Pixar dumps Disney

Huh?

Money/CNN | Pixar dumps Disney
Pixar Animation Studios Inc. said Thursday it ended talks with Walt Disney Co. to extend a five-picture deal for Disney to distribute Pixar films.

Pixar, the computer animation pioneer founded by Apple Computer Inc.'s Steve Jobs, said it would begin talks with other companies to distribute its films starting in 2006.

"After ten months of trying to strike a deal with Disney, we're moving on," Pixar CEO Steve Jobs said in a statement. "We've had a great run together -- one of the most successful in Hollywood history -- and it's a shame that Disney won't be participating in Pixar's future successes."

At least Pixar seems to have a plan, which is more than the Disney Feature Animation unit can say. First Katzenberg left, then Roy Disney, then they shut down their Florida studio, then they showed John Musker and Ron Clements the door after the disappointing box office of "Treasure Planet" (the directing team were also responsible for "Little Mermaid", "Aladdin" and "Hercules")...

Yeah, it looks like time for Pixar to get while the getting is good.

As Jim Hill quoted: "You wanna start a really great animation studio? Just go stand out on the sidewalk in Burbank and hire everyone that Disney lets go."

(Speaking of Pixar, you can see their short films for free on the web.)