The previously rumored layoffs have begun at Pixar Animation Studios, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Pixar Layoffs Amid Company Restructuring
Leadership at Pixar will notify employees today of the reduction in staffing, with this marking he largest restructuring in the company’s history. However, top leadership will not be impacted.
According to the report, approximately 14% of Pixar’s workforce, totaling about 175 employees, will be let go from their positions. Prior to the layoffs, approximately 1,300 people worked at the studio.
Per The Hollywood Reporter, the layoffs are part of Disney CEO Bob Iger’s “mandate to return to a focus on quality, versus churning out content for streaming,” which was a priority for the previous CEO and his then-successor, Bob Chapek.
The layoffs were first reported as coming down the pipe back in January 2024, though the initial reduction was reported to be around 20%.
Pixar will no longer be focusing on direct-to-streaming titles or series, but rather on feature film releases. “Win or Lose,” however, is a Disney+ series from Pixar still scheduled to debut later this year.
Read the full memo from Pixar President Jim Morris to staff below:
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.
Jim
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