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Disney: Shooting for the Stars

analytical Essay
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Bombarded by 24 hour entertainment available in living rooms, automobiles, and even on smartphones, motion picture consumers are besieged by frenzied, media producers vying for the all-mighty dollar in an incredibly challenging, if not schizophrenic, marketplace. Although some independent studios are able to produce critically acclaimed works on shoestring budgets, such productions rarely capture the attention of the wider consumer-base or enable such studios to maintain anything more than a meager existence (Indie Film Studios: Can They Compete with Hollywood?). So competitive is the entertainment industry, that even once mighty conglomerates like Lucasfilm, LTD proved incapable of maintaining its ability to produce, necessitating the assistance of an even larger conglomerate, Disney. While Lucasfilm has produced some of the industry’s most treasured and profitable motion pictures, spawned leading edge production technologies, and revolutionized the movie making industry, only Disney represented the creative capacity, the marketing capability, and sufficient market dominance to ensure the continued viability of Lucasfilm’s vision (Disney to Acquire Lucasfilm Ltd, 2012).
Circumstances resulting in the Lucasfilm Acquisition
When the story broke, it hit Hollywood like an earthquake; how could Lucasfilm, the company behind classic trilogies like Star Wars and Indiana Jones; the pioneer of visual effects found in movies like the Perfect Storm, Forrest Gump, and Jurassic Park; and the creator of the THX theatrical certification process, a system for guaranteeing the highest possible picture and sound quality; relinquish its independence (Tyson, 2000)? While myriad contributing factors exist, the fact that Lucasfilm was 100% owned b...

... middle of paper ...

...ow-disney-bought-lucasfilm-and-its-plans-for-star-wars
McMillan, G. (2013, November 3). Disney cancels clone wars on cartoon network, postpones star wars: Detours. Retrieved from http://www.wired.com/2013/03/disney-clone-wars-cancelled/
Patten, D. (2013a, March 11). ‘star wars’ on tv headed in “new direction”, disney and lucasfilm say; ‘clone wars’ ending on cartoon network. Retrieved from http://www.deadline.com/2013/03/star-wars-lucasfilm-disney-tv-new-direction-clone-wars-ending-on-cartoon-network/
Patten, D. (2013b, April 3). Lucasarts announces layoffs in video game division as it shutters production. Retrieved from http://www.deadline.com/2013/04/lucasarts-announces-layoffs-in-video-game-division-shutting-down-production/
Tyson, J. (2000, November 14). How industrial light and magic works. Retrieved from http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/perfect-storm.htm

In this essay, the author

  • Analyzes how the entertainment industry is so competitive that even once mighty conglomerates like lucasfilm, ltd proved incapable of maintaining its ability to produce, necessitating the assistance of disney.
  • Analyzes how the lucasfilm acquisition hit hollywood like an earthquake; how could the company relinquish its independence? the company was 100% owned by its founder and chairman, george lucas.
  • Analyzes the effect of disney's acquisition of lucasfilm, ltd on the announcement of a new star wars trilogy.
  • Explains that disney shares fell nearly 2% during the initial aftermath of the acquisition's announcement, but have climbed a remarkable 60% since that time. star wars episode 7 will push share prices into the galactic realm.
  • Explains disney's decision to cease production of star wars video games and close lucasarts, the gaming wing of lucasfilm. disney divests itself from developing leading edge gaming technology and continues to garner profits from companies who already possess the ability to create that experience.
  • Explains that disney will no longer produce the animated television series star wars: the clone wars or star war: detours in an apparent effort to increase the disneyxd, a disney owned television station, market share.
  • Analyzes how disney's handling of the shutdown and layoffs left many employees with little notice their jobs were in jeopardy and robbed them of a valuable opportunity to seek new employment.
  • Explains that in an entertainment market where consumers are bombarded by 24 hour entertainment, media organizations' quest for the all-mighty dollar has become incredibly challenging, which necessitated the disney acquisition.
  • Analyzes how disney shares fall despite positive reactions to lucasfilm deal. lucasarts shutdown triggers layoffs at ilm.
  • Explains that disney to acquire lucasfilm ltd. from the walt disney company.
  • Explains that disney, a stock for the fairytales?, has launched production of star wars: episode vii in abu dhabi.
  • Explains that indie film studios can compete with hollywood.
  • Analyzes how disney bought lucasfilm and its plans for'star wars'.
  • Analyzes how'star wars' on tv headed in "new direction", disney and lucasfilm say; "clone-wars" ending on cartoon network.
  • Analyzes how lucasarts announces layoffs in video game division as it shutters production.
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      • Analyzes how mccoy's "american graffiti" became a record-breaking low-budget film. it was made with between $750,000 and $780,000 but grossed over $50 million at the box office.
      • Analyzes how lucas and his team created awe-inspiring special effects that blew away his audiences. after the immediate, massive and historical success of "star wars", lucas became overwhelmed with success.
      • Explains that mccoy 4lucas created lucasfilm, set up industrial light & magic, and skywalker sound. these companies became the go-to source for movie production.
      • Explains that lucas was married to marcia griffin in 1969 and adopted a girl named amanda. they divorced in 1983, but lucas continued to raise amanda on his own.
      • Explains that lucas became involved in the production of the famous series "indiana jones" following the success of "star wars" and "the temple of doom".
      • Explains that lucas began writing the scripts and stories for the prequel trilogy to "star wars" in 1994, but some fans weren't optimistic to see the story progress or change.
      • Explains that lucas' return to the series was met with much success, but mixed praise and opinions.
      • Explains that lucas released the latest installment of the "indian jones" series in 2008, which was directed by stephen spielberg.
      • Explains that lucas announced that he would be retiring from the world of hollywood blockbusters in 2012. lucas sold the lucrative company of lucasfilm to walt disney company in october of 2012.
      • Compares the positive and negative reviews of george lucas' "star wars" series with those of the prequels.
      • Compares the reviews of "indiana jones" and "raiders of the lost ark." although the film had some effects blunders, it was enjoyable.
      • Analyzes how "temple of doom" came under fire due to its extra dose of violence and its scatter brain feel. the famous "heart removal" scene became the impetus for the creation of the pg-13 rating.
      • Analyzes how lucas won his audience over by creating a deeper and more layered story. the "indiana jones" series did not do as well as its space action-adventure counterpart, "star wars".
      • Explains that george lucas created some of the most recognizable, iconic characters known to mankind. his movies created a new type of world where children and adults could live out their fantasies.
      • Explains that mccoy's lucrative success made him a charitable man. the lucasfilm foundation donated $175 million to lucas' alma mater, the university of southern california.
      • Opines that george lucas is the definition of innovation, controversy, and obsession. his perseverance in the face of failure is an inspiration to all.
      • Explains that berardinelli sees film in reelviews movie reviews and george lucas biography.
      2106 words
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    • The Two-Tiered System of Allusions
      analytical essay
      In Hollywood today, most films can be categorized according to the genre system. There are action films, horror flicks, Westerns, comedies and the likes. On a broader scope, films are often separated into two categories: Hollywood films, and independent or foreign ‘art house’ films. Yet, this outlook, albeit superficial, was how many viewed films. Celebrity-packed blockbusters filled with action and drama, with the use of seamless top-of-the-line digital editing and special effects were considered ‘Hollywood films’. Films where unconventional themes like existentialism or paranoia, often with excessive violence or sex or a combination of both, with obvious attempts to displace its audiences from the film were often attributed with the generic label of ‘foreign’ or ‘art house’ cinema.

      In this essay, the author

      • Explains that hollywood films can be categorized according to the genre system. celebrity-packed blockbusters filled with action and drama, with seamless top-of-the-line digital editing and special effects, were considered ‘hollywood films’.
      • Argues that hollywood may be gradually losing its stigma as a money-hungry machine churning out predictable, unintelligent flicks for mass consumption.
      • Explains how the two-tiered system allowed hollywood to remain faithful to the mass audience, yet popular among the rising film-literate generation.
      • Explains that allusion in film history has become an important expressive device used by directors extensively to make comments about other films within their own films or vice-versa.
      • Analyzes how tarantino pays homage to hong kong cinematic style of quick zoom shots which emphasized the expressions of the characters’ faces.
      • Analyzes how ‘kill bill 2’ utilizes the two-tiered system of communication within the film. it is a samurai / action film about an ex-assassin who decides to take revenge.
      • Analyzes how tarantino's technique is a 'post-modern collage', reinventing and combining genres into his films.
      • Compares hollywood allusionists and post-modernism, stating that allusionism operates on a two-tiered system which garners both the film literate and non-film
      • Analyzes how carroll asserts that a two-tiered system with allusions hinting of complex themes from great works by great directors will not add quality to the film itself.
      • Analyzes how tarantino uses allusions to create an intertextual art, extending and allowing the film to be interpreted from various levels.
      • Cites sergio leone's a fistful of dollars, american beauty, and robert zemeckis' back to the future.
      • Compares the films scary movie, the simpsons, and taxi driver. the future of allusion: hollywood in the seventies and beyond.
      1605 words
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    • Beverly Hills Cop, The Rock, Armageddon, and Top Gun
      analytical essay
      In this paper I will offer a structural analysis of the films of Simpson and Bruckheimer. In addition to their spectacle and typically well-crafted action sequences, Simpson/Bruckheimer pictures seem to possess an unconscious understanding of the zeitgeist and other cultural trends. It is this almost innate ability to select scripts that tap into some traditional American values (patriotism, individualism, and the obsession with the “new”) that helps to make their movies blockbusters.

      In this essay, the author

      • Explains that simpson and bruckheimer were the first to exploit mtv's power by packing their films full of marketable songs. this strategy worked with "flashdance" and "coyote ugly."
      • Explains that don simpson and jerry bruckheimer are arguably the most successful producing team in hollywood history. their films include "beverly hills cop", "the rock," "armageddon," and "top gun."
      • Explains that simpson and bruckheimer's films possess an unconscious understanding of the zeitgeist and other cultural trends. they perfected a sacred hollywood formula and revolutionized the hollywood film industry.
      • Analyzes how owen gleiberman's review of "con air" sums up critics' opinions on the canon of simpson and bruckheimer.
      • Explains that the three-act film structure isn't new in hollywood filmmaking, but it's rooted in technology and music video style, music itself, basic character development, and a basic understanding of the cultural landscape.
      • Explains that the most common simpson and bruckheimer character type is the maverick hero, a devil may care pilot whose strict moral code ran counter to the strides of the counterculture.
      • Analyzes how simpson and bruckheimer's high concept formula revolutionized hollywood filmmaking. their knack for producing, crafting, and marketing movies is unparalleled in hollywood history.
      • Analyzes fleming, charles, and demopoulos, maria. "high concept: don simpson and the hollywood culture of excess."
      • Cites klinger, barbara, and welsh, james m., "action films: the serious, ironic, the postmodern."
      3486 words
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    • Exploring Walt Disney Company: The Entertainment King
      analytical essay
      (1) Michel G. Rukstad, David Collis; The Walt Disney Company: The Entertainment King; Harvard Business School; 9-701-035; Rev. January 5, 2009

      In this essay, the author

      • Explains that disney's long-run success is mainly due to creating value through diversification and the management and fostering of creativity, brand image and synergies between businesses.
      • Explains that disney's long-term success is due to its strategic choices and diversification strategies. disney created value through "vertical integration" of its business lines, especially through its acquisition of abc.
      • Explains that disney increased its net income more than four times after eisner's takeover in the first four years, due to his tough leadership, brand management, and corporate strategies.
      • Cites michel g. rukstad, david collis, the walt disney company: the entertainment king, harvard business school, 9-701-035, rev.
      • Explains that information was mainly taken from the harvard business case study "the walt disney company: the entertainment king."
      • Analyzes how disney managed synergies and creativity and leveraged its strong brand image throughout the walt disney years.
      • Explains how disney diversified its business lines in the first four years of eisner's leadership. disney expanded into new businesses, regions and audiences, and created a completely new way of generating profits.
      • Opines that disney's corporate strategy to create value through diversification was appropriate and enabled them to reach a long-term success.
      1511 words
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