LPWire: Disney Announces Pending Closure of Florida Animation Facility

Disney Announces Pending Closure of Florida Animation Facility

Walt Disney Feature Animation Completes Reorganization of Production Division Announces Pending Closure of Florida Animation Facility

Walt Disney Feature Animation has completed the final stage of its production reorganization with the announcement of the closure of its Florida animation facility, it was announced today by David Stainton, president Walt Disney Feature Animation. All Disney animation creative and production activities will be housed solely at The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California.

Regarding completion of the final phase of restructuring, Stainton said, "The Florida Studio houses talented artists and staff who brought us such great Disney animated features as 'Mulan,' 'Lilo & Stitch' and 'Brother Bear,' but this difficult decision was based on what is best strategically for our business in both the short and long term. Having the entire animation group working together in Burbank under one roof will further enhance our filmmaking process."

Currently in production at the Burbank facility (which houses approximately 600 employees including artists and other professionals) is "Chicken Little," due out in theaters 2005, and "A Day With Wilbur Robinson," based on William Joyce's acclaimed book that follows one fateful day in the life of a boy-genius who visits the future.

--Posted January 13, 2004
Source: Disney Company