Digitally Animated Film Studio Pixar Ends Distribution Deal with Disney

Authored by Mark Hefflinger on January 30, 2004 - 2:11am.

Emeryville, Calif. -- Pixar Animation, the digital animation studio helmed by Apple CEO Steve Jobs that has produced high-grossing titles including "Finding Nemo" and "Toy Story," has decided to part ways with long-time partner Disney, which has distributed all of the company's films to date. "After 10 months of trying to strike a deal with Disney, we're moving on," said Pixar CEO Steve Jobs. "We've had a great run together … and it's a shame that Disney won't be participating in Pixar's future successes." Pixar will begin discussions with other studios to distribute its films beginning in 2006, and intends to retain full ownership of its future productions. "Although we would have enjoyed continuing our successful collaboration under mutually acceptable terms," Disney said in a statement, "Pixar understandably has chosen to go its own way to grow as an independent company." To date, Pixar's five films have earned more than $2.5 billion at the worldwide box office and sold over 150 million DVDs and videos.
http://biz.yahoo.com/bw/040129/295827_1.html
http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-pixar30jan30.story
http://www.wired.com/news/business/0,1367,62104,00.html