(Source:yahoo.com)
Now that Disney owns Pixar, it hopes the studio can restore much-needed luster to its flagging animation unit. Disney's revered animation studio produced such classics as Snow White and the Seven Dwarves and Fantasia but hasn't had a major hit in over 10 years. In contrast, all six of Pixar's theatrical releases have been blockbuster hits.
Experts view Pixar Vice President John Lasseter, a former Disney animator, as the man to do the job. In a popular move, he returns as creative director of Disney animation.
Disney Chief Financial Officer Tom Staggs told Reuters on Tuesday that Lasseter is currently building a "brain trust" of talent, similar to the one he built at Pixar.
"John and (Pixar President) Ed (Catmull) are key to the whole thing," Staggs said. "There is a creative center they are seeking to coalesce at Disney."
Staggs also said that a return to hand-drawn animation is "definitely not something we would rule out." Disney announced last year that it would close its cell animation division.
"We will be driven by the individual product and movie concept if the right project comes along," Staggs said.
Lasseter has already taken the first steps by encouraging innovation through more short films (like Lasseter's award-winning Luxo Jr.) and phasing out the notorious direct-to-DVD sequels of its classic titles.
However, no one has said how Disney's unionized shop (Animation Guild Local 839) will co-operate with Pixar's relaxed, non-union atmosphere.
