"I've always been bored with just making money. I've wanted to do things, wanted to build things, to get something going." - - Walt Disney
We've brought you the Roy
Disney resignation letter, Stanley Gold's resignation, and a couple
reactions from different media examinations on the subject. Recently a letter
had been sent by Roy to the multitudes of Disney employees. Even more recently
has been the start of the online letter writing petition to remove Eisner.
We, the undersigned members of the animation community, wish to lend our
full support to Roy E. Disney and Stanley Gold as they seek to uphold the
traditions of excellence that once defined the Disney name. We follow their
lead in calling for Michael Eisner's resignation from the Walt Disney Company. |
Petition signing closes on December 9 at midnight!
Sign NOW! |
Click Here for the
full letter and petition for support of Roy Disney.
Click Read More for Roy's letter to the Employees.
Dear Disney Cast Members,
It was nearly 20 years ago that a small group of us recognized that dramatic
changes were necessary to reinvigorate and reenergize the Disney Company. We
changed the composition of the Board and assembled a new leadership team headed
by Frank Wells and Michael Eisner. I returned to the Disney cast and, working
as a team, we planted the seeds that rekindled the spirit and creativity that
is synonymous with Disney. Those efforts paid off handsomely in the late ‘80s
and early ‘90s. Once again, Disney was admired for the wholesome family
entertainment it brought to millions of people of all ages. Together we created
the dreams and excitement that made Disney respected and beloved throughout
the world. We succeeded in recapturing the dream born of Walt and my father
and the heritage they left to us.
Sadly, times have changed. Michael Eisner has lost sight of the vision upon
which this Company was founded. The focus has shifted to the chase for the quick
buck instead of a dedication to new and high quality ideas, the development
of enduring value. This has led to division within the Disney workforce, a revolving
door of managers, and the exodus of too many of our most creative and inspired
employees.
For the last several years, Michael Eisner has done his utmost to isolate me
from the members of Disney’s Animation Department and exclude me from
participation in decision making regarding the Department. Most recently, I
was prevented from even attending the Animation Department screening of three
pending feature animation projects. The collegiality and openness that once
typified the Disney workplace has been destroyed.
It is against this backdrop that I had no choice but to resign as Chairman
of Disney’s Animation Department and as a member of Disney’s Board
of Directors. This has been a very painful decision. I am torn between my duties
and loyalties to all of you who have made my journey so memorable and special,
and the
need to preserve the Disney heritage for future generations. However, I cannot
stand idle as the heart and soul of this Company is being systematically eliminated
by senior management protected by an ineffective Board of Directors. This is
a Board that seeks to avoid the constructive tension necessary to guide management
through difficult times. Instead, it is a Board that seeks to stifle dissent
and, to that end, has asked me to leave the Board of Directors.
Although this is not how and when I would have liked to leave the Disney Company,
I assure you that I view it not as an isolated and sad event, but as part of
a process. I hope it is not too late for the Disney Board of Directors to finally
recognize that fundamental change is needed to restore the Disney luster, nurture
and protect the wonderful characters that together we have developed and, most
importantly, to create the environment within the workplace necessary to give
life to new Disney icons for the generations to come.
As I now set off on a different course, I cannot fail to publicly and openly
once again express to all of you my most heartfelt thanks. I am grateful that
we have shared this journey. Without you, your contributions and camaraderie
we would not have been able to make the magic and wonder that is Disney. I hope
that one day soon the Disney Board gets the message.
Yours faithfully,
Roy E. Disney