On July 9, 2002 children's television producer Nelvana laid off 65 staff in its production department across all positions. According to a Nelvana spokesperson, the move was part of a strategic reorganization of the department to shift towards a team-based production unit with a smaller full-time staff, allowing the incorporation of more contract positions. Some of those laid off were given call-back dates for employment on future Nelvana projects. Nelvana is owned by Corus Entertainment, a Canadian-based media and entertainment company. Nelvana's extensive cartoon portfolio includes ROLIE POLIE OLIE, FRANKLIN, LITTLE BEAR, BABAR and PIPPI LONGSTOCKING.
