913 PT: We are getting ready for an investor presentation by Alan Bergman, President of The Walt Disney Studios. With the studios reaching new heights in 2014 thanks to Frozen, Maleficent, and Marvel, what will the future of the studios be?
924 PT: This morning reports indicated that Doctor Strange will begin filming in the UK next year for a 2016 release. Do you think Bergman will comment on that report?
929 PT: The presentation begins with this slide that shows Disney’s tentpole films for the next two years.
931 PT: Disney says that they are focused on Digital Ownership through Disney Movies Anywhere as the DVD market is shrinking by 10% each year. They want interoperatability so they are working on deals with other companies other than Apple who was the launch partner.
932 PT: Alan said there is no expected time-line for the Frozen Broadway production, but reiterated that it is under development.
936 PT: Alan is asked about film rental rates which is what theaters pay Disney. Recently, Disney negotiated new deals with major theater owners, and Disney feels both sides are happy with the current deal.
937 PT: Disney feels happy with where they stand in China, which is a huge growth area for studios as they are building 12 new screens a day. The blockbusters Disney makes work well in China.
942 PT: Alan is asked about studio consolidation. He replies that Disney bough Pixar, Marvel, and Lucas so they don’t think they see any holes at the studios that need to be addressed.
945 PT: The next question is about how the will market Star Wars to younger audiences. Bergman responds that he thinks most kids know of Star Wars. He says that the most important thing to do is make sure it is a good movie.
946 PT: Bergman reiterates that there will be more “saga films” as well as spinoffs. The first spinoff will be released in December of 2016. The timing beyond that is not quite locked in.
949 PT: The next question is about the roadmap of the Guardians of the Galaxy franchise. Bergman says the sequel was green lit before the first film was released.
950 PT: Asked about Disney Animation, Bergman says that Lasseter and Catmull have completely changed the culture. He says the lineup that the Studio has is very exciting.
952 PT: Bergman says that the physical home video market is continuing to decline, while still remaining a big business. But he says it is clear that digital is the future and that is why they have invested in Disney Movies Anywhere.
958 PT: The next question is about bringing films to TV (as in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.) Bergman said that Star Wars is coming to Disney XD with Star Wars: Rebels but he cautions that the shows have to fit.
1005 PT: Bergman says that the quality, branding, and people of Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars made it a good fit with Disney.
1008 PT: That’s a wrap!