Kids
Disney on a job cutting spree; starts with studio head Jacobson
MUMBAI: US media conglomerate Disney is reorganising its film division. The movie studio is looking to axe 650 employees in an effort to trim $90 to $100 million from its annual bottom line.
One of the first people to lose their jobs is Nina Jacobson who was the head of the Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group.
Media reports indicate that Disney Studio chairman Dick Cook had a conversation with Jacobson. Jacobson’s role will be taken up by Oren Aviv who was the marketing and chief creative officer.
In a statement Cook says, “Disney is the number one name in filmed entertainment around the world. It’s the name on the door, it’s what we do best, and when we do it right, not only do moviegoers of all ages benefit from the finest in quality entertainment, but it lifts the entire company as well. The depth and breadth of great Disney movies range from Pirates of the Caribbean to Cars to The Chronicles of Narnia and we look to expand our global reach even more. Cutbacks such as these are difficult on so many levels, and we will do everything in our power to make the transition as smooth as possible.”
As had been reported earlier by indiantelevision.com that Disney is set to cut the number of films made each year from 18 to eight. What is interesting is that Jacobson had argued with M Night Shyamalan about the script for his new film Lady in the Water. The tepid reviews that the film is getting indicate that her concerns were not misplaced. The relationship between Shyamalan and Disney came to an end as a result of the dispute.
Kids
Mukta Arts and Green Gold ink MOU to animate iconic film IPs
Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan to spawn animated shows plus features.
MUMBAI: When classic hindi movie meets animation, the result is a fresh reel of nostalgia with a cartoon twist. Mukta Arts Ltd. and Green Gold Animation have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate on animated shows and feature films drawn from Mukta Arts’ four-decade treasure trove of iconic IPs. The partnership taps Mukta’s SGM Animation Studio launched in 2025 as its dedicated animation and games arm and Green Gold’s proven track record in building scalable, homegrown franchises. Creative teams from both sides have already kicked off discussions, with the first project currently in development.
The slate will draw inspiration from landmark Mukta films including Kalicharan, Karz, Hero, Karma, Ram Lakhan, Khalnayak, Saudagar and Iqbal, plus character-led spin-offs from those universes. The aim is to reimagine these stories for today’s young, global audiences while preserving their emotional core.
Green Gold Animation (home of Chhota Bheem) founder and CEO Rajiv Chilaka said, “This partnership with SGM Studios allows us to apply our experience in building long-lasting animation IPs to a truly iconic film catalogue. Together, we aim to create animated worlds that are rooted in these legendary stories, yet designed to connect with today’s young, global audiences.”
Mukta Arts Ltd. filmmaker and founder Subhash Ghai added, “Mukta Arts has always believed in creating stories with lasting emotional value. Through animation, we are extending our IP into a new medium for the next generation.”
In an industry where timeless tales never go out of fashion, this collaboration promises to bring beloved characters back to life with a modern, animated glow proving that some stories are too good to stay in live-action. Stay tuned for the first animated frame to drop.
