Warner Bros. to cut 800 jobs in coming weeks

[Pale Blue Dot]

Source: Reuters

LOS ANGELES, Jan 20 (Reuters) - Time Warner Inc's (TWX.N) Warner Bros. Entertainment on Tuesday said it would cut about 800 jobs, or 10 percent of its worldwide staff in coming weeks.

Studio chiefs of Warner Bros. Entertainment sent an email to employees worldwide on Tuesday saying they will have to cut jobs in coming weeks due to the current economic downturn.

"We are very sad to announce that based on the global economic situation and current business forecasts, the Studio will have to make staff reductions in the coming weeks in order to control costs," wrote Barry Meyer, chairman and chief executive, and Alan Horn, president of the studio.

"Over the next few weeks, specific information regarding cost-cutting measures, including staff reductions, will be shared with you on a divisional or departmental level by your management team," the executives said in the email sent worldwide.

Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSN2041984820090120

[PM Martin]

1. Well, who can afford movies.

The ticket prices (and overpaid actors) make it impossible for some to go to the movies.

[Pale Blue Dot]

3. Actually, film attendance has been incresing lately

It's one of the few affordable evenings out for most people, in spite of the rising prices. The problem, rather, is (like the rest of America) the studios have been fiscally irresponsible - running up huge budgets for movies that cannot be recouped.

[kestrel91316]

2. Uh oh. I know a paralegal at Warner. Hope he's not in trouble.

[Pale Blue Dot]

4. Unfortunately, no one is safe.

Even those who have been claiming, on these boards, that their job is absolutely safe.

[depakid]

12. That's incorrect

THe health care sector for example has continued adding jobs.

[OhioChick]

15. But they're outsourcing some, as well.

Radiology, as well as some other fields are already being done in India.

[depakid]

17. Still enjoying net gains though

Even in Oregon, where unemployment just hit 9%



Government services are also pretty well- as are the solar and wind power industries.

Of course, if you're involved in forensic accounting or bankruptcy practice, then you're really sitting pretty....

[Pale Blue Dot]

19. Hospitals in my area have begun layoffs.

NO ONE is safe.

[OhioChick]

24. Same here. It's frightening.

No one is safe from job loss.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

5. I would imagine...

A lot of these will come out of the record division. Record sales have been sucking bigtime. Look for an announcement of IT offshoring as well. As is usual.

[Beaverhausen]

23. Warner Bros Records is not related to the film studio

totally separate companies.

[OhioChick]

6. They're going to India......

Warner Bros. Plans Layoffs, Outsourcing To India

Jan 9, 2009 10:34 pm US/Pacific

A published report says Warner Bros. plans to lay off scores of studio staffers and outsource jobs to India and Poland to cut costs amid falling entertainment revenues.

The Los Angeles Times on Friday cited anonymous sources familiar with the situation who said layoffs would affect scores of "back-office" workers in information systems, finance and accounting.

The number of jobs to be cut has not been finalized, but all divisions of the studio are likely to be affected.

Warner has about 8,000 employees around the world. In 2005, the studio cut about 400 jobs, including about 300 at its lot in Burbank.

Warner spokeswoman Sue Fleishman says no decisions have been made and would not provide more details.

http://cbs2.com/local/Warner.Brothers.Layoffs.2.904742.html

[Azlady]

7. I thought I remembered they were going to send jobs to India.. thanks for the post Ohiochick

[ChromeFoundry]

8. Why do they even bother stating that they are

making cuts to their world-wide staff? They are cutting jobs here in the USA... not the ones offshore.

[Doctor Cynic]

10. Well, I'd like to see more Bollywood.

[OhioChick]

11. Move there. n/t

[ChromeFoundry]

13. Well, I'd like to see less idiots on here. n/t

[NashVegas]

14. And Will We Boycott Movies and CDs the Way We Do Cars That Aren't Made In Detroit?

on edit:

Actually, it may not matter all that much. The truly creative people are leaving these entities in droves, even when they aren't getting cut by budgeting. People who know what they're doing are tired of having their hands tied by bean counters.

[OhioChick]

16. Nah....

Soon, we won't be able to afford movies or CD's, much less buy a car whether it's made in Detroit or not.

[NashVegas]

18. Check This Out

Major labels are getting their asses kicked.

[Beaverhausen]

21. They aren't outsourcing all of them. They are sourcing some right here in Burbank

OK, I work here at WB- there are several DUers who do.

My division is outsourcing some jobs to a local company and giving people the choice to go work there.


It sucks...it's very sad here today. I think I'm safe but I feel bad for those who are being laid-off.

[sakabatou]

9. I hope my SIL doesn't get axed

[mac56]

20. That's all, folks

nm

[mikelgb]

22. what about the Warner sister, Dot?

[Imagevision]

25. Circuit City history - Chrysler closes down 150+ dealerships this month - maybe

we should all go shopping or go to Disney World. gotta create a job...

[PfcHammer]

26. Most Americans, even the unemployed won't care.

Americans have an insatiable appetite for
entertainment, which is part of why they
dont' pay attention to the collapse around
them. The same way they'll go to Wally
to save $0.25 on some tube socks made in
China even though they are cutting their own
throat in the process, they'll go watch some
movies made by a company with financial
interests elsewhere. :eyes: