Disney-Pixar alliance seems to be drawing to a close | SF Chronicle

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Disney-Pixar alliance seems to be drawing to a close
Talks falter -- Emeryville animation trailblazer hunts for greener partner

Kelly Zito, Benny Evangelista, Chronicle Staff Writers
Friday, January 30, 2004


One of the most successful marriages in filmmaking history, the partnership behind blockbusters such as "Finding Nemo" and "Monsters, Inc.," appeared headed for divorce Thursday after Emeryville's Pixar Animation Studios said it was ending talks to extend its co-production contract with media titan Walt Disney Co.

The sudden announcement, made public shortly after the close of the stock market, raises significant questions about the future of both companies.

Pixar, which in recent years dethroned Disney as king of animated features, says it is looking for a replacement for the partner whose marketing muscle helped propel Pixar's films to sales of $2.6 billion worldwide.

Disney, the global conglomerate that owns ABC, ESPN and world-famous theme parks, would be left without the unique creative force that, with its backing, reinvented feature animation. The 81-year-old firm already is reeling from lackluster ticket sales for its own animated movies and the resignation late last year of Roy Disney, who accused Disney chief executive Michael Eisner of mismanaging the Pixar relationship.

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