Disney+ Pauses Local Original Commissions In Canada
Since Bob Iger’s return as CEO of the Walt Disney Company, one of his major tasks has been to reduce costs and this has resulted in many changes within the company, including a loss of over 7000 jobs, as the company looks to cut costs by $5 billion.
One aspect of this cost-cutting, is that Disney plans to spend much less on creating general entertainment content for its streaming services and linear networks. And part of this reduction in general entertainment, is also resulting in Disney cutting back on its localised content, as Disney focuses on creating global new releases.
Variety is reporting that Disney+ has now paused all original local commissions in Canada until the end of the year and it might even extend into 2024.
Disney+ launched in Canada back in 2019, but unlike Australia or the UK, the Canada original team has been slow to get its original programming off the ground. Disney only hired Stephanie Azam as its director of content for Canada last year, but as of yet, we’ve not seen any specific Canada Originals released on Disney+.
Last year, Jason Badal, VP and general manager for Disney+ in Canada, spoke at the Content Canada industry conference about how they are looking to create more adult-oriented programming for the Star brand.
Back in April, Canada’s government announced a brand new online streaming act (Bill C-11), which requires streaming companies like Disney to invest in Canadian content, which offers financial incentives and tax breaks. A number of recent Disney+ originals have been filmed in Canada, including “Sneakerella”, “Flora & Ulysses”, “Peter Pan & Wendy” and many more. So while original commissions may be paused, Disney is likely to continue to film some content in Canada to comply with the rules.
What do you think of Disney pausing Canadian Disney+ Originals? Let us know on social media!
Roger Palmer
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