Disney to reorganize, run leaner

HOLLYWOOD, July 17 (UPI) -- California's Walt Disney's Studios plans to reorganize its live-action film division, combining domestic and international marketing, a report said.

Marketing efforts are expected to be consolidated under Mark Zoradi, president of Buena Vista International, the overseas distribution division. Zordi has extensive experience marketing films abroad, which is a primary concern since U.S. movie attendance has flattened in recent years, the New York Times reported.

Merging the worldwide marketing team would allow for cost efficiencies and the elimination of redundant jobs.

Disney's profits have fallen the past two years, despite the successes of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" and "The Chronicles of Narnia," and the company fell to No. 5 in box-office share in 2005 from No. 1 in 2003, the Times said.

The number of films released each year would most likely be reduced to about 12 or 13 films by 2008, down from the 14 to 20 films in the past, sources said. Those might include Disney and Pixar-branded animated films, Miramax Films, Touchstone and Walt Disney Pictures releases.