Walt Disney Co (NYSE:DIS) is set to roll out a new vision for Maker Studios digital network after axing its support for video creators. Reports have it that the Mouse House plans to bring together the remains of Maker’s talent and other Disney digital editorial brands. The two will be placed under the umbrella of the company’s consumer products and interactive division.
The cutting of close to 80 jobs resulted from growth failure of Maker’s revenue to an extent that it was not able to keep to the parent company’s expectations.
Disney once a network of tens of thousands of video creators
Until February when the company decided to scale back its Maker network, Disney had been a platform to reckon. It had been a home for thousands of video creators and close to 300 high-performing YouTube personalities. It had been accommodating close to 6,000 monthly pieces of micro-content, short videos and social media posts being the key areas.
However, things now take a different turn. Part of a report on Fortune outlines, “Disney’s new digital network will incorporate Disney editorial content related to high-profile properties like the ‘Star Wars’ franchise, Marvel, and the Mickey Mouse Club.”
The company will also make a considerable reliance on the likes of Babble and the gaming entertainment channel Polaris to drive further online engagement with other in-house brands.
Much of the new digital content is family-friendly
In keeping with the trend, Disney’s new digital venture will embark on family-friendly content. Its target will be the “Generation Z and Millennial.” Furthermore, Disney has for many years enjoyed the recognition of its brands and content.
A digital variety show; Club Mickey Mouse, which is primarily for teenagers will be one of Disney’s new digital programming. The show, which has the comprehensive sponsorship of HP Inc (NYSE:HPQ), will stream exclusively on Facebook. With all these, Disney hopes to get back on its toes in digital media. In the meantime, Disney’s stock closed at $114.37 a fall of $0.36 or 0.31%.
