Why GE bowed out of Illuminations

[prberk]

I think they bowed out of Illuminations (or Disney dropped them) because one of the parties clearly saw the merger coming between GE's NBC and Vivendi's Universal.

http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Business/ap20030902_1350.html

 

[mickey04]

Certianly makes sense to me. I think you hit the nail on the head.:hammer:

 

[Shaman]

Well I just saw Illuminations a couple of nights ago and it seems to me that it is 100% better than when GE sponsored it (they have continued to make the show better) so it isn't a huge loss....for now.

:lookaroun

 

[FutureCEO]

well considering the article was up before...it doesn't mkae any sense to post it again but then again after all we do have hundreds of mission space threads

 

[s25843]

Originally posted by FutureCEO
well considering the article was up before...it doesn't mkae any sense to post it again but then again after all we do have hundreds of mission space threads

LOL

The One thing I really miss is the Exploding Comet at the beginning, now it just shoots across the sky... But I do understand that this was changed as the new shell is better in high winds etc..

 

[skipperg]

I thought GE bowed out as it is connected to NBC and Disney owns ABC.

 

[Katherine]

I had never heard about this. Now it all makes sense though why GE bowed out. I think it was a smart move for GE(I know it takes away from disney) but to have NBC and Universal together was a smart move on their part. As much as I know it might hurt Disney.

 

[wdwmagic]

Originally posted by s25843
LOL

The One thing I really miss is the Exploding Comet at the beginning, now it just shoots across the sky... But I do understand that this was changed as the new shell is better in high winds etc..

That effect should still be running, its possible you might have seen it on a few problem shows.

The single air launched comet should fly in from outside the lagoon, and it is met by 2 large pyro explosions launched from in the lagoon which causes the big bang.

The 2 that meet the flying comet have had a long history of failing on some nights.

 

[BRER STITCH]

I wouldn't necessarily assume the two things are related (GE dropping Illuminations sponsorship and bidding on Universal).

General Electric was a worldwide leader in their industry long before Disney or Universal and their business plan most likely includes being so for many years to come.

If GE felt they were still getting a good return on its investment by sponsoring Illuminations, you can bet they would still be doing it. In fact, the ideal situation is for them to have BOTH Universal and Disney relationships.

GE's relationship with Disney goes much deeper than having their name on a burning globe. They are a VERY diversified company. There are lighting contracts, transportation contracts, engineering, media, food, and many other products and services that are provided by one of GE's companies. GE also offers Disney preferred vendor pricing on it's services when it is able to do so profitably.

Whether or not GE finally winds up owning Universal or not, GE's products (down to the lightbulbs in the bathroom) will continue to be an important part of the experience for everyone who enjoys the services that BOTH entertainment giants provide!


:sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy: :sohappy:

 

[FutureCEO]

Offtopic: Personally I think buying Vivendi's assets is going to blow up in their faces.

Offtopic: We have dozens of Everest threads and the ride hasn't even begin construction (except the land clearing)

On topic: I never saw Illumination without GE so I couldn't tell you

 

[TURKEY]

Well, GE is becoming less and less of a electric type comglomerate. Most of their profits are coming from financial management type activities.