DISNEY AIMS HIGH IN '05 `NARNIA' SUCCESS WOULD BE BOOST.Byline: Greg Hernandez Staff Writer Walt Disney Noun 1. Walt Disney - United States film maker who pioneered animated cartoons and created such characters as Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck; founded Disneyland (1901-1966) Disney, Walter Elias Disney Co. President and COO Robert Iger Robert A. "Bob" Iger (born February 10 1951) is head of the Walt Disney Company. He has been president since January 2000 and CEO since October 2005. Early Life Iger was born in Oceanside, New York. said Tuesday he looks to an upcoming film based on the popular ``The Chronicles of Narnia'' books to rival the successes of the ``Harry Potter'' or ``Lord of the Rings'' franchises at the box office. After a roller-coaster year at the box office in 2005, Disney could use an annual sure thing to bolster its holiday or summer season in the same way that Warner Bros BROS Brothers BROS Benefits and Retirement Operations Section (King County, Washington) BROS Barnes and Richmond Operatic Society (London, UK) . and New Line Cinema have been able to depend on ``Potter'' and ``Rings,'' respectively. ``We have high hopes for the first picture,'' Iger said Tuesday at the annual Global Entertainment, Media and Telecommunications Conference in Phoenix. ``The studio has been working hard at creating its own `Harry Potter' or `Lord of the Rings' franchise and this has real franchise potential for the company.'' ``The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Lion, The, English name for Leo, a constellation. Witch, and the Wardrobe,'' a live-action film with computer-generated animation, began shooting in New Zealand New Zealand (zē`lənd), island country (2005 est. pop. 4,035,000), 104,454 sq mi (270,534 sq km), in the S Pacific Ocean, over 1,000 mi (1,600 km) SE of Australia. The capital is Wellington; the largest city and leading port is Auckland. last summer and is scheduled for release at the end of 2005. In all, there are seven books in author C.S. Lewis' landmark series and the thinking is that a series of films could follow if the first entry connects with audiences. Box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian said movies based on popular books can be a double-edged sword. ``The pluses are that it has a built-in audience and high awareness level,'' said Dergarabedian, president of Exhibitor Relations Co. ``The X factor is always, how is that audience going to respond to your interpretation and execution of their beloved story?'' Disney is co-financing the film with Walden Media, which limits the company's financial exposure as well as its potential profits. But after several expensive flops in 2004, the studio has been more conservative with its movie budgets with the box office hit ``National Treasure'' being the only fiscal 2005 film that costs Disney more than $100 million to produce. ``We don't have any big risks going forward and I think the (movie) slate is quite strong,'' Iger said. While Disney seeks even firmer footing on the feature film front, the company is soaring on the wings of a resurgent re·sur·gent adj. 1. Experiencing or tending to bring about renewal or revival. 2. Sweeping or surging back again. Adj. 1. ABC ABC in full American Broadcasting Co. Major U.S. television network. It began when the expanding national radio network NBC split into the separate Red and Blue networks in 1928. broadcast network that has gone from a miserable fourth-place to a strong second in the prime-time ratings. ``It's the right people and the right structure making the right decisions,'' Iger said, giving immense credit to new ABC executives Anne Sweeney Anne Sweeney, born November 4, 1957, in Kingston, New York, is the Co-Chair of Disney Media Networks and President of Disney-ABC Television Group. Sweeney graduated from College of New Rochelle and Harvard University. She earned a BA degree and an Ed. M. degree. and Steve McPherson. ``That's a great turnaround story for the company.'' Key to the ratings comeback has been the smash new Sunday night Sunday Night, later named Michelob Presents Night Music, was an NBC late-night television show which aired for two seasons between 1988 and 1990 as a showcase for jazz and eclectic musical artists. comedy-drama ``Desperate Housewives,'' which usually finishes in the top two in ratings each week. The network also has another new top 10 hit with the Wednesday night drama ``Lost.'' ``It's still a business that's got its challenges, but we also know that a few hits can go a long way,'' Iger said. Iger is the only internal candidate in contention to replace current Disney CEO (1) (Chief Executive Officer) The highest individual in command of an organization. Typically the president of the company, the CEO reports to the Chairman of the Board. Michael D. Eisner, who is retiring from his post in 2006 after more than 20 years at the helm. Iger was asked about his goals should he become the next CEO. ``The heart and soul of the company is creativity and innovation,'' Iger said. ``The most important thing for a CEO is to respect that and make sure it's a priority.'' Greg Hernandez, (818) 713-3758 greg.hernandez(at)dailynews.com |
|
||||||||||||||||
Printer friendly
Cite/link
Email
Feedback
Reader Opinion