrant
Patricia Disney, former wife of Walt Disney’s late nephew Roy E. Disney, died yesterday after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was 77 and died at her Los Angeles home. Her former husband was a longtime top executive at The Walt Disney Co., which was founded by his uncle Walt Disney and father Roy O. Disney. The couple divorced in 2007, and he died in 2009. An active philanthropist, Patricia Disney served as a trustee of Occidental College in Los Angeles and a regent of St. Mary’s College in Moraga, Calif. She is survived by her children, Roy Patrick Disney, Susan Disney Lord, Abigail Disney and Timothy Disney and 17 grandchildren.
- 2/5/2012
- by THE DEADLINE TEAM
- Deadline TV
Roy Edward Disney, the son and nephew of The Walt Disney Company co-founders Roy O. Disney and Walt Disney, respectively, passed away yesterday after a yearlong battle with stomach cancer at the age of 79.
Roy E. Disney joined the Disney Company in 1953 and worked there 56+ years, eventually serving as Vice Chairman of its board of directors and chairman of Disney Animation from 1984-2003. Most recently he held the title of director emeritus and consultant. As the head of Disney Animation, Mr. Disney was credited with guiding the studio into a new golden age of animation with feature films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.
Roy E. Disney was also a passionate defender of the company and its direction, leading a shareholder revolt not once but twice against the company and its board when he and others believed that Disney had lost its bearings.
Roy E. Disney joined the Disney Company in 1953 and worked there 56+ years, eventually serving as Vice Chairman of its board of directors and chairman of Disney Animation from 1984-2003. Most recently he held the title of director emeritus and consultant. As the head of Disney Animation, Mr. Disney was credited with guiding the studio into a new golden age of animation with feature films such as The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and The Lion King.
Roy E. Disney was also a passionate defender of the company and its direction, leading a shareholder revolt not once but twice against the company and its board when he and others believed that Disney had lost its bearings.
- 12/17/2009
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
It's our sad duty to report that Roy E. Disney, the nephew of Walt Disney former executive for the Walt Disney Company has passed away at the age of 79 after a year-long battle with stomach cancer.
A stalwart fixture at Disney - his personal office was situated inside the magic hat atop Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California - he oversaw many of the company's greatest successes over the past few decades. The company released the following statement:
Roy Edward Disney, son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney, and nephew of Walt Disney, passed away today (12/16/09) at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California, following a year-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 79 years old.
Disney was a successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker and award-winning sailor, who played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney's animation legacy. He was associated with the Company over a 56-year period,...
A stalwart fixture at Disney - his personal office was situated inside the magic hat atop Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California - he oversaw many of the company's greatest successes over the past few decades. The company released the following statement:
Roy Edward Disney, son of Disney Studios co-founder Roy O. Disney, and nephew of Walt Disney, passed away today (12/16/09) at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian in Newport Beach, California, following a year-long battle with stomach cancer. He was 79 years old.
Disney was a successful businessman, philanthropist, filmmaker and award-winning sailor, who played a key role in the revitalization of The Walt Disney Company and Disney's animation legacy. He was associated with the Company over a 56-year period,...
- 12/17/2009
- Screenrush
Roy E. Disney, the son and nephew of The Walt Disney Company co-founders Roy O. Disney and Walt Disney, respectively, passed away yesterday after a yearlong battle with stomach cancer. He was 79. Roy E. Disney joined the Disney Company in 1953 and worked there 56+ years, eventually serving as Vice Chairman of its board of directors and chairman of Disney Animation from 1984-2003. Most recently he held the title of director emeritus and consultant. As the head of Disney Animation, Mr. Disney is credited with guiding the studio into a new golden age of animation with feature films such as The Little Mermaid (1989), Beauty and the Beast (1991), Aladdin (1992), and The Lion King (1994). Roy E. Disney was a strong defender of the company and its direction, rallying shareholders not once but twice in a rebellion against the company and its board when he and others believed that Disney had lost its bearings. The...
- 12/17/2009
- by gwen@cynopsis.com
It was only recently that Roy Disney stepped back into the spotlight for Disney. He was a key player in bringing Disney and Pixar together, while ousting Michael Eisner and pointing them in what, by now, has proven to be very much the right direction. He did the same thing two decades earlier when, fearing the company was drifting away from his family.s original vision, he threw out another CEO and set them back on the path. In short, for decades now Roy E. Disney has been the only real guardian of Walt Disney.s original, masterful, dream. He died this afternoon at the age of 79, one month short of reaching 80. The son of Walt.s brother Roy O. Disney, who co-founded the company with Walt Disney, leaves behind one of the most monumental achievements in the history of Hollywood. His guardianship of what Walt wanted Disney to be,...
- 12/17/2009
- cinemablend.com
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