With over 1,800 movies being released in a year, the Indian entertainment industry is a “long-term proposition” for Disney, said Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, The Walt Disney Company, at the D23 expo held in California over the weekend. “The market in India is growing at a vast pace for the movie business. We certainly believe in it,” he added.
Bergman, however, refused to comment on the company’s proposed $8.5-billion JV with Reliance, which is still being reviewed by the CCI.
Bergman made the comments at a three-day fan experience event in Los Angeles, which had over 12,000 attendees. It is organised once every two years. During the event, Disney announced over 25 upcoming film and movie titles, including sequels to its popular IPs such as Frozen, The Lion King, Moana, Zootopia, and Avatar. The company showcased trailers, sneak peaks and concept art with fans through the course of three days. It also revealed its plans for theme parks, cruises, merchandise and gaming globally.
Features included work from The Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Lucasfilm, Marvel Studios, Searchlight Pictures and 20th Century Studios.
“When I look at the composition of the titles we’re making, we’re making originals, sequels and spin offs,” Bergman said. He pointed to the quantity of titles, and said the company tries to release approximately one title from Pixar and Disney Animation each year, and approximately three titles and a couple of live action series for Marvel. Lucasfilms has approximately one to two titles every year with some live action series, while Disney live action and 20th Century have about three to four films a year. Meanwhile, Searchlight has about five smaller budgeted films. “We have a huge strength through these brands,” he said.
(The writer attended the Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim at the invitation of Disney)