• by Karlene Lukovitz , October 12, 2023

Netflix is planning to restructure its animation unit, which will result in some job cuts in coming weeks, as well as affect two films currently in pre-production.

Netflix, which is now seeking to work with outside producers to continue offering ample animated content, confirmed the basics of the plan to Variety without offering further specifics. The number of job cuts planned is not known.

The two projects being put into turnaround are a previously unannounced movie, “Escape From Beverly Hills,” which will go back on the open market, and “Tunga,” from Zimbabwe-born Godwin Jabangwe, which will remain at Netflix but has been put back into development, according to the report.

Karen Toliver, vice president of animation since February 2022, is said to have been honing the strategy for the unit, which won the Academy Award for best animated feature film this year with “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio" (above).

Earlier this month, shifting industry dynamics and economics also caused 70 layoffs and a move toward outsourcing production at DreamWorks Animation.