PewDiePie
Following yesterday’s announcement that Disney’s Maker Studios was cutting ties to their biggest talent “PewDiePie,” The Hollywood Reporter is indicating that the division is bracing for another round of layoffs as Disney reduces the size of the YouTube network. According to the report, Maker Studios will focus on their talent roster to the top 300 personalities. Currently on their website, Maker says they have thousands of creators.
Disney acquired the company in 2014 and originally remained independent. After Maker missed growth targets, which reduced the payout from $950 million to $675 million, Maker saw some high-profile layoffs and resignations. Last December, the unit was fully integrated into Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media and received new leadership.
It is unknown how many jobs will be lost due to the shrinking of the network. It is noted that Maker Studios is not shutting down, but just focusing on their top-tier talent.