Former FA Florida Animators, Where/How Are You?

[prberk]

I was just thinking last night about the many animators from Feature Animation Florida who were "let go" earlier this year. I wondered if any read these boards and/or have friends who do, who would give us an update.

I know that, for many, these were dream jobs and amazing careers. I hope you all are doing well, and have found other creative outlets for your vision and talent.

I always enjoyed the tours when I went, and I grew up like many people wondering what it might be like to be an animator. As a tax auditor in my "real life," I can definitely envision a more creative job!

You have been in my thoughts and prayers from time to time.

Anyhow, I would be curious to see how all of you are. I am also curious, if you wish to discuss it, how the whole thing took place, how it seemed to play out from a personal perspective within the office. I read about the way that David Stainton tried to start off the meeting with "good news" about Brother Bear, but was met with silence. Not sure that is true, but anyway it made me think of all of you even at that time: how it might feel, dealing not only with your personal job loss but dramatic changes in the industry that you might love.

So, enough from me. I open up this thread for former animators (and others, including WDW entertainment or other staff) who were laid off by Disney over the last year or more.

Let us know how you are, or what might like to say...

Thanks

 

[MagicalMonorail]

I'm not an animator, but I do know one distantly. He worked for Florida Disney Animation in WDW doing numerous works. He's moving to Tennessee to start work with another ex-Disney animator. He's going to draw some cels for me once he gets settled. He has a good story, but I won't release it or his name due to privacy reasons.

 

[NowInc]

I know MANY animators who were let go during those dark days...most of them are still out of work. Too many of them cant really relocate due to family etc...so they are forced to struggle in the dead job market of orlando.

 

[prberk]

Thanks for the replies so far. Please tell your friends that someone who appreciated their work asked about them and has had them in his thoughts and prayers. I can feel pretty certain that I am not the only one here, either.

In the meantime, I hope we can hear from more, whether through friends or even directly.

Best wishes,
Paul (prberk)

 

[WDWScottieBoy]

I always keep the thoughts of past Disney animators in mind because they are my role models. I grew up wanting to be nothing else than an animator for Disney at WDW. Now that Eisner got rid of it, he shattered my dream. I'm only 18 years old and have 3.5 years of college left, where I have decided to go into Resort Management and Business Admin. for Disney. Of course things might (and better) change within the company where Roy will become CEO and bring back the beloved animated features. If that's the case, then I can go after my dream job again.

 

[prberk]

ScottieBoy, keep your dreams, no matter what happens to Disney. I hope that we can all make a difference with the company, but in the long run you are best honoring Walt and his vision if you learn from it and apply it no matter whether you are in the Company or not.

Look at Pixar. They are full of ex-Disney animators that are now doing things the Disney way in that company.

I would like, as much as anyone else, to see Disney return to its roots of innovation and quality in Feature Animation (with a foot in tradition and a foot in the future), but no matter what the company does, I know that I can honor the company's heritage by acting out what I have learned wherever I am employed! John Lasseter did, and now look at Pixar. :animwink:

 

[prberk]

BTW, any more former animators out there willing to share your stories yet with us, maybe provide some inspiration (or caution) for ScottieBoy or others out there?

My thoughts and prayers are still with you all.

 

[cloudboy]

What is the job marlet like for creative people in Orlando? I know that there are a lot of companies down there that specialize in designing theme parks and restaurants and stuff liek that - are they all going and closing up whop, or is it just a few big ones like Disney et all?