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ImageMovers Expires Suddenly ImageMovers Digital (IMD) in Novato, Marin County, the makers of “A Christmas Carol,” was order to close by Disney’s newly appointed studio chairman Rich Ross. It seems that Robert Zemeckus didn’t turn a big enough profit on “A Christmas Carol,” although it grossed $324 million worldwide. Unfortunately, production costs were around $175 million, so it probably hasn’t quite broken even yet.
As a result of the studios “meager output and weak results” the 450 or so talented people who worked on it and gave it their all will have to struggle to find new jobs. Too bad, since I assume the film will be brought back for Christmas holiday reruns over the next decade or two, menaing it will probably be a very profitable film in the long run.
One reality of today’s Hollywood blockbuster is that success isn’t based of originality or quality but on the marketing ability of the studio and distributor. The production cost versus box office gross seems to be what really counts in the end. Even though Zemeckus says he is incredibly proud of his staff’s work, what really matters is the cash flow.
“Given today’s economic realities, we need to find alternative ways to bring creative content to audiences and IMD no longer fits into our business model,” noted Alan Bergman, president of Disney's animation studio, at a press conference.
Before Disney closes Image MoversDigital early in 2011, IMD is supposed to complete “Mars Needs Moms,” a screenplay based on a book by Berkeley Breathed (he created the successful comic strips “Bloom County” and “Opus.”) with a March 2011 release planned. They were also in pre-production on a 3-D remake or sequel to “Yellow Submarine” (1968, Beatle’s music) and a sequel to “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” There was also talk in the trades of IMD creating a feature version of “The Nutcracker.”
Zemeckus and his business associates are being offered a new contract to continue development on existing projects. I assume Disney logic is to reward bosses because they are essential to the company and have proven track records of being successful with some of their previous films. (Or is it less expensive for Disney to keep them than let them go because the heads if IMD have ironclad contracts that are expensive to break.)
Meanwhile the hundreds of employees, many of whom moved to Northern California to work for Zemeckus, can fend for themselves. Many of them will struggle because his vision wasn't profitable enough. Isn’t there something wrong with this picture? I wish I could end this with a hopeful note, but I can’t. A friend suggested an up side: 450 people had income and medical coverage through the worst recession in our lifetime. Also, the facility doesn't close until early next year, giving them some time to find their next employer.
The downside is that there are now fewer employers in the Bay Area. In the recent past several medium sized Bay Area animation companies have fold including Wildbrain, The Orphanage and Giant Killer Robots, plus Electronic Arts has cut back their worldwide work force by about 25%. There will soon be many more experienced animation people seeking the few openings that may come available.
Unfortunately, a number of Bay Area animation directors and companies regularly ship their work overseas, and a number of local advertising agencies that could support local studios don’t. Thanks to the success of “Avatar,” performance capture will become an increasingly important part of film production and that IMD people should be able to find work – albeit probably not in the Bay Area.
Another friend of mine prays fervently that somebody will take over the facilities in Marin that IMD will vacate. Disney probably has a long-term lease on the buildings and could use them for lots of less expensive productions (live action, stop-motion or…) and it might be possible for people to sublease the former hangers that were once part of Hamilton Air Force Base. There must be producers out there who would love to make their next feature in the Bay Area.
Finally, unlike Canada, California gives no tax breaks or subsidies for animation. Is there a way our local and State Governments can help in the future?