Pixar Lays Off 14% of Workforce

Movies

The Hollywood Reporter exclusively reveals that Pixar will lay off 14% of its workforce, or roughly 175 employees. Before this reduction, 1,300 people worked for Pixar. Higher-ups will not be impacted. These cuts are part of Disney CEO Bob Iger’s ongoing cost-cutting measures. These cuts were first announced in January, and at least it’s less than the projected 20%. Pixar will no longer focus on streaming exclusives like Win or Lose. Pixar President Jim Morris issued this statement to all Pixar staff on Tuesday: 

“Hello everyone.

I have spoken to you many times over the last year about our pending move away from series production for Disney+, the return to our focus on feature films, and the reduction in our team that would accompany that. That day is here, and while it is not coming as a surprise to anyone, it is one of the hardest changes we’ve had to make, as it means we will be parting with a number of talented and dedicated colleagues and friends.

Today, leaders will begin the process of notifying employees whose positions are being impacted. Calendar invites to speak with a leader have already gone out to those individuals, and we anticipate we will have connected with everyone impacted by the end of the day.

I want to assure you that will be providing extensive support as our colleagues start to transition out of the studio. We are committed to ensuring that their departure is handled with the utmost respect and care at every stage. This is important to me, and I understand how important this is to all of us in the Pixar community. I will host a brief Studio Meeting via Zoom this afternoon at 5:00 to talk more about today’s announcement.

Despite the challenges in our industry over the past few years, you have all consistently shown up to contribute, collaborate, innovate, lead, and do great work at this studio. I give you my deepest thanks, and for those who will be leaving us, I am hopeful that our paths will cross again, both professionally and personally.”

Well, this is crappy. I never know what to say to these layoffs beyond expressing anger at a major conglomerate for displacing hundreds (or more) of regular, working people. They say they must fire these individuals because they no longer need them to churn out stupid side projects for Disney+. That’s true, but whose fault is this? I don’t know much about Jim Morris, but I hate that he had to deliver this news when Iger and the board made the decision. The Disney+ bubble has burst, as many predicted. I want to think they mean what they say about helping these people transition out of their jobs. I’d also like to imagine that Disney will learn from this and not let it happen again, but I sincerely doubt it.