Netflix’s Animation Division Faces Cutbacks and Layoffs
Netflix’s award-winning animation division is the latest to be hit with cutbacks and layoffs, according to Variety. Despite a successful year in 2022, with accolades for films like Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, the streaming giant is now downsizing its animation department, resulting in the cancellation of two movies.
Escape from Beverly Hills, a previously unannounced film, and Tunga, which was based on Zimbabwe’s Shona culture, will both be shut down. These projects will be returned to the open market and development, respectively. Netflix’s aim is to reduce the size of its division while maintaining a robust slate of content, Variety reports. The exact extent of the downsizing and the number of layoffs to be expected have not been disclosed.
Netflix is not alone in making cuts to its animation plans, as other studios like Warner Bros. and Dreamworks have also scaled back their animation endeavors in recent years. Concerns about AI technology have further contributed to worries within the animation industry. However, despite these challenges, animation continues to thrive, particularly in areas such as adult animation and anime.
The news of Netflix’s cutbacks comes after the surprise revival of Star Trek: Prodigy, which had initially been canceled but was then saved by Netflix. The streaming platform is also preparing for the release of Chicken Run: Dawn of the Nugget on October 14.
In a review of Netflix, it was noted that while the platform still offers popular TV shows and a vast library of content, it faces challenges in terms of rising prices, content turnover, and user interface issues. Nevertheless, Netflix remains a go-to platform for many viewers.
For more insights into the streaming industry, check out our comprehensive coverage in our recent State of Streaming series.
Kat Bailey, IGN’s News Director and co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat, can be contacted via DM at @the_katbot.
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