Several sources, including Variety, are reporting that cuts in film staff were made today at both The Walt Disney Studios and 20th Century Fox following the March acquisition of 21st Century Fox assets by Disney.
Disney has not commented on the layoffs or said which departments are being affected, but insiders speculate that the distribution division will take the brunt of the cuts.
More cuts, including layoffs in the publicity and marketing departments, are expected tomorrow.
The move follows last week’s release of the theatrical release calendar, which set dates for upcoming Disney and Fox film projects, including just six spots per year for Fox.
Additional cuts on the television side are not expected beyond the layoffs in film and television that happened just after the acquisition in March.
Disney expects a total “synergy savings” of $2 billion by 2021, with much of that coming from layoffs.
Source: Variety/The Hollywood Reporter
