Maker Studios
The Wall Street Journal is reporting that cuts are coming to Disney’s online publishing group which includes Maker Studios. As Disney continues its integration of Maker Studios into its existing online business, about 80 people are expected to lose their job. The cuts from Maker Studios and Disney’s digital-publishing division which includes Oh My Disney, aim to reduce redundancy due to the combination.
Maker will also reduce their YouTube network from over 60,000 to approximately 300. They will focus on YouTube personalities with the largest following and the greatest compatibility with Disney brands. According to the Journal, one example of the collaboration is a show on YouTube hosted by Maker personality Alexys Gabrielle tied to the “Oh My Disney” website featuring games, interviews and skits promoting other franchises from the company. Maker Studios will no longer support new YouTube personalities.
These changes were in the works before Maker cut ties to ‘PewDiePie” following the posting of antisemitic content.
Disney acquired Maker Studios in 2014, but while the division has brought new expertise to the company, it failed to make a profit as the YouTube bubble burst. Initially the group was managed directly by Disney’s then-CFO Jay Rasulo, but was integrated within Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media segment following Rasulo’s departure.