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Pixar Computer Animation Studios Worth Billions to Disney

by Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@graphicdesigntrainingreview.com
Graphic Design Training Review Columnist

Disney Studios effected the biggest merger of two computer animation movie giants when it purchased its movie-making partner Pixar. But is Pixar worth the $7.4 billion dollars Disney to forked out? Here is the scoop on this blockbuster Hollywood deal.

The acquisition of Pixar animation studios by the Walt Disney company has been the talk of the computer animation world since January of this year. Pixar, creators of such animation hits as Finding Nemo and The Incredibles, has acted as Disney's movie-making partner for some years now. But as their six-movie deal came to a close, Disney set the wheels in motion to purchase Pixar for a $7.4 billion. This might seem like a steep price, but Pixar's success has turned heads in the Disney computer animation studios.

Computer Animation Buyout: Disney and Pixar

• Big Success. Pixar's computer animation movies have brought in an estimated $3.2 million at the box office and even more in merchandising.
• Last Installment. Pixar will release its final computer animation effort in four months when it releases the movie Cars.
• Already United. Many Disney rides at their theme parks already feature several of the computer animation characters that Pixar made famous.

Computer Animation: High Tech Art

There is very little doubt that the computer animation business is seeing a high degree of success. And this trend in entertainment shows no signs of slowing down.

Earn your computer animation degree and you could begin a career in this hot industry. Here is what the U.S. Bureau of Statistics has to say about a computer animation career:

• Environment. Graphic designers in computer animation work in high tech studios turning ideas into art.
• Outlook. The need for computer animation professionals will grow with the national average through 2012, despite growing competition.
• Education. A bachelor's degree in graphic arts is the standard for computer animation hopefuls.

A computer animation career is a unique combination of technology and the arts that you will love. And getting a degree in this field is the first step.

Sources
"Is Pixar Worth $7 Billion to Disney?" MSNBC
"Graphic Designers," U.S. Bureau of Statistics

About the Author
Kelly Richardson covers the local education and technology scenes in major cities across the country. His articles appear in educational journals, periodicals, and e-zines.

Posted on: May 5, 2006