Session 4: Walt Disney
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Questions and Answers

In what year was the movie 'Treasure Island' released?

  • 1952
  • 1950 (correct)
  • 1953
  • 1951
  • What significant event related to Disneyland occurred in 1952?

  • Buena Vista Distribution Co. launched
  • WED Enterprises was founded (correct)
  • TV specials were introduced
  • The first theme park opened
  • What was one of the primary focuses of the TV specials in the early 1950s?

  • Adult dramas
  • Reality shows
  • Documentaries
  • Children's programming (correct)
  • Which company was responsible for the distribution of films in 1953?

    <p>Buena Vista Distribution Co. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What genre of films was specifically mentioned in the context of 1950 and 1951?

    <p>Live-action movies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Disney’s first TV special that reached 20 million viewers?

    <p>One Hour in Wonderland (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did Disney release Treasure Island, marking its entry into live-action film production?

    <p>1950 (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which animated film was released by Disney in 1961?

    <p>101 Dalmatians (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What percentage of the total U.S. box office did Disney Studios hold by 1988?

    <p>19% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many movies out of Disney's next 33 were profitable after Eisner's arrival?

    <p>27 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the purpose of creating Buena Vista Distribution in 1953?

    <p>To save on distribution fees (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which was the first R-rated movie released by Touchstone?

    <p>Down and Out in Beverly Hills (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following shows followed Disneyland in 1955 as a television program featuring young hosts?

    <p>Mickey Mouse Club (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary goal of Walt Disney in creating Disneyland?

    <p>To generate financing and public interest for the park (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary focus of releases under the Touchstone label?

    <p>Comedies with minimal sex and violence (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a characteristic of Katzenberg's approach to film production at Disney?

    <p>Seeking strong scripts from lesser-known writers and actors in career slumps (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a major financial risk Walt Disney took when building Disneyland?

    <p>Taking out bank loans (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many new films did Disney begin releasing per year after Eisner's leadership compared to 1984?

    <p>15 to 18 new films (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What strategy did Disney use to avoid paying high salaries in film production?

    <p>Developing the studio’s own talent (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was Eisner's perspective on Disney's live-action movies at the time he took over?

    <p>None seemed worth making. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the estimated percentage of movies that lost money in the industry during the time of Disney's resurgence?

    <p>60% (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the annual total return to shareholders generated by Disney during Michael Eisner's tenure from 1984 to 2000?

    <p>27% (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which statement best describes Michael Eisner's approach to management?

    <p>He emphasized toughness to ensure quality. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant event in 1996 contributed to the decline in Disney's return on equity?

    <p>The ABC television network merger. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which show was credited with leading the turnaround at ABC in 2000?

    <p>Who Wants To Be a Millionaire (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much did Disney's revenues increase from 1984 to 2000?

    <p>$25 billion (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a consequence of Disney's heavy investments in new enterprises by the late 1990s?

    <p>A notable drop in return on equity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What challenge did Disney face by the end of the 1990s regarding its performance?

    <p>Difficulty in maintaining its growth targets. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a key factor in the initial success of Disney under Michael Eisner?

    <p>A strong focus on animation and family entertainment. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one result of the strategic planning unit established at Disney?

    <p>It fostered competition among division managers. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a common sentiment expressed by departing executives regarding Disney’s culture during Eisner's management?

    <p>The workplace became increasingly unfun. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What did Eisner claim about the turnover of high-level executives at Disney?

    <p>It was not unexpected given the company's size and success. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How did the strategic planning unit impact the meetings at Disney?

    <p>More than five people in a meeting indicated issues. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor led to the departure of approximately 75 high-level executives from Disney between 1994 and January 2000?

    <p>The controlled cost emphasis and managerial style. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one executive's comment about having meetings with larger groups at Disney?

    <p>It often resulted in project rejections. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant change occurred to Disney’s employee count between Eisner's arrival and 2000?

    <p>It increased from 28,000 to 110,000. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was a concern about Disney's focus during Eisner's tenure?

    <p>Overemphasis on financial aspects at the cost of creativity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the revenue from Theme Parks and Resorts in 1990?

    <p>$3,020 million (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year did Studio Entertainment record the highest revenue?

    <p>1995 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the operating income from Media Networks in 1995?

    <p>$0 million (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which year saw the first reported revenue for Internet & Direct Marketing?

    <p>1995 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the total revenue in 1998?

    <p>$22,473 million (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year did Consumer Products see its lowest operating income?

    <p>1983 (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which segment reported a negative operating income in 1984?

    <p>Studio Entertainment (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the operating income for Theme Parks and Resorts in 1996?

    <p>$990 million (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the total revenue for the year 1985?

    <p>$1,701 million (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which year had the highest operating income for Studio Entertainment?

    <p>1995 (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How much revenue did Consumer Products generate in 1992?

    <p>$1,425 million (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In what year did Media Networks show significant growth in operating income for the first time?

    <p>1997 (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the trend in operating income for Internet & Direct Marketing from 1997 to 2000?

    <p>Fluctuating but generally decreasing (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which segment had the highest increase in revenue from 1994 to 1995?

    <p>Consumer Products (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Flashcards

    Disney's Turnaround

    The Walt Disney Company's resurgence under Michael Eisner, marked by significant financial growth and shareholder returns, is considered a successful business turnaround.

    Eisner's Leadership

    Michael Eisner's leadership style, known for its demanding nature and focus on quality, played a crucial role in Disney's revival.

    Disney's Financial Growth

    The period between 1984 and 2000, when Eisner was CEO, saw Disney's revenue increase from $1.65 billion to $25 billion and net earnings rise from $0.1 billion to $1.2 billion.

    Shareholder Returns

    The average annual return for Disney shareholders during Eisner's tenure was 27%, a remarkable feat for any company.

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    Disney's Slowdown

    Despite its success, Disney's performance began to slow down after the ABC merger in 1996, with return on equity (ROE) declining.

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    Factors Affecting Disney's Performance

    Factors attributing to Disney's decline include heavy investments in new ventures and ABC's lower-than-expected performance.

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    Who Wants To Be a Millionaire's Impact

    The success of the show 'Who Wants To Be a Millionaire' on ABC helped improve Disney's profits in 2000, suggesting that the company was still capable of attracting viewers.

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    Eisner's Legacy

    While Disney's late 2000s performance fell below Eisner's 20% growth target, its past success under his leadership left a lasting legacy on its business culture.

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    Conflict-driven culture in business

    A situation where a group of smart individuals are encouraged to openly disagree and debate ideas, where the best idea is expected to emerge through this process.

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    Buena Vista Distribution Co.

    A company that distributes movies, like a messenger for filmmakers to theaters.

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    Strategic planning unit

    A system where a specialized department evaluates the financial viability of different business divisions within a company.

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    WED Enterprises

    A company that designs theme parks, like a creative team for magical worlds.

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    Autocratic Management

    A management style where decisions are made by a single leader with ultimate authority, often without significant input from others.

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    Disneyland Founding Year

    The company that makes Disneyland was founded in this year.

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    Imagineer

    A type of employee who specifically focuses on developing creative concepts and ideas, often in entertainment and theme park industries.

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    Treasure Island (Movie)

    A movie released in the 1950s. Focuses on the adventures of Jim Hawkins and pirates.

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    High-level executive turnover

    A situation where employees leave a company due to factors like dissatisfaction with the culture, leadership style, or other work environment considerations.

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    One Hour in Wonderland (TV Show)

    A television program that premiered around the 1950s. Presents magical and fantastical stories for children.

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    Money-driven culture

    A state where a company prioritizes its financial performance above all else, potentially at the expense of other important factors like creativity.

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    Business strategy

    The overall approach and plan a company uses to manage its various businesses and achieve its goals.

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    Business growth strategy

    The process of expanding a company's operations by acquiring or developing additional businesses or ventures.

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    Disney's Early TV Success

    Disney's first TV special, "One Hour in Wonderland", achieved a huge viewership of 20 million in 1950, despite only 10.5 million TV sets in the US at the time.

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    Disney's Live-Action Expansion

    Disney entered the live-action movie business with "Treasure Island" in 1950, eventually producing an average of 3 films per year by 1965, including hits like "Old Yeller", "Swiss Family Robinson", and "Mary Poppins".

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    Buena Vista Distribution

    To control distribution and save money, Disney created Buena Vista Distribution in 1953, ending their agreement with RKO. This move eliminated distribution fees, saving one-third of film revenue.

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    Disney's In-House Talent

    Rather than paying big salaries to external talent, Disney nurtured their own pool of actors and filmmakers, contributing to their financial success.

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    Disneyland TV Shows

    Starting in 1954, Disney launched the "Disneyland" TV program on ABC, followed by the popular "Mickey Mouse Club". These shows aimed to boost interest in the future Disneyland theme park.

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    Disneyland's Financial Risk

    Disney's ambitious Disneyland project required millions of dollars in loans to build it, but its success, due to innovative attractions and commitment to quality, made it a major triumph.

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    Disney's Commitment to Excellence

    Walt Disney's commitment to excellence in every aspect of park development, from technical innovations to meticulous details, contributed to the colossal success of Disneyland.

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    Disney's Movie Division Turnaround

    Disney's movie division was struggling in the early 1980s, with a low market share and few successful projects. However, under Eisner's leadership, the division underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a market leader and consistently producing profitable films.

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    Touchstone Label

    The Touchstone label, launched by Disney in 1984, allowed the company to release films with more mature themes, including adult humor and violence, while still appealing to a wide audience.

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    R-rated Films at Disney

    The Touchstone label allowed Disney to explore R-rated films, which previously wouldn't have been associated with the brand. This strategy proved successful, with films like 'Down and Out in Beverly Hills' exceeding expectations.

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    Disney's Film Production Strategy

    In contrast to the big-budget, special effects-driven blockbusters that were common in the industry, Disney focused on producing moderately budgeted films, emphasizing strong scripts, interesting plots, and a balance of experienced and rising actors.

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    Jeffrey Katzenberg's Role

    Jeffrey Katzenberg, a key figure in Disney's revival, was known for his ability to identify successful scripts, his intense work ethic, and his skill in attracting top talent to Disney projects.

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    Factors Contributing to Disney's Success

    Disney's focus on high-quality scripts and strong storytelling, combined with its strategic use of talent and a focus on moderate budgets, contributed significantly to its success in the movie industry.

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    Increased Film Releases

    The strategy of releasing 15 to 18 new films per year contrasted sharply with Disney's earlier releases, where only two were produced annually. This increased output allowed Disney to reach a wider audience and maintain a strong presence in the industry.

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    Walt Disney Label vs Touchstone

    While Touchstone films were designed for a broader audience, releases under the Walt Disney label were still targeted at families, ensuring the company's core values remained intact.

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    Theme Parks & Resorts Revenue

    The revenue generated by the Walt Disney Company's theme parks and resorts.

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    Studio Entertainment Revenue (Film)

    The revenue generated by the Walt Disney Company's film studio, encompassing both domestic and international distribution.

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    Consumer Products Revenue

    The revenue generated by the Walt Disney Company's consumer products division, including merchandise, licensing, and publishing.

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    Media Networks Revenue

    The revenue generated by the Walt Disney Company's media networks, encompassing cable television, broadcasting, and digital platforms.

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    Internet & Direct Marketing Revenue

    The revenue generated by the Walt Disney Company's internet and direct marketing efforts, including online sales and e-commerce.

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    Theme Parks & Resorts Operating Income

    The profit generated by the Walt Disney Company's theme parks and resorts, after deducting operating expenses.

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    Studio Entertainment Operating Income (Film)

    The profit generated by the Walt Disney Company's film studio, after deducting operating expenses.

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    Consumer Products Operating Income

    The profit generated by the Walt Disney Company's consumer products division, after deducting operating expenses.

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    Media Networks Operating Income

    The profit generated by the Walt Disney Company's media networks, after deducting operating expenses.

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    Internet & Direct Marketing Operating Income

    The profit generated by the Walt Disney Company's internet and direct marketing efforts, after deducting operating expenses.

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    Total Revenue

    The total revenue generated by the Walt Disney Company across all its business segments.

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    Total Operating Income

    The total profit generated by the Walt Disney Company across all its business segments.

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    NA (Not Available)

    A data point that is missing or unavailable.

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    Negative Operating Income

    A negative figure in the operating income, indicating a loss for the period.

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    Growth Period

    A period of time in which the Walt Disney Company's revenues were significant and increasing.

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    Study Notes

    Walt Disney Company: The Entertainment King

    • The Walt Disney Company experienced a significant turnaround under Michael Eisner, who increased revenues from $1.65 billion to $25 billion and net earnings from $0.1 billion to $1.2 billion between 1984 and 2000.
    • This resulted in a 27% annual total return to shareholders.
    • Eisner was praised for his tough leadership style and hands-on approach, aiming for 20% growth.
    • However, later performance fell short of target, with return on equity declining below 10% by 1999.
    • This was attributed to heavy investment in new ventures (cruise ships, Anaheim theme park) and the underperformance by ABC.
    • The success of "Who Wants To Be a Millionaire" temporarily boosted profits.

    The Walt Disney Years (1923-1966)

    • Walt Disney, at 16, worked with the Red Cross in World War I.
    • He founded Disney Brothers Studio in Hollywood in 1923, with his brother Roy.
    • Initially, the studio produced shorts starring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.
    • Disney lost control of Oswald's copyright.
    • He created Mickey Mouse as a replacement.
    • Steamboat Willie (1928) was a sensation, leveraging synchronized sound.
    • Disney's approach to business was nonhierarchical, emphasizing teamwork and cooperation.
    • The company produced its first full-length animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937).
    • Building on this success, Disney built a new studio in Burbank, went public in 1940, and increased the work force.
    • The company focused on producing full-length features.
    • Disney created Disneyland, which opened in 1955.
    • Its success was driven by state-of-the-art attractions and Walt Disney's dedication to quality.

    Post-Walt Disney Years (1967-1984)

    • The passing of Walt and Roy Disney shifted the company's focus to theme park expansion, including Tokyo Disneyland.
    • Film output significantly declined.
    • Financially erratic performance, impacting the company's future.
    • Corporate raiders eyed the company's assets during this period.
    • The company was saved by an investment from oil tycoon Sid Bass, restoring Roy E. Disney to the board and averting takeover.

    Eisner's Turnaround (1984-1993)

    • Michael Eisner was appointed chairman and CEO.
    • Eisner's strategic focus was on maximizing shareholder wealth with an annual revenue growth target.
    • He recruited new executives, like Katzenberg for films, to boost the company's performance.
    • The company saw significant growth in TV and movies, and theme park attendance remained strong.
    • Eisner successfully steered the company away from takeover attempts.

    Revitalizing TV and Movies

    • Eisner and Wells focused on reviving Disney's TV and film businesses.
    • Disney created successful TV shows, using the company's brand to boost demand.
    • The movies division saw a comeback, with profitable films such as Three Men and a Baby and Good Morning Vietnam
    • Eisner focused on attracting talented actors and directors, instead of relying on big-name stars, and producing moderately budgeted films.

    Managing Creativity

    • Eisner employed a "gong show" technique for brainstorming new ideas, a weekly meeting where employees from different divisions presented ideas.
    • The company hired and retained talented executives to ensure a collaborative and creative environment, for instance recruiting Jeffrey Katzenberg and Frank Wells.
    • Disney had internal financial and creative tensions, aiming for creative concepts and financial objectives.
    • The company made investments in animation and computer-animated systems.
    • The animation division and theme park division witnessed success.

    Managing Synergies

    • Eisner emphasized synergy as a core business strategy for profitability, fostering collaboration via workshops and strategic development units.
    • Disney integrated its theme parks, retail products, and entertainment to promote its brand and generate revenues.
    • This strategy involved cross-promotion and coordination among business divisions, fostering vertical, horizontal, and geographical synergy, and expanding into new global markets.

    Disney Slumps to the End of the Century (1998-2000)

    • Disney started to experience financial difficulties after acquiring ABC.
    • Critics noted that the company had become larger, it was challenged to manage the organization effectively, and Eisner lost some creative talent.
    • Theme park performance was resilient but movies were less successful.
    • "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" boosted ABC's revenue.

    Disney's Strategy for Growth: Smart or Dumbo?

    • Disney expanded its businesses, venturing into new markets such as cruises and educational retreats.
    • Critics questioned whether Eisner's one-man-show style was effective given the scale of the company.
    • Uncertainty about Disney's future strategic directions.

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    Description

    Test your knowledge about the significant events and movies related to Disney from the 1950s onwards. This quiz covers key milestones including film releases, television specials, and the establishment of distribution companies. See how well you know Disney's impact on entertainment through the years!

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