Is it the end of an era? It looks like it. Despite billions in revenue, Disney Toon Studios President, Sharon Morrill is stepping down this week. With Morrill stepping down, so could the time of producing direct to DVD movies that were cheaply made, yet generated large profits for Disney.
John Lasseter, who stepped into the role of Chief Creative Officer for Walt Disney Animation Studios in 2006, was not a huge fan of the direct to DVD films. It seems he felt they lessened the impact of the main feature and I have to say – when you look at films like The Little Mermaid 2 or Cinderella III: A Twist in Time – I can’t fault him.
Lasseter nixed the following sequel possibilities including: Meet the Robinsons 2: First Date, Disney’s Dwarfs, Chicken Little 2: The Ugly Duckling Story and more. There’s also word that Lasseter hated The Tinkerbell Movie and that it will need to be completely redone. The movie’s $30 million in animation has been totally scrapped.
My daughter will be devastated if they don’t redo that particular option. She’s a huge fan of the Disney Fairies series of books and the movie was supposed to be tied into those. Overall, Lasseter wants to redo the face of the Disney Animation and the Toon Studios. He wants the product to be quality over quantity and to avoid the mass marketing of cheaper products just to turn a fast buck.
Considering that many people think of Disney as more interested in the dollar than the product – let’s applaud Lasseter and hope that his initiative pays off – and if we can get some high quality sequels (think Toy Story 2) out of the deal – I’ll enjoy that too.
Oh and Mr. Lasseter – we do need that Tinkerbell Movie and I have a six year old loaded with ideas if you need any.