Warner Bros. Motion Picture Group lays off 10% of its global workforce.
Warner Bros. has announced plans to lay off approximately 10% of its staff within the Motion Picture Group across its global operations. This decision was made public on Wednesday, a move that marks a significant shift in the company’s workforce strategy. The reductions come just months after Warner Bros. Discovery, the company’s parent organization, disclosed its intention to separate its cable and streaming services into two independent, publicly traded entities.
On June 9, Warner Bros. Discovery revealed this strategic overhaul, which aims to enhance operational efficiency and optimize resources across its various media properties. The newly delineated entities will operate as Warner Bros. and Discovery Global, reflecting a focus on distinct brand identities and business strategies.
According to reports, the layoffs will affect personnel involved in several critical areas, including production, marketing, distribution, and live theater operations. This information was conveyed in an internal memo from the co-chairs of the Motion Picture Group, Michael De Luca and Pam Abdy. They indicated that this restructuring is part of a broader initiative that began earlier in the year, aimed at establishing a more comprehensive global structure for the organization.
As part of the layoff process, Warner Bros. has filed an official notice with the California Employment Development Department indicating that the workforce will be reduced by 52 individuals starting October 4, as reported by the Los Angeles Times. The firings represent a calculated move to streamline operations during a time of transition for the company.
The memo from De Luca and Abdy described the restructuring as a necessity in light of evolving business demands, emphasizing the need for prudent staffing decisions that will ultimately shape the future operational model of the Motion Picture Group. The executives acknowledged the challenges posed by such decisions but maintained that they are integral for long-term success.
Warner Bros., often referred to as the “Streaming & Studios” entity, encompasses a diverse array of operations including Warner Bros. Television, DC Studios, HBO, HBO Max, and Warner Bros. Gaming Studios, along with an extensive film and television library. Conversely, Discovery Global, characterized as a “Global Networks” cable company, encompasses notable properties such as CNN, TNT Sports, and the Discovery+ streaming service, among various other digital products.
This evolution within Warner Bros. and its associated businesses signifies a pivotal moment in the media landscape, reflecting ongoing shifts as companies adapt to changing viewer habits and industry dynamics.
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