Saturday, March 13, 2010
Disney Ditches Studio Behind 'Polar Express', 'Christmas Carol'
The Two-Way - Breaking News, Analysis Blog : NPR: "About 450 people are probably worrying today where their next jobs in the movie industry will be following Walt Disney Studio's announcement Friday that it's turning the lights out at ImageMovers Digital, the studio behind motion-capture animation movies like Jim Carrey's 'A Christmas Carol' and Tom Hanks' 'The Polar Express'"
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
8 comments:
It's really unfortunate that 450 people have to lose their jobs, but I really never enjoyed motion capture films -and i did not like either the polar express or a Christmas Carol. For me the motion capture technology definitely creates what is called the "uncanny valley". This describes a theory that people emotionally reject things that are attempting to match human realism. I doubt that makes much sense, but it basically means a very well-made robot that looks like a human is often somewhat disturbing and people cannot easily emotionally relate to it. However, so very unhuman creation that isn't trying to be realistic or human is easily relatable (think Wall-E or any disney character). People easily accept creatures that don't look real for some reason, but reject things attempting to be. I think this was a problem in most motion-capture films - realism is trying so hard to be obtained but just isn't quite there yet. The only film that has overcome that for me is Avatar, and I guess Disney just doesn't have the money or time for that level of production.
Yes, loosing your job sucks and I am really sorry for those 450 employees who have to start looking for new ones. Especially in this economy where another one might be hard to come by. However, I was not really impressed with either of the recent movies that the company worked on for much the same reason that mrstein had an issue with them. People need to realize that Disney is a company and, while they probably don't like the idea of closing down the studio (if for no other reason then the bad press it gives them), they have to make decisions for the good of the company. Maybe there will be openings for some of the employees in Disney's other operational units. In this economy, households are cutting costs and companies need to as well.
It is incredible that even such a massive corporation like Disney has to cut programs to save money. Although I am aware that many people did not especially care for these past two movies, there is a huge population of kids who really liked them. Both of these films were surprisingly imaginative, and I can really appreciate the incredible amount of work that goes into the production of films like this. I cannot help but think of the potential that a studio like this had, and now that it is shut down, how many projects that could have happened are shut out.
It is sad that 450 people will loose their job. I highly doubt that Disney will re-employ those people because they were laid off to save money. I did like polar express and it is very sad about those projects that are effected by the studio's closing. I agree that it is surprising that even Disney has to make cut backs. And I agree with chris about the only thing Disney will regret is the bad press.
I'm very surprised to hear that Disney is closing down this studio when a majority of the films it has produced have been very successful. The article itself stated that 'A Christmas Carol' had a 149 million dollar profit, and with beginnings such as Roger Rabbit, the studio seems pretty impressive. It is sad that 450 people are in danger of completely losing their jobs, and that even a company as massive and successful as Disney is required to make drastic changes due to the poor economy.
I think it's really unfortunate that all these people have to find new jobs, and that the arts are so affected by the current economic climate. I haven't seen any of these animated films, but the closing of this company will be significant loss to the world of animated films. Personally, I'm always interested to see all forms of animation, including motion capture films such as these, so it will be disappointing to see this company close and all of these people who are dedicated to this animated work lose the jobs that they love. Hopefully, Robert Zemeckis will still be able to produce the films he is currently working on.
I didn't see The Polar Express, or A Christmas Carol, but I've never been a fan of the motion-capture animation either. To me, it's just devoid of creativity. It's like taking the easy way out in terms of animation (don't get me wrong, I'm sure it's very difficult and expensive to get right). But I agree with Mary, and if you think about it logically...the whole charm of animation is capturing some form of realism, but transforming it somehow in a creative way. Really well-developed animation is incredibly interesting to watch and is part of the whole appeal, for instance, The Incredibles took human features, but sort of enhanced them and made the people look a little funky (hence...most animated movies). Why would I want to see a movie where the characters look exactly like real people except...they're not. It's a weird way of putting it but that's the best I can. Instead of that, why not just film the movie with real people?! I mean, let's expand and try some new technology, but I'm glad they're ditching that form of animation. I just wish 450 people weren't losing their jobs in the process.
Closing a studio seems to be a huge issue, but how many "studios" are little more than production companies for a single film? In this case when the studio works mostly with motion capture there's not likely to be as much in the way of studio assets - you don't need a huge studio backlot when your backgrounds are digital - and most of the assets that are there are likely to be computers which have a limited lifetime. If the studio itself is just a part of Disney I get the impression that all of the useful assets will be relocated (if they haven't already been) as well as the more talented employees will find a place in one of the remaining companies. Closing the studio probably isn't that big compared to the employment fluctuations as a movie starts or finishes, things that happen with great regularity in Hollywood.
Post a Comment