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Steve in the Magic Kingdom

Businessweek has posted a great article detailing the Pixar/Disney deal and what Steve Jobs might mean for Disney. Looking back at his past the article paints a portrait of a perfectionist who isn't afraid to roll up his sleeves and get his hands dirty. However, at Pixar Steve isn't the notorious micro manager that he's known as in the halls of Cupertino. He has a more hands off approach, letting the creative folks do what they need to do.

Which Steve will be sitting on the board of Disney: control freak Steve, or benevolent benefactor Steve? Only time will tell, but Disney could do with a little perfection right about now.

Businessweek has posted a great article detailing the Pixar/Disney deal and what Steve Jobs might mean for Disney. Looking back at his past...
 

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Rick

Two Predictions:
1. Disney film library (the major ones) begins to show up on ITMS in less than a year. (The quality of ITMS downloads looks marginal at best on a large screen TV so it won't hurt the DVD market for big screens).
2. Steve Jobs will be CEO of Disney within 10 years.

January 30 2006 at 10:48 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Flanagan

Jon H is spot-on. John Lassater and company aren't exactly known for micromanagement either, but I have a feeling that Disney management will try to micromanage them (and subsequently the whole Pixar team), in the same sort of way that threatened to sever the Disney/Pixar relationship a couple years ago. Disney execs will cite that they in fact own Pixar now and that Pixar should listen to Disney's corporate direction to the "T". However, Jobs will see to it that Pixar get to remain as independent as possible, citing that they haven't needed Disney's corporate direction in the past. He will likely also cite that Disney has been more than happy to capitalize on the success of Pixar's work (e.g. Buzz Lightyear rides, Monsters Inc ride, Finding Nemo attractions, seemingly boundless merchandising n the Disney stores and parks, etc). He will also likely suggest Pixar be involved more in the Imagineering process for such attractions.

Basically, Steve will push for anything that will aid Pixar's autonomy for their projects and influence in Disney creations, and only if/when he feels Pixar is being slighted.

January 30 2006 at 1:30 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Jon H


The micromanaging might come in handy through Jobs protecting Pixar from muddleheadedness in the rest of Disney management. He won't get involved with creative decisions or technical decisions, but he could micromanage the interface and relations between Disney Animation and the rest of the corporation, in order to preserve Lasseter's and Catmull's autonomy.

January 30 2006 at 1:02 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
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