If there is something positive to emerge from the current public health crisis, it is the coming together of people to help people. The amazing stories of both individuals and companies filling needs where they are able have been a source of joy. Disney is at it again, this time stepping up to help our medical heroes in the midst of shortages of critical medical supplies, specifically personal protective equipment. First and foremost, we applaud every medical hero out there, literally risking their own health and lives to serve the needs of others. We also applaud companies like Disney jumping in to help. Check out the details of this very clever way. Disney is clearing out its supplies to help the medical community.
Here are all the details from a Disney Cast Member:
Since taking the unprecedented steps of closing our theme parks and stores and suspending our cruises, we have continued to focus on ways we can make a difference during this time.
In response to requests from hospitals that are in need of additional protective garments and medical-related supplies, Disney Parks has donated 150,000 rain ponchos to MedShare, a humanitarian aid organization, for distribution to hospitals in need. The idea was inspired by nurses across the country who inventively found that rain ponchos can be an excellent way to protect their clothing and prolong the use of PPE, while also freeing up gowns when needed.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we’ve seen before,” said Charles Redding, MedShare CEO and President. “We have to find ways to pool our resources and work together to help the healthcare workers who are doing their very best to treat patients and contain COVID-19. We appreciate Disney partnering with us to support hospitals and healthcare workers on the frontlines.”
Disney Parks also recently donated more than 100,000 N95 masks to the states of New York, California and Florida, and is finding additional ways to give back.
These efforts follow the recent donation of more than 270 tons of food to local food banks from Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disneyland Paris, and Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa. Since March, Disney Parks have provided nearly $3M in in-kind donations benefitting communities around the globe.
Disney Parks has a longstanding history of helping hospitals and communities, dating back to the 1930s, when Walt, himself, took Disney characters and animators on outreach visits. Sharing the magic of Disney continues today through contributions, collaborating with nonprofit organizations, in-kind gifts, and employee volunteerism. These are some of the ways Disney brings positive, lasting change to communities around the world.
With the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic not going away any time soon and The Walt Disney Company still facing an uncertain financial future, the company has acquired more cash, this time in a $1.3 billion debt offering in Canada, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Disney revealed in a SEC filing on Thursday that it raised through a Canadian private placement “around $1.3 billion in 3.057 percent senior notes,” which would be due in 2027. Disney plans to use the new debt financing “for general corporate purposes, including the repayment of indebtedness (including commercial paper).”
On Friday, Disney disclosed in a different SEC filing that it recently raised $6 billion in debt, also to pay down “other debt obligations.” According to the Reporter, the American debt offering consisted of “five different notes, set to mature between 2025 and 2050,” with a valuation of between $500 million and $1.75 billion, and interest rates set between 3.35 percent and 4.7 percent.
At the end of the previous fiscal year, Disney had long-term debt worth over $38 billion. Disney is far from the only media company seeking to raise money through debt, with Comcast, owner of Disney’s chief theme park rival, Universal Parks & Resorts, also raising debt to offset COVID-19’s impact on their operations.
On March 20th, Disney Junoir debuted “Mira, Royal Detective” in the U.S. and India! Disney fans got to experience the magical Indian-inspired land of Jalpur, the setting for its newest animated series, Mira, Royal Detective. Check out the details below from The Walt Disney Company:
The series’ concurrent launch in the U.S. and India marks a first for Disney Junior, which has already begun production on a second season of the series. “Our partners at Disney Channel India have been instrumental and helped guide us in terms of costumes, foods and other customs that we have in the show; and they were so excited when they saw the first couple of episodes that we decided we would premiere it together,” said Joe D’Ambrosia, senior vice president, Original Programming, and general manager, Disney Junior. “Having them launch day and date with ours in the same weekend will make it a worldwide celebration.”
Mira, Royal Detective introduces a brave and resourceful girl named Mira, a commoner who is appointed to the role of royal detective by the queen. Her mystery-solving adventures highlight critical thinking and encourage deductive reasoning for young viewers. They also celebrate the cultures and customs of India. Each 11-minute story incorporates authentic food, fashion, language and art, with music and dance playing an integral role. Most episodes feature at least one original song and dance number that showcases the diversity of South Asian culture.
“It was key for us to get this right and to be as authentic as possible,” said D’Ambrosia. To ensure that authenticity throughout the series, Disney Junior brought on IW Group’s Shagorika Ghosh Perkins to serve as the series’ cultural consultant and consulting producer. Ghosh Perkins advises on everything from customs and cuisine to the names of characters featured in the show.
Additional consultants include Bollywood dancer and choreographer Nakul Dev Mahajan (So You Think You Can Dance) and music producer Deepak Ramapriyan (Basmati Blues). Original songs for Mira, Royal Detective are being written and produced by Emmy® Award nominees Matthew Tishler (High School Musical: The Musical: The Series) and Jeannie Lurie (The Muppets), and the series’ composer is Amritha Vaz (Miss India America). Mira, Royal Detective is executive produced by Emmy-nominated Sascha Paladino (Miles from Tomorrowland), while Becca Topol (Elena of Avalor) is series developer and story editor, and will also serve as co-producer on season two.
“It’s been a wonderful collaboration of some of the most diverse voices and backgrounds you can imagine for this show, and we’re very proud,” D’Ambrosia said. “The response from the South Asian community has been really spectacular.”
Mira, Royal Detective also features an all-star cast of South Asian actors, including newcomer Leela Ladnier, who voices the title role; Freida Pinto; Kal Penn; Utkarsh Ambudkar; Hannah Simone; Jameela Jamil; Aparna Nancherla; Aasif Mandvi; Karan Soni; Maulik Pancholy; Sarayu Blue and Sarita Choudhury. “We really felt strongly that the voice talent should be a reflection of what we’re seeing on screen,” said Diane Ikemiyashiro, vice president, Current Series, Disney Junior.
Ambudkar, who voices Chikku, one of Mira’s two charming mongoose sidekicks, echoes the sentiments of the many talented people who are involved with Mira, Royal Detective—both on screen and behind the scenes—who are thrilled to be part of a series that celebrates Indian culture. “The 5-year-old me is really proud of the 36-year-old me, and hopefully my kids will be able to watch this and feel a little bit more represented,” he said.
Pinto lends her voice to Jalpur’s benevolent and compassionate Queen Shanti, and she’s confident that Mira, Royal Detective and its universal themes will resonate with fans around the world. “For the South Asian kids, they’re going to feel seen and heard,” Pinto said. “And for the kids who are not South Asian, I think there’ll be a sense of curiosity and excitement that they’re learning new things.”
Following its premiere in the U.S. and India, Mira, Royal Detective will roll out around the world, ultimately bringing the mystery-adventure series to an estimated 160 countries on Disney Channel and Disney Junior platforms globally.
It looks like Pawn Stars is going to have a lot of Disney flair for the upcoming 2020 season. After profiling Disney Legend Bob Gurr’s upcoming feature with Pawn Stars, we were contacted by a representative of fellow Disney Legend Floyd Norman that he will be on the show as well!
The rep for Floyd let us know some of the details for the upcoming episode, but don’t worry, there aren’t any spoilers!
“I can’t disclose what Floyd brought to the store (you’ll just have to watch the episode) I can say that be brought several items that spanned his work in both animation and the comic book industries. Floyd visited with Rick and Corey to share some of these ‘relics’ (as Floyd calls them) and find a new home for them. With Floyd nearing 85 years old, he has accrued closets and an attic full of animation and comic book memorabilia. And rather than let this stuff collect dust, he felt Rick and Corey could find these pieces new homes with collectors that would cherish them. Rick and Corey were absolutely thrilled to meet Floyd. Rick was very well-aware of Floyd’s influence on the animation world.”
The pictures that we have seen of Bob Gurr look like his particular episode was probably filmed at his house or at the very least, somewhere on location. Floyd was treated to the entire Pawn Stars treatment, as Floyd’s episode appears to have been shot in the Las Vegas pawn shop.
The episode was shot in the early part of February, and we, nor the Representative for Floyd, do not know when the episode will air for this upcoming season.
Like Bob Gurr, Floyd is a Disney treasure. Floyd Norman was the first African American animator at Walt Disney Studios and is one of a handful of people living with a personal connection to Walt Disney. Floyd worked various animation roles for Disney off and on from 1956 until now, where he still in employed in a consultant role to this day. His various animation credits include, Sleeping Beauty, The Jungle Book, Robin Hood, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Mulan, among others.
The Walt Disney Company has named Bob Chapek its seventh chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Current chief, Bob Iger will assume the role of Executive Chairman and direct the company’s creative endeavors, while leading the Board and providing the full benefit of his experience, leadership, and guidance to ensure a smooth and successful transition through the end of his contract on December 31, 2021.
Chapek has been chairman of the Parks, Experience and Products unit up until this point. A new head of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will be named at a future time.
“With the successful launch of Disney’s direct-to-consumer businesses and the integration of Twenty-First Century Fox well underway, I believe this is the optimal time to transition to a new CEO,” Iger says.
For more information, here is the official Disney press release for the announcement:
The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) Board of Directors announced today that Bob Chapek has been named Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company, effective immediately. Mr. Chapek most recently served as Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products.
“With the successful launch of Disney’s direct-to-consumer businesses and the integration of Twenty-First Century Fox well underway, I believe this is the optimal time to transition to a new CEO,” Mr. Iger said. “I have the utmost confidence in Bob and look forward to working closely with him over the next 22 months as he assumes this new role and delves deeper into Disney’s multifaceted global businesses and operations, while I continue to focus on the Company’s creative endeavors.”
Mr. Iger added: “Bob will be the seventh CEO in Disney’s nearly 100-year history, and he has proven himself exceptionally qualified to lead the Company into its next century. Throughout his career, Bob has led with integrity and conviction, always respecting Disney’s rich legacy while at the same time taking smart, innovative risks for the future. His success over the past 27 years reflects his visionary leadership and the strong business growth and stellar results he has consistently achieved in his roles at Parks, Consumer Products and the Studio. Under Bob’s leadership as CEO, our portfolio of great businesses and our amazing and talented people will continue to serve the Company and its shareholders well for years to come.”
“I am incredibly honored and humbled to assume the role of CEO of what I truly believe is the greatest company in the world, and to lead our exceptionally talented and dedicated cast members and employees,” Mr. Chapek said. “Bob Iger has built Disney into the most admired and successful media and entertainment company, and I have been lucky to enjoy a front-row seat as a member of his leadership team. I share his commitment to creative excellence, technological innovation and international expansion, and I will continue to embrace these same strategic pillars going forward. Everything we have achieved thus far serves as a solid foundation for further creative storytelling, bold innovation and thoughtful risk-taking.”
Susan Arnold, independent Lead Director of the Disney Board, said, “The Board has been actively engaged in succession planning for the past several years, and after consideration of internal and external candidates, we unanimously elected Bob Chapek as the next CEO of The Walt Disney Company. Mr. Chapek has shown outstanding leadership and a proven ability to deliver strong results across a wide array of businesses, and his tremendous understanding of the breadth and depth of the Company and appreciation for the special connection between Disney and its consumers makes him the perfect choice as the next CEO.
“Mr. Chapek will also benefit from the guidance of one of the world’s most esteemed and successful business leaders, Bob Iger,” Ms. Arnold continued. “Over the past 15-plus years as CEO, Mr. Iger has transformed The Walt Disney Company, building on the Company’s history of great storytelling with the acquisitions of Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and Twenty-First Century Fox and increasing the Company’s market capitalization fivefold. Disney has reached unparalleled financial and creative heights thanks to Mr. Iger’s strong leadership and clear strategic vision. We believe Mr. Chapek’s leadership and commitment to this strategy will ensure that the Company continues to create significant value for our shareholders in the years ahead.”
In Mr. Chapek’s new role as CEO, he will directly oversee all of the Company’s business segments and corporate functions. Mr. Chapek will report to the Executive Chairman, Mr. Iger, and the Board of Directors. He will be appointed to the Board at a later date. A new head of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products will be named at a future time.
Mr. Chapek served as Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products since the segment’s creation in 2018, and prior to that was Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts since 2015.
As Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Mr. Chapek oversaw the Company’s largest business segment, with operations around the globe and more than 170,000 employees worldwide. The segment includes Disney’s iconic travel and leisure businesses, encompassing six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia, a top-rated cruise line, a popular vacation ownership program, and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Disney’s global consumer products operations include the world’s leading licensing business across toys, apparel, home goods, digital games and apps, the world’s largest children’s print publisher, Disney store locations around the world, and the shopDisney e-commerce platform.
During his tenure at the Parks segment, Mr. Chapek oversaw the opening of Disney’s first theme park and resort in mainland China, Shanghai Disney Resort; the addition of numerous guest offerings across Disney’s six resort destinations in the U.S., Europe and Asia, including the creation of the new Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge lands at Disneyland and Walt Disney World and the addition of Marvel-inspired attractions around the globe; and the expansion of Disney Cruise Line with the announced construction of three new ships.
From 2011 to 2015, Mr. Chapek was President of the former Disney Consumer Products segment, where he drove the technology-led transformation of the Company’s consumer products, retail and publishing operations. Prior to that, he served as President of Distribution for The Walt Disney Studios and was responsible for overseeing the Studios’ overall content distribution strategy across multiple platforms including theatrical exhibition, home entertainment, pay TV, digital entertainment and new media. He also served as President of Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, where he spearheaded the successful “vault strategy” for the Company’s iconic films and transformed the primary format of home entertainment from DVD to Blu-ray.
Before joining Disney in 1993, Mr. Chapek worked in brand management at H.J. Heinz Company and in advertising at J. Walter Thompson.
Mr. Chapek earned a B.S. in Microbiology at Indiana University Bloomington and an MBA from Michigan State University.
