Project Snowball?

[comics101]

This isn't news about the Company, but a question. I was reading something a little while back that reffered to something called Project Snowball. I know it has to do with Katzenburg and his departure, but I'm still confused about the whole thing. What exactly was it and did Eisner and Wells have anything to do with it? Who else in the company worked on it?

Thanks,
CoDy

 

[GrimGhost]

This isn't news about the Company, but a question. I was reading something a little while back that reffered to something called Project Snowball. I know it has to do with Katzenburg and his departure, but I'm still confused about the whole thing. What exactly was it and did Eisner and Wells have anything to do with it? Who else in the company worked on it?

Thanks,
CoDy

My first and best suggestion is that you read "Disney War" by James Stewart. Great book and covers snowball in detail. It was top secret and very few people knew about it or worked on it beyond Eisner and Wells and a assistant to Wells ( If I recall). They calculated the potential payout to Katzenburg should he leave allowing for proceeds coming from all projects which he initiated and or participated in. An example would be Lion King - DVD's, Broadcasting, Merchandise, Theme Park revenue from LK shows, etc. It became exponentially huge as Wells' assistant continued work on it.

 

[comics101]

My first and best suggestion is that you read "Disney War" by James Stewart. Great book and covers snowball in detail. It was top secret and very few people knew about it or worked on it beyond Eisner and Wells and a assistant to Wells ( If I recall). They calculated the potential payout to Katzenburg should he leave allowing for proceeds coming from all projects which he initiated and or participated in. An example would be Lion King - DVD's, Broadcasting, Merchandise, Theme Park revenue from LK shows, etc. It became exponentially huge as Wells' assistant continued work on it.

Thanks. I'll have to try it. I swear, I love the Eisner Era. It's just so entertaining...

 

[GrimGhost]

Thanks. I'll have to try it. I swear, I love the Eisner Era. It's just so entertaining...

Your welcome, and I agree, and without getting to into a heavy pro/con Eisner debate, I liked a lot of what he did and sincerely believed he saved the company twice from takeover and subsequent break-up. In 1984 upon his arrival, and in 1994 with Comcast. There is a lot of evidence of this in the book as well as his decision to have the Disney Company build and design all the Hotels that were built from the late 80's on. There were many including Ron Miller and Card Walker who were considering subbing out to a chain hotel operator such as Marriot.

 

[comics101]

Your welcome, and I agree, and without getting to into a heavy pro/con Eisner debate, I liked a lot of what he did and sincerely believed he saved the company twice from takeover and subsequent break-up. In 1984 upon his arrival, and in 1994 with Comcast. There is a lot of evidence of this in the book as well as his decision to have the Disney Company build and design all the Hotels that were built from the late 80's on. There were many including Ron Miller and Card Walker who were considering subbing out to a chain hotel operator such as Marriot.

I agree, but I was talking about the politics. It's just so interesting to read. I wonder if other Corperations were/are this way. I do know I don't understand why everyone praises Iger for getting rid of the politics. If anything, he made them worse...