Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Corporate- Lucasfilms a Welcome addition


I have not written anything on here for some time simply because little had been going on...and then the  announcement happened...Disney bought Lucasfilm. What was your reaction? Mine was simple...shock. After I regained my bearings I thought about this acquisition in detail. I had never imagined this would happen because George Lucas never seemed like the type who would sell his creations; Lucasfilms would continue to operate independently even without Lucas. Yet, once the sale was announced it seemed like a forgone conclusion that Disney should take over the Star Wars empire. Disney and Lucas have after-all had a long relationship inside the parks with Star Tours, Indiana Jones attractions, merchandising and shows, and even Star Wars weekends. Who else could take charge of these franchises except Disney?

    This acquisition is a gold mine for Disney just as Marvel was. It is not a risk like many mergers and acquisitions are; in the words of Michael Eisner on an unrelated topic, "this is the closest there is to a sure thing in this business". In only a few years, Disney has positioned itself as one of the worldwide leaders in boys and girls entertainment. This acquisition has already brought about significant press about the upcoming films, but it also brings with it merchandising, television, print, video games, and more, which is likely where more success will occur. Though significant, but not often talked about, are the other components of Lucasfilms. There are lamentable travesties such as Howard the Duck and THX-1138, but Disney will also get the indelible Indiana Jones franchise. As of this writing, Paramount still retains the film rights to the franchise, but that should not deter Disney in any form since similar arrangements are currently ongoing with the film rights to many Marvel characters. Simply put, owning the property gives you a seat at the table, and that seat alone makes it all the more worthwhile.

  Disney's strategic planners and mergers and acquisitions team should be heavily praised for making this happen. The Iger reign has three dominant and seemingly inevitable acquisitions in Pixar, Marvel, and Lucasfilms. Where should they go next? I have several ideas, but several of my ideas that i've posted about have already been used...unethical behavior??? More importantly though, what do you think they should do next?