I had planned on getting this out last week, but issues with timing, translation (of parts) and the general sense in the fan community that this isn't as important as the new MK Hub or Chef Mickey's new brunch (hint: it's a $40 breakfast with a few 'extra' items!) made me wonder if it just wasn't more valuable to me than it was to 'WDW1974' and the MAGICal community.
We all know what happened when Bob Iger and Tom Staggs went to China in terms of anything public ... or nothing public as it turned out. This here is what was supposed to/scheduled to happen.
You know, as other members here have pointed out, Bob Iger is a very shy and humble man who stays far away from the spotlight. He isn't someone who is apt to be found in ... I dunno ... the cab of a DLR monorail attempting to emulate Walt right down to the cardigan, seated next to one of the world's power couples. Nah, you'd never see that.
Simply put, even if no one in what's left of journalism ever writes about it (hey, Brooks, did you really almost run over D-I-C-K Van D-Y-K-E --absurd filters here, guys, this isn't a children's forum and they know all about dicks and dykes! -- because you were texting and driving at the same time after whoring around DL's 60th kickoff? I bet all your pals back in the circus are so proud of you!), Bob and Tom's Shanghai Surprise couldn't have gone worse. And, no, it doesn't bode well for the future for the company over there at all.
With my commentary down, enjoy the read:
19 May, Shanghai Disney Resort
Agreed for Shanghai Disneyland site//
A "cavalcade of characters" will be transported to SHDLR with official logo "hardhats". The Walt Disney Company storyboard, as previously reviewed, will be filmed for Disney's archives and possible future promotional use. As presented and visualized, Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger and Disney COO Tom Staggs will join the cast, both the characters and preselected members of the design and construction team, for filming.
Before site exteriors are filmed, as approved, interior filming of executives and dignitaries "studiously reviewing" plans will occur. Castle finial will be hoisted for placement with assembled cast joined by workers, dragons and Shanghai dignitaries to be photographed for internal use and media distribution. With partners and the cavalcade of characters looking on from the temporary stage, the topping off ceremony will conclude with workers positioning peony on structure.
***Fireworks remain in notes and not indicated as artistic flourish in the storyboard.***
Approved for on-site "appearance" lists only Iger and Staggs. (Cheung, Kang and Candland not included.)
Emphasis on, "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese."
Topping off ceremony will remain under the direction of local authorities.
20 May, Disney Store Shanghai Opening
Agreed for the Disney Store in Lujiazui (within the footprint in the shadow of the Pearl Tower)//
9,257 sq ft interior with a lease of approximately 54,000 sq ft.
Official "launch" of Shanghai Disney Resort with kickoff celebration led by Disney Chairman and CEO Robert A. Iger marking Disney's first location in the Chinese mainland utilizing the store as the brand's jumping off point to begin the buildup to the opening of Shanghai Disneyland. Executives in attendance and to be acknowledged include Thomas Staggs, COO of Disney, Luke Kang, MD TWDC Greater China and Stanley Cheung, Chairman of TWDC Greater China.
Onstage the celebration will include a "cavalcade of Disney characters." Included in the welcoming ceremony will be Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars. The characters will embrace Robert Iger and select Shanghai dignitaries who remain for the "turning of the key." Twin dragons will mark the celebration and be pictured in the landmark opening with Mr Iger and Shanghai's senior most official in attendance.
Media presence described as "significant" and consistent with a "momentous partnership" between the government and TWDC.
Disney Chairman and CEO to welcome "first family" of Shanghai's Disney Store and "invite all" to come inside and experience the magic of Disney. The Disney Store "will promote" unique products and being "culturally harmonious" in its offerings and location at the Pearl Tower.
Emphasis on, "Authentically Disney, Distinctly Chinese."
The Disney Store Shanghai opening will remain under the direction of local authorities.
-- Upon wheels down in Shanghai, TWDC was informed the CCP's designated media/apparatus would control all appearances and access would be "as indicated" by hosts/escorts.
-- In keeping with China's previous and consistent position, no pictures would be allowed for release nor could the Disney characters be brought on-site "for purposes of propaganda" with security and safety issues cited.
-- Iger and Staggs were told they lacked "proper certification" to be allowed to walk the construction site or be present for the topping off from the park.
-- On May 19, Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger was given a tour of the Disney Store Shanghai. His escorts were told no photographs would be allowed aside from the government assigned team memorializing the visit [to China and not only the store], and this was told to Mr Iger.
-- Shortly after the visit to the store, it was learned through the hosts/escorts that Mr Iger has taken pictures and posed for "propaganda purposes" in the store. The photograph of Mr Iger holding the stormtrooper was viewed and "ordered to be destroyed." Later, hours prior to the scheduled opening of the store, the picture was leaked.
-- Disney assured its hosts the picture was not intentionally released and would not be used.
-- Shanghai officials in charge of the store opening determined on the morning of May 20 that no representatives of TWDC from Burbank would be allowed and Iger and Staggs "were held" at their hotel for just then scheduled "essential meetings" concerning "grave matters."
-- It was negotiated that no Disney presence would be "potentially alarming" to the business community and bode poorly for the future of the relationship between TWDC (Western businesses operating in China) and Greater China, so officials agreed to abbreviated terms. Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse would be allowed, no other characters. Paul Candland, just in from Tokyo, would be the only "named" executive of TWDC at the opening.
-- Less than 25 "official guests" were in attendance with Mr Candland being the sole representative of Disney. Comments indicating this was Disney's "arrival in the Chinese mainland" would be tempered and were edited by the local authorities assigned to the propaganda team for the SHDLR project (several of whom came from the official news agency, Xinhua).
-- Candland had some difficulty with the script which had only been presented to him immediately prior to the appearance. The focus on children, girls and young families was "problematic" for Candland as it was not consistent with Disney marketing or comments Disney would make.
-- The photograph of the twin dragons with the Disney Store in the background was deemed to be "the appropriate" photograph for circulation in China and elsewhere.
-- No distinction was made between Shanghai Disney Resort, a partnership, and the Disney Store in Shanghai, an entity owned entirely by TWDC.
-- Disney's Iger and Staggs were not on the manifest for the premiere of Tomorrowland, but they were expected. This was not a concern for the officials as it was seen as appropriate and desired for a Western studio head to appear on the red carpet for such an event and reinforced the import of China and the Chinese market to the West.
-- China made it known Disney's introduction to the Chinese mainland would be within the context of the resort and its foundational material (IP?) belonging to "the people of China." TWDC would not be allowed marketing control of the resort or its opening ceremonies and would have "limited administrative" input.
-- As of this visit, a plaque consistent with what appears in each Magic Kingdom will not be part of Shanghai Disneyland. Such a marker would "not be consistent" and "confuse and conflict" visitors who do not know of Walt Disney and will be invited in the state-directed propaganda to "their" park. Shanghai Disney Resort is not intended to be marketed as a destination except for the people of China.
END OF INFO/ITINERARY
The below is commentary from my sources in Asia, pieced together and parsed by me, but not my words (well, except for the final sentence. That's all me!) -- 74.
Relationship is not one of mutual respect and tolerance for Disney's leadership is nonexistent. Bob Weis, the leader of the SHDLR project, has not been a visible presence at the site in quite some time. Around August/September of 2014 something happened that indicated "a change in leadership" had occurred and Weis was not a part of that.
Everything heard is consistent with a complete breakdown between the corporate culture of Iger and Staggs and Disney's government partners (Shendi/CCP). The 'stalling' and eventual refusal to allow Disney to open the store was a shocking move highlighting the increasingly incendiary nature of the arrangement between "the iconic American company" and its partners in government. It was a bold move that broke with how these matters are traditionally handled, so much so that it was believed another business interest may have applied pressure to cause Disney to 'lose face' among the elite class. Another American businessman with substantial interests in Asia and an adversarial relationship with Disney is said to have "placed additional bumps in the road."
The CCP does not have to show "ownership" of the project. Disney does.
