Variety is reporting that Rich Ross is all but certain to be promoted to head of Walt Disney Studios.
Variety is reporting that Rich Ross is all but certain to be promoted to head of Walt Disney Studios.
Dick Cook stepped down from the post a few weeks back and insiders tell Variety that Ross will at least be elevated to a role overseeing the Disney-branded portion of the studio operation.
When Cook left after 38 years with the company, Disney's plans for revamping its film operation came into sharp focus. Ross has been with Disney Channel since 1996 and is known to have a strong relationship with Disney CEO Bob Iger, according to Variety.
The studio also plans to restructure Miramax, consolidate film operations and reduce the number of projects it takes on.
Variety points out that while other studios have pulled the plug on their specialty labels, Disney is keep Miramax afloat. However, the annual film output will be cut from eight to three and staff is expected to be slashed from 80 to 20.
“Disney has a first-rate marketing and distribution team operating globally,” said Alan Bergman, prexy of the Walt Disney Studios. “This restructuring maximizes operating efficiencies and provides significant cost savings while allowing Miramax to focus on its greatest strength: the creation of high-quality entertainment.”
