Maker Studios which last year merged into the content and media division of Disney’s Consumer Products and Interactive Media (DCPI) arm, has be hit with large employee layoffs this month following a staff overlap.
This comes as news that Maker are set to drastically reduce the number of channels signed to its network and it remains unclear which of the creators will remain.
This is definitely a strategic move by the company as it attempts to freshen up its Publishing and Digital Media offer, of which Maker are set to play a pivotal role. For me its a smart move. The creator landscape is so unknown at present and while there in undoubtedly huge potential for this type of media to transform entertainment and marketing it still make sense to tread with caution.
Streamlining the number of creators signed to Maker allows them to put more resources behind each one, increasing their chance of success. Furthermore it enables Disney to make greater use of their creators across all their platforms. Pulling in talent to host shows on their Oh My Disney or Babble channels.
Like so many others Disney are ensuring they have a strong digital offer as we move into this new world of content and consumerism.
Adapt or die.