Walt Disney: Ten Days of Remembrance

Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5, 1901, and passed away on December 15, 1966.

The "Ten Days of Remembrance" is the tribute "holiday" I have informally celebrated in honor of Walt Disney's life, or more specifically, the impact and influence his vision and work has instilled in me.

Each year during this ten day span, I typically read a book detailing Walt's life, research to learn more about a specific studio project, and watch a memorable Disney film each day. Over the years, the nightly viewings have been presented chronologically, by genre or theme, or even randomly. The purpose has always been centered around the spirit of the experience rather than a particular practice or protocol.

I think Uncle Walt would proudly approve.

It may seem a bit eccentric, but this "season" is always a unique opportunity for me to personally celebrate the arts, imagination, and inspiration. Although it has previously been a time for individual reflection, my wife and children have since come to appreciate how much it has meant to me over the years, and now actively participate with enthusiasm. It's truly become a fun family tradition.

I hope that you may also be encouraged, in your own time and manner, to remember those that have inspired and challenged you to follow your dreams.

Until next time...

JP

The Marvelous World of Disney

After a $4 billion agreement, The Walt Disney Company is now the proud owner of Marvel Entertainment. An estimated 5000 characters (including Captain America, The Hulk, Iron Man, Spider-Man, and the X-Men) will be added to Disney's cast.

Considering that Disney already owns some of the most famous and popular properties in existence, along with the recent acquisition of Pixar, and now Marvel, the possibilities of creative expansion are proving to be virtually limitless.

"We believe that adding Marvel to Disney's unique portfolio of brands provides significant opportunities for long-term growth and value creation," Bob Iger, Disney CEO, said in a statement announcing the deal. The announcement was big; the deal may prove to be bigger, still.

But is this a good deal? Only time will tell. Disney has historically succeeded with a foundational formula of quality art and storytelling, which has been embraced, if not championed, by Pixar. Marvel is formidable in their own right, currently celebrating a 70
year anniversary, and comic book art and stories (not to mention lucrative feature films) are showing no signs of decreasing in demand.

News reports indicate that there are no immediate plans to have a Mickey / Spidey team-up. Nevertheless, it sounds like with the addition of Marvel's sizable infantry, the Magic Kingdom is well on its way to becoming an Empire.

"Disney is the perfect home for Marvel's fantastic library of characters given its proven ability to expand content creation and licensing businesses," said Marvel CEO, Ike Perlmutter. "This is an unparalleled opportunity for Marvel to build upon its vibrant brand and character properties by accessing Disney's tremendous global organization and infrastructure around the world."

Either way, Iger admits that Disney is now in a power position to renegotiate any deal with competitors, such as Sony, Universal, and Warner Brothers.

And we know that with great power, comes great responsibility.

Until next time…

JP