Perceptions of Disney Among DreamWorks Employees

Opinions among DreamWorks employees about Disney can vary widely, much like any large organization. However, several common perspectives emerge:

Competition

Many DreamWorks employees may view Disney as a primary competitor. This can foster a sense of rivalry, pushing DreamWorks to innovate and differentiate its content. This competitive environment often encourages creativity and excellence, contributing to the industry's overall growth.

Admiration

Some employees admire Disney's legacy and storytelling prowess, particularly its successful franchises and iconic characters. Disney's ability to create timeless and beloved stories and characters sets a benchmark for the industry. DreamWorks workers may look to Disney for inspiration and strive to achieve similar heights.

Cultural Differences

Employees might note significant differences in corporate culture and creative processes between the two companies. DreamWorks is often seen as more edgy and willing to take risks, while Disney focuses on a family-friendly approach. These differences not only shape internal company policies but also influence the creative output of each studio.

Collaboration and Influence

There are instances of collaboration and cross-pollination within the industry. Both companies have influenced each other over the years, particularly in animation techniques and narrative styles. For example, DreamWorks has adopted and innovated upon Disney’s advancements, while Disney has incorporated elements from DreamWorks’ cutting-edge technology.

Personal Experience

Individual experiences can significantly shape opinions. Former employees of Disney who moved to DreamWorks may have unique insights. Long-term DreamWorks employees might have different viewpoints based on their experiences, providing a nuanced understanding of both companies' advantages and limitations.

Conclusion

While some may have critical views of Disney due to competition, others might express respect for its achievements and influence in the animation industry. The industry is relatively small, with many artists, developers, and other positions moving between major studios. There is a high level of mutual respect for artists not only at Disney but at other studios as well. In my experience, most of the people I worked with held Disney in high regard for the art of animation and storytelling. The industry as a whole benefits from such an environment of healthy competition and mutual respect.

Having worked at DreamWorks Animation for 17.5 years, I can truly say that my colleagues held Disney in high regard for their art of animation and storytelling. The industry is relatively small with many artists, developers, and other positions moving between the major studios from project to project. Each company has its own proprietary processes for filmmaking, but they are relatively close. As far as the talent goes, there is a high level of mutual respect for artists not only at Disney but other studios as well. Competition, I believe, is healthy. When Disney has a win, we can all celebrate the achievement of what they did for the art form of animation and storytelling. Unless you've worked at one of these facilities, it truly is hard to imagine the hard work, man hours, sacrifices, thousands of drawings, sketches, and production designs that go unseen having never made it in the film.

This former DreamWorker has a ton of respect for Disney and my friends in the industry who worked and still work there.