The Walt Disney Company, a name synonymous with childhood wonder and timeless stories, is constantly evolving. Recently, Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, participated in a conference where he discussed the company’s current strategy, emphasizing streamlining operations, content creation, and adapting to a changing entertainment landscape.
Focus on Quality:
Iger acknowledged the need for strategic decision-making in a dynamic entertainment industry. He emphasized a shift towards prioritizing high-quality content that resonates with audiences. This may involve re-evaluating projects and ensuring they align with the company’s vision before greenlighting them.
“You have to kill things you no longer believe in, and that’s not easy in this business, because either you’ve gotten started, you have some sunk costs, or it’s a relationship with either your employees or with the creative community,” Iger said. “It’s not an easy thing, but you got to make those tough calls. We’ve actually made those tough calls. We’ve not been that public about it, but we’ve killed a few projects already that we just didn’t feel were strong enough.”
Bob Iger emphasized Disney’s commitment to creating exceptional content, particularly for its booming streaming service, Disney+. This platform has been a major success story, and content creation for it will likely remain a key focus moving forward.
Adapting to the Changing Superhero Landscape
Bob pushed back on the idea of superhero or franchise fatigue, saying that it was “not an accident” that Marvel’s first 33 films generated just under $30 billion at the box office.
“A lot of people think it’s audience fatigue, it’s not audience fatigue. They want great films. And if you build it great, they will come and there are countless examples of that. Some are ours and some are others’. Oppenheimer is a perfect example of that. Just a fantastic film,” Iger said. “Focus is really important. We reduced the output of Marvel, both number of films they make and the number of TV shows, and that really becomes critical, but I feel good about the team. I feel good about the IP we’re making. I talked about a lot of the projects. We look years ahead, really. And it’s iterative.
“Not only do you look at the films you’re making, you you look at every part of that process, who the directors are, who’s being cast, reading scripts, I personally watch films three to five times with the team and just create a culture of excellence and respect, which is really important with the creative community,” he added. “And again, the track record speaks for itself.”
Navigating the ever-evolving entertainment industry requires flexibility. Iger acknowledged this challenge, emphasizing the importance of embracing new technologies and audience preferences. This adaptability ensures Disney stays relevant and continues to deliver captivating experiences for future generations.
What this means for you
As a Disney enthusiast, you can expect carefully curated and high-quality content coming your way. Disney is prioritizing quality over quantity, ensuring the experiences they deliver are truly magical and continue to capture the hearts and imaginations of audiences worldwide.
In essence, Disney is making strategic adjustments to solidify its position as a leader in the entertainment industry. By streamlining operations, focusing on quality content creation, and embracing change, Bob Iger paves the way for a future filled with innovative and captivating experiences.
Source: The Hollywood Reporter
