Jim Hill
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According to information I've received over the past few weeks, EM.TV felt that Disney's initial offer for the Jim Henson Company was just too low (Less than half what the German entertainment conglomerate paid for Kermit & Co. back in February 2000). These folks wanted the Mouse to put a lot more money on the table before they'd ever consider handing over the Muppets. Disney's counter-offer? Mickey's supposedly agreed to give EM.TV exclusive European broadcast rights to certain titles from the company's film library. Which titles exactly? No one wanted to go on record, though I have heard "Snow White & the Seven Dwarfs" mentioned by several different sources. To date, the two corporations allegedly continue to dicker over the final terms of the Muppets acquisition deal.
So what's ultimately going to happen here, folks? Will the Muppeteers be able to take back control of the characters and the company they helped create? Or will the Mouse win out in the end?
One thing is certain. There are numerous officials within the Walt Disney Company who are anxious -- if not downright eager -- to get their hands on the Muppets as well as the dozens of other characters that are under the direct control of the Jim Henson Company. Particularly those executives who have been tasked for creating content for the Playhouse Disney Channel, the Disney Channel spin-off that was announced late last month which is aimed at TV viewers 2 - 5 years of age. These guys would just love to make use of Henson's expertise in creating compelling programming for this age group, particularly given that the Playhouse Disney Channel is due to launch in early 2002.
Another arm of Disney's vast media empire that might be interested in doing something with the Muppet characters would be Disney Theatrical Productions. These folks -- who mounted the company's Tony award winning productions of "Beauty & the Beast," "The Lion King" and "Aida" -- are supposedly always on the prowl for potential stage properties.
Muppet*Vision at Disney's California Adventure
If that's really the case, then Disney's Theatrical staff might want to make a point of chasing down a copy of Alison Inches' excellent new book, "Jim Henson's Designs and Doodles" (Harry N Abrams; ISBN: 081093240, $24.95). Published back in May, this delightful collection of Henson's early drawings -- many of which have never been published before -- includes Jim's very own concepts for a "Muppets at Lincoln Center" stage show. Could these drawings be the key to yet another boffo Broadway production for Disney? Only time will tell ...
So -- regarding that Disney - Muppets merger series, Barry -- I'm afraid I'm going to hold off on posting that particular set of stories on LaughingPlace.com for a while yet. At least until the dust settles and we finally find out for sure who Kermit & Co. will ultimately end up working for: The Muppeteers themselves or the Walt Disney Company.
So sit tight, folks. We should finally have an answer regarding all this Disney / Muppet acquisition talk by the late summer / early fall. In the mean-time, if you're looking to kill some time 'til then, I recommend you pick up a copy of "Jim Henson's Designs & Doodles." This Alison Inches book featuring dozens of charming illustrations as well as offering numerous insights into the history of the Henson organization. Paging through this volume is a great way to spend a summer afternoon.
And if you're a Muppet fan who lives in the New York City and/or Los Angeles area, a trip to the Museum of Television & Radio is definitely in order as well. Now through September 16, the Museum are presenting "Muppets Forever! The Legacy of Jim Henson." This tribute to one of the broadcast medium's most creative talents will feature exclusive screenings of some of Henson's best work. For more information on the "Muppets Forever!"exhibits in LA & NYC, follow this link.
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-- Jim Hill
Jim Hill can be reached using the Talkback form below or by emailing him at [email protected].
Jim Hill is this guy who lives 'way out in the woods of New Hampshire. (Hey, it's not like he wants to live there. But the Witness Protection Program has got rules, you know.) He has one beautiful daughter and three obnoxious cats. When he's not looking for real work, Jim writes about the Walt Disney Company and related matters for LaughingPlace.com, AmusementPark.com, "Orlando Weekly" and Digital Media FX.
The opinions expressed by Jim Hill, and all of our columnists, do not necessarily represent the feelings of LaughingPlace.com or any of its employees or advertisers. All speculation and rumors about the past decisions and future plans of the Walt Disney Company are just that - speculation and rumors - and should be treated as such.
-- Posted July 12, 2001