Disney has shut down Miramax Films, which produced legendary independent films including Pulp Fiction and The English Patient. Crain’s New York Business has more:
After months of rumors about its demise, Disney has finally pulled the plug on Miramax.
The storied arthouse movie studio, started by Harvey and Bob Weinstein more than 30 years ago and then bought by Disney, is closing its New York and Los Angeles offices and laying off 80 employees, according to Hollywood Web site TheWrap.com.
Disney had already taken steps to downsize the movie company. On Oct. 2, Disney announced it was consolidating some of Miramax’s operations and reducing the number of films the label released annually. Shortly after that, Miramax’s president, Daniel Battsek, resigned.
The loss of Miramax is a shock to the independent film industry, which has been shrinking rapidly as other large Hollywood studios have shuttered their indie divisions. With hits like Pulp Fiction, Sex, Lies and Videotape, and The English Patient, Miramax dominated the American indie industry for years.
Between Miramax and J.D. Salinger, it’s a sad day for art.
