DreamWorks Animation has joined the list of media and entertainment companies to lay off employees this month. On Monday, the studio announced the sad news that it has dismissed 70 members of staff, which is about 4% of its total workforce.
This is the second time DreamWorks Animation will discharge employees this year after an earlier cut in May saw 33 people leave the company.
The company’s spokesperson said, “DreamWorks Animation reduced its workforce by approximately 70 positions. Roles affected were across corporate functions, feature, television, and technology departments as part of an overall cost-reduction.”
According to Cartoon Brew, the studio’s TV department, the Hub, was hit by the job cuts the worst. The employees in this department were mostly utility artists who provided support and production services on different television series instead of working on specific shows.
Apart from the Hub, DreamWorks also showed the door to its employees from the departments of features, corporate functions, and technology departments. What’s more? DreamWorks plans to outsource part of its production process to third-party studios.
While unfortunate, this cost-cutting measure lets the company become leaner, further cut costs, and focus its resources on endeavors it deems profitable.
Unfortunately, DreamWorks downsizing efforts has spooked its workers, which is understandable. This year alone, the company has twice shown employees the door. Any right thinking person would be wondering if it will soon be their turn. Despite the layoffs, DreamWorks Animation isn’t done cutting costs; it’s letting go of its contract workers when they fulfill their duties.
This dismissal effort comes a few weeks before the studio’s upcoming movie, Trolls Band Together, releases in cinemas on November 17.
