Feature Animation Closing at MGM

[General Grizz]

Amen. *sigh*

They're gone now.

Let's look to Legacy Films.

Disney can kiss my audience seat goodbye.

(As for Home on the Range, since when did Disney animation films have " jokes" in them? Oh wait, I forgot. It isn't Disney anymore. He resigned.)

"Heave ho! Heave ho! Mike Eisner's got to go!"

(P.S. How do we know the tour is closing? It just changed itself.)

 

[prberk]

I just wrote an e-mail to Mr. Moore at the Orlando Sentinel. It fits here, too. I want to share it with you all.

Here is what I wrote:

Mr. Moore, I read your commentary online today and just felt every word. I am Disney fan from Richmond, Virginia, and I check Sentinelonline every so often, so I am familiar with some of your reviews.

But I just wanted to let you know how much I agreed with you. The heart and soul of animation is in the story and loving attention to detail (digital or not); and the heart and soul of Walt Disney pictures is animation -- good animation. Animation with studied character movement and nuance. CGI is wonderful in some ways, but it is still learning some of the nuance that hand-drawn will always be able to inspire.

Walt was an innovator, true. He heralded EPCOT and Tomorrowland's promise of a bright future. But he also helped finish The Jungle Book, even down to finishing the story elements, at the same time that EPCOT was on his mind. He used the exciting technology of the future (audioanimatronics) to bring glory to the past (Mr. Lincoln).

In your piece, I want you to know that I especially agree with you that the mismanagement and cheap direct-to-video stuff has helped tear it all apart and cheapen Disney's name. Pixar, on the other hand, has not succombed to the quick buck. And that is the difference: NOT the form of animation.

Thanks again for your piece, and if this letter becomes a "letter to the editor" and gets printed, thanks to all the Florida animators who put their heart and soul into their work. It mattered.

Sincerely,

Paul
Richmond, VA

 

[celestia]

i am really going to miss the movie at the end of the animation tour...

you never saw anyone with dry eyes leaving that theatre.
i wish they had copies of it for sale or something.

 

[jrriddle]

Originally posted by prberk
I just wrote an e-mail to Mr. Moore at the Orlando Sentinel. It fits here, too. I want to share it with you all.

Here is what I wrote:

Mr. Moore, I read your commentary online today and just felt every word. I am Disney fan from Richmond, Virginia, and I check Sentinelonline every so often, so I am familiar with some of your reviews.

But I just wanted to let you know how much I agreed with you. The heart and soul of animation is in the story and loving attention to detail (digital or not); and the heart and soul of Walt Disney pictures is animation -- good animation. Animation with studied character movement and nuance. CGI is wonderful in some ways, but it is still learning some of the nuance that hand-drawn will always be able to inspire.

Walt was an innovator, true. He heralded EPCOT and Tomorrowland's promise of a bright future. But he also helped finish The Jungle Book, even down to finishing the story elements, at the same time that EPCOT was on his mind. He used the exciting technology of the future (audioanimatronics) to bring glory to the past (Mr. Lincoln).

In your piece, I want you to know that I especially agree with you that the mismanagement and cheap direct-to-video stuff has helped tear it all apart and cheapen Disney's name. Pixar, on the other hand, has not succombed to the quick buck. And that is the difference: NOT the form of animation.

Thanks again for your piece, and if this letter becomes a "letter to the editor" and gets printed, thanks to all the Florida animators who put their heart and soul into their work. It mattered.

Sincerely,

Paul
Richmond, VA

Nicely done.

 

[CTXRover]

I am dismayed and saddened at Disney's decision to close WDFA Florida. Its been known for a while now that it would probably happen, but I still held hope that something or someone would step in and keep it open. Its sad for the animation industry, its sad for MGM (the real heart left in the animation tour is now gone), its sad that an expensive, state-of-the-art facility will now lie vacant and usless, but most of all, its sad for those 300 some hard-working animators who are losing their jobs.

However, I also reserve hope that this move will produce some good. Since the heyday of Feature Animation, the success of which ironically prompted the expansion of the Florida studio, WDFA has seen itself fall further and further from that high point. Perhaps going back to keeping all the animators under one roof in Burbank, perhaps by only letting the best of the best continue to work for WDFA and letting go some "extra baggage" (I don't believe any of the animators at WDFA Florida were useless or unimportant, but there are always those who are better at something than others in the real world), Disney can regain a better focus and start producing better storylines and better quality animated features, even if it be through computer rendered images for a while. I just hope closing the studio that has been producing the better films out of the two was the smart move here.

It isn't always a bad thing to re-center one's focus and hopefully this closure will produce some good for Disney. I doubt this decision is "solely" a cost-cutting measure that has been implied by many.

I also hope they do something with the now "wasted" space. No doubt that building could be used for something productive.

 

[orlpassholder]

I found this tidbit of information interesting

1/12/2004 The WDFA Florida division closes

in Disney History

1/12/1990 -- The Walt Disney Company Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Michael Eisner announces the "Disney Decade" for Disneyland Park

and on the 14th of this week marks the annoucment for the "Disney Decade" for Walt Disney World

oh how time changes ones vision of the future....

 

[General Grizz]

Disney Decade as in refurbishments and CLONES? Sequels?

(WHY DID THEY GET RID OF WDWFA AND NOT THOSE BLASTED SEQUELS?! :brick: )

Crap. And I'm posting so much. Grr!

 

[momickey]

Originally posted by CTXRover
It isn't always a bad thing to re-center one's focus and hopefully this closure will produce some good for Disney. I doubt this decision is "solely" a cost-cutting measure that has been implied by many.

I hope that you wind up right... and I'm sure you will. I can't imagine that this will mean the end of Disney animation as we know it.

But part of me is crying because I've been inspired by Disney animation my whole life. My love of art and my desire to draw is renewed every time i enter the animation studio. Not to mention that some of my favorite Disney movies of all time came from that studio.

Here's hoping for better times to come

 

[MagicalDreamer]

I have always dreamed of being one of those artistic and very gifted animators. It is a crying shame they, they why am i saying THEY...EISNER...let things go like this. I much prefered the cell to cell hand drawings over the CGI any old day. I think once you have dreams of being an artist, as I have sice I was little, you learn to appreciate all the hard work that goes into every cell of a movie. Even if you didnt have the artistic creavtivty as these folks had and you had the chance to go on the tour to see them at work on a project, you had to of come out of there with more respect and awe then you went in there with, just knowing they penned and inked EVERY line, every streak of color was done by a human hand. It was done with love and care. And they only put out the best they could.
BUt now a days , people just dont beleive in that..they ..theres that they again...that ESINER wants FAST AND NOW..well although i adore Disney..I will not support this bad move ESINER made. He will pay im sure, badly at that.
This is the (mouse) HOUSE that DISNEY built, NOT EISNER!:brick: :brick: :brick: :hammer:

 

[niteobsrvr]

Hi all,

Instead of babbling on about business decisions and what not like I usually do, I just want to throw out an observation that really transcends Animation and speaks to the general problem at Disney.

If you dont have a story to tell it doesn't matter how many animators, studios, and themeparks you have or don't have.

Disney seems to be lacking in good stories to tell which is actually what the company used to do best.

Bring back the stories!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[General Grizz]

"Closure of the Walt Disney Florida Feature Animation facility is yet another example of Michael Eisner' s de-emphasis of creativity and total indifference to the impact his decisions have on the people who helped to make the company great. Once again, the Eisner regime has emphasized short-term gains over long-term value. The drain of talent over the past several years from the company's feature animation department in Orlando, Burbank, Paris and Tokyo has been absolutely gut-wrenching. People are being asked to leave because management - particularly Michael - can't figure out what to do with them. That certainly is not the fault of the talent. It is the fault of the so-called strategic thinkers at headquarters." - - Roy E. Disney

“No matter what the provocation, I never fire a man who is honestly trying to deliver a job. Few workers who become established at the Disney Studio ever leave voluntarily or otherwise, and many have been on the payroll all their working lives.” - - Walt Disney

Artwork By: Eddie Pittman, Legacy Animation Studios

All above from www.savedisney.com update. Always fun to see what good ole Roy and Stan are up to.

 

[prberk]

Originally posted by niteobsrvr
Hi all,

Instead of babbling on about business decisions and what not like I usually do, I just want to throw out an observation that really transcends Animation and speaks to the general problem at Disney.

If you dont have a story to tell it doesn't matter how many animators, studios, and themeparks you have or don't have.

Disney seems to be lacking in good stories to tell which is actually what the company used to do best.

Bring back the stories!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, I have to give this one to you, Niteobsrvr. I definitely agree.

Story is vital.

Art and attention to detail certainly help it, though.

And all of it is better done when morale is good, and people enjoy their work. And are not afraid of the axe.

And one more thing: management believing in what you do. That, more than anything else, is how Walt connected and helped sell America on his dreams. He believed in the product and the staff that produced it... and it showed.

Not the case here.

 

[General Grizz]

Interesting discussion at the meeting yesterday.

But then David apparently made a crucial error. He threw the meeting open for questions. And this is where things really started to get away from him.

The crowd -- already angered by that "core people" comment -- peppered him with pointed questions. Which supposedly started with: "Why is the Walt Disney Company flooding the feature animation market with all these low quality direct-to-video sequels?'

Now Stainton (who -- it should be pointed out -- up until very recently was actually in charge of Disney Television Animation, the division of the Walt Disney Company that makes those direct-to-video films) supposedly tried to defend his old division, saying "Now they're not low quality films ..."

... Only to be shouted down by all those assembled.

David reportedly tried to continue, insisting that "the public couldn't really tell the difference between the direct-to-video stuff and the films that Feature Animation actually produces." This comment was also met with boos.

Story from Jim Hill. More there. The story sounds accurante to one I've heard, except the "booing" wasn't as much as the article made it out to be (although there certainly was some!).

 

[Shaman]

Originally posted by niteobsrvr
Bring back the stories!!!!!!!!!!!!

I agree. Thats why all the 3d films are doing so good...because of the stories...not because of the graphics.

*sigh*

Ironically, the most recent Disney Animation "hit", Lilo and Stitch came out of Florida...hopefully 2d animation isn't dead.

The stories issue, can be applied to even the attractions being ditched out now a days at the parks...attractions back in the day had the subastance of a story...today we have rides like primeval whirl, Test Track and yes even M:S...alot of metal, gizmos and gadgets...but no story...no substance....

 

[Shaman]

Originally posted by jrriddle
What are the differences between DAC's and MGM's Animation Studios (attraction wise)? I didn't go into the attraction at DCA. Loved the one at MGM.

Attraction wise...DCA's building, has a great big "lobby"....with huge screens on all sides...showing clips from Dsiney animated films (accompanied by music)....you can just sit and watch and its pretty nice...they have different rooms you go into with fun little things to do....no animation tour or anything...cause it isn't attached to a real animation facility...I think something like this would go nice in the studios at WDW...

 

[MKCustodial]

We all know Lilo & Stitch was a big hit. But how's Brother Bear doing? It opened in late December down here and it's still in fourth. I went to see with Julia when it opened, and this weekend took my niece. Definately gonna get the DVD. Like in Lion King, Rutt and Tuke(Timon and Pumbaa) are worth the admission price alone.

We know the people at Florida were capable of good stories (even though I don't care much for Mulan).

 

[JBSLJames]

Great Stories...Good Point , however, it wasn't a great story that made Shrek a hit, it was the adult humor and gags, not to mention the cast, that made it what it is.

Another animator, who unfortunately does not get the attention they deserve, is Big Idea. The use the Bible (GREAT stories there) as there base and make them very entertaining.

It bothers me a little when a movie like Jonah doesn't even get the time of day in awards season where other 'more hollywood' junk get nominated. The Veggie Tales animation is really good.

Oh well, I will be dis-appointed if Disney completely abandons the art form that made it famous.

 

[Abercrombie Kid]

This is really sad, but from the coporate side i can see some of the reasoning, By housing all of the employees under one roof it will allow the group to be able to easily discuss ideas and thus better storytelling. The thing that little Mike E. dosn't under stand is that it's not the kind of animation it's the story that draws audience. Combine story, song, and some Disney magic and you have a classic on your hands weather 2-D or 3-D animation. An important thing is for Disney to stop making so many sequals not only do they get borin after a while (the same story retold alot) but it really noticabal that the animation is bad. In a few years Disneyb will probaly make a movie that get's the ole Disney formula right and it will be a hit (Finding Nemo did this) but for know it's better to put all those animtors under one roof so they can devolope story. With some work Disney can be able to simutalnusly produce hits that are made both in 2-D anf 3-D animation but havr STORY! For know i'm happy that they are producing some more 2-D projects from Burbank and are getting into the world of 3-D. Disney is exploring other ideas something that all compinies do, the trick will be to create a balnce between 2-D and 3-D movies produces. I'm sure it can be done, they may need some pixie dust though.:wave:

 

[JLW11Hi]

One thing I have to add...

...no doubt the story is a very important part of all great animated features....but the true heart and soul of all animated movies comes from the characters. It is absolute necessity for animated features to contain believable characters to drive the story, who we can relate to and share our sympathies with. You can have the greatest script in the world for a movie, but if the audience does not connect with the main characters, then you can have an utter failure on your hands. Through all of animation history, the greatest animated featrues shine through because of their emphasis on characters with depth and distinct, believable personalities.

And where does that depth come from? That believablity? From the talented character animators behind them all. And from the entire team behind the films who ensure that the story and world around these central characters helps bring them to life.

 

[prberk]

Originally posted by JBSLJames
Great Stories...Good Point , however, it wasn't a great story that made Shrek a hit, it was the adult humor and gags, not to mention the cast, that made it what it is.

Another animator, who unfortunately does not get the attention they deserve, is Big Idea. The use the Bible (GREAT stories there) as there base and make them very entertaining.

It bothers me a little when a movie like Jonah doesn't even get the time of day in awards season where other 'more hollywood' junk get nominated. The Veggie Tales animation is really good.

Oh well, I will be dis-appointed if Disney completely abandons the art form that made it famous.

I agree about Big Idea, but unfortunately right now they are having BIG financial trouble due to some issues related to the distribution of Jonah and a couple other things.

But anyway, story and execution go hand-in-hand. Both are important.

And people DO notice the lack of quality in direct-to-video trash. What they don't notice is whether the feature films are any better: BECAUSE THEY JUST STOP GOING IN THE FIRST PLACE, given what they see on TV and DVD....

Sigh