Pixar Studios Remembers Steve Jobs

If you go right now on the official Pixar website you'll find on the front page a tribute to Steve Jobs which include the picture above as well as the text below:

"Steve Jobs was an extraordinary visionary, our very dear friend and the guiding light of the Pixar family. He saw the potential of what Pixar could be before the rest of us, and beyond what anyone ever imagined. Steve took a chance on us and believed in our crazy dream of making computer animated films; the one thing he always said was to simply ‘make it great.’ He is why Pixar turned out the way we did and his strength, integrity and love of life has made us all better people. He will forever be a part of Pixar’s DNA. Our hearts go out to his wife Laurene and their children during this incredibly difficult time."

- John Lasseter, Chief Creative Officer & Ed Catmull, President, Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios

Meanwhile, in Taiwan, Next Media Animation - the guys who are doing these Taiwanese animated news reports - did a sweet and tasteful animation in memory to Steve Jobs.




And all over the world Steve Jobs fans did great tributes to Steve. Even at Walt disney World where WDW flags were flying at half mast in honor of Steve, who was also a member of Disney board of directors.



Of course all newspapers around the world did tributes to Steve and some designed great front pages but one of the most subtle was designed by french newspaper Liberation: just the Apple logo, crying. Very simple but smart cover.



The day before Steve died was the one of the awaited iPhone 4s keynote. Steve fans will be happy to know that he watched the launch of the iPhone 4S in his home in Palo Alto, "sitting in his favorite single soft leather sofa chair and having apple juices with rice pudding, as his favorite" as a reliable source revealed to Cult of Mac:

"We don’t have many details, but we have it from a good source that Steve Jobs watched the launch of the iPhone 4S from his home in Palo Alto. A special private video stream was set up for him to watch the event from home.

According to our source: “At the end of the show, he smiled as if to say ‘All things are in good hands’ but did not utter a word.” Jobs died the following day."

Steve could leave our world in peace, his very last Apple device introduce once again a new technology which is going to change our world - with the advanced SIRI voice recognition.

But may be Steve Jobs "changing-the-world-story" is not end yet as, according to Google’s executive chairman Eric Schmidt, Steve Jobs may had plans for his vast $6.5 billion fortune: "Jobs had plans for a “third act,” Schmidt told the New York Times, and hinted that he may yet have another huge impact through the fortune he leaves behind: “This is a man whose impact is equal to any global leader,” he said. “He very much wanted to live and have a third act” beyond Apple’s founding and its revival...All of that will unfold,” he added. “I will say that he was a very thoughtful person, and he cared a lot about the world.”

There is no doubt that you can definitely change the world with a philanthropic foundation and $6.5 billion, and i can't wait to see if this will happen for real.

Finally, just check this incredible picture of Steve Jobs done with Mac Book parts by the designers at Mint Digital.

Bob Iger Will Step Down as Disney CEO in 2015

That's a breaking news, and it's announced by the Wall Street Journal, a reliable source:

Disney CEO Robert Iger to Step Down as CEO in 2015

Walt Disney Co. said Chief Executive Robert Iger will step down as CEO in 2015.

Mr. Iger, 60 years old, will add the additional title of chairman of the board in March 2012, and will remain executive chairman until June 2016, at which time he is to retire from Disney at the age of 65.

The company said a successor had not been chosen. But Mr. Iger for several years has been grooming a group of potential heirs, moving senior managers between jobs to broaden their experience and to help assess which among them has the right combination of skills for the top job.

Disney's current chairman, John Pepper, is to step down at the company's annual meeting in March 2012. Mr. Iger's current contract was to expire in January 2013. Under the new contract, he is to receive an annual base salary of $2.5 million. The target bonus is set at $12 million during the years he has both titles, contingent on the company's operating performance and share price. Once he is executive chairman, his salary is to remain the same, while his bonus target is to be $6 million".

You can read the whole WSJ article HERE.

However, Disney’s also did a press release today which indicates that Iger might stay until 2016: "The Walt Disney Company Board of Directors announced today it has agreed to extend Robert A. Iger’s contract through June 2016 as part of the Company’s ongoing succession planning".

Here is Disney’s full press release:

BURBANK, Calif., October 7, 2011 – The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) Board of Directors announced today it has agreed to extend Robert A. Iger’s contract through June 2016 as part of the Company’s ongoing succession planning.

Under the new agreement, effective Oct. 1, Iger will assume the role of chairman in addition to chief executive officer following Chairman John E. Pepper’s retirement from the board at Disney’s 2012 annual shareholder meeting in March. Until then, Iger will remain president and chief executive officer.

Iger will hold the positions of chairman and chief executive officer through March 31, 2015, at which time a new CEO would be named; Iger will thereafter serve as executive chairman for 15 months through June 30, 2016. Iger’s current contract was set to expire on Jan. 31, 2013.

The Disney board took action at this time to secure the benefit of Iger’s leadership through 2016, provide for an effective, seamless succession and management transition and a continuity of the company’s corporate strategy to create long-term value for shareholders.

As provided in the company’s corporate governance guidelines, the board will also select an independent lead director when Iger assumes the role of Chair immediately following the meeting in March.

“As one of the most iconic brands and preeminent companies in the world, The Walt Disney Company requires a leader with the proven ability to drive creative and financial success in a dynamic world. For more than six years, Bob Iger has proven he has that ability at the highest level,” said Mr. Pepper. “The Board is delighted that the company has been able to secure the longer-term continuation of Bob’s unique blend of experience and leadership skills. His ability to bring together the many parts of Disney’s business against a clear and proven strategy, while instilling a culture of innovation, collaboration and discipline, will continue to serve the long-term interests of shareholders.”

Pepper added: “It is for these reasons – continuing the strategic direction and growth of the company while ensuring a smooth transition process to the next generation of leadership – the Board has determined that Bob should assume the additional role of Chairman.”

Iger said: “No CEO could have a better counselor than John — his impeccable integrity, vast experience, and knowledge and appreciation of Disney have been invaluable. I want to thank him for his many contributions, and his support of our people and our strategy including two of the company’s most significant acquisitions in recent years – Pixar and Marvel.”

“I’m privileged and grateful to lead The Walt Disney Company and our talented, dedicated team at this exciting time,” Iger added. “I’m committed to increasing long-term value for shareholders and am confident we will continue to do so through the successful execution of our core strategic priorities: the creation of high quality, branded content and experiences, the use of technology, and creating growth in numerous and exciting international markets.”

Since being named president and chief executive on September 30th, 2005, Iger, 60, has led the Company to record operating results while positioning Disney for the future in the global, dynamic multi-media industry. Disney’s total shareholder return since October 1, 2005 is five times higher than that of the S&P 500.

During Iger’s leadership tenure, The Walt Disney Company has been recognized as one of “America’s Most Admired Companies” by Fortune magazine (2009, 2010, 2011); one of the “World’s Most Respected Companies” by Barron’s (2009, 2010); and one of the “Best Places to Launch a Career” by BusinessWeek magazine (2006-2010).

As part of the agreement, Iger’s annual base salary will be $2.5 million. Iger is not receiving any up front equity award in connection with signing the new agreement. His annual bonus award will be calculated based on the Company’s performance, including its operating income, return on invested capital, earnings per share and after-tax free cash flow. He will also be entitled to an annual long-term equity incentive award of options and restricted stock units, the ultimate value of which will be entirely dependent on the Company’s future financial performance.

Text: Copyright Wall Street Journal or Disney

Disney In India - part Three

We've seen recently that Disney was undeniably interested by India, all the question is: by what? Is India the next destination for a Disney Magic Kingdom? Will Disney invest in "Kingdom of Dreams"? Or something else? Today, we had news from the "something else" option as Business Standard revealed that Disney acquires all of Indiagames in a $80-100 M deal. And Indiagames is a video games company which means that Disney try to reinforce his position in this activity.

From Business Standard: "In what could be the biggest deal so far in India’s online gaming sector, The Walt Disney Company has acquired all the equity in UTV’s Indiagames for an estimated $80-100 million (Rs 390-490 crore), said industry sources. Indiagames is a leading developer and publisher of mobile and online games.

Earlier this year, Walt Disney had announced the acquisition of UTV Software Communications for Rs 2,000 crore. However, UTV had only 58 per cent stake in Indiagames. Another 42 per cent was held by its founder and promoter, Vishal Gondal, and investors such as Cisco Systems, Adobe and others.
Repeated attempts to get in touch with UTV Software Communications and Indiagames failed. Vishal Gondal, chief executive officer of Indiagames, could not be reached over phone. However, sources close to the development confirmed the stake sale to Business Standard. “Walt Disney had acquired the other 42 per cent from the investors of Indiagames and Vishal Gondal,” said a senior official.

Indiagames, founded in 1999, is one of the earliest Indian companies in the mobile and online gaming segment... Indigames has a market share of around 50 per cent, say experts. Earlier this year, when Walt Disney announced it was taking over UTV Software, it was already a majority shareholder, with 20,497,994 equity shares, accounting for a 50.44 per cent stake.

Before Walt Disney bought UTV Software, there were reports suggesting Gondal and the other investors were in talks with UTV to purchase stake. It was also reported that they were trying to raise funds for doing so from both a private equity consortium and strategic investors".

Don't think thats the end of Disney deal with India, i'm pretty sure there is many more to come...

Full Business Standard article available HERE.

text: copyright Business Standard

The Phantom is back in Phantom Manor stretching room !

A small update about DLP Phantom Manor as the Phantom is back in the stretching room! To say the truth, the Phantom which appears with the hangman in the ceiling at the end of Phantom Manor's stretching room opening scene was always there but since months, if not years, it has became almost impossible to see both of them clearly.

Apparently Disneyland Paris maintenance did a pretty good job and now Phantom Manor guests can see them more clearly than ever as you will see on the video below filmed by DCP member Nicolas 71. Note that it's also possible that DLP Imagineers improved the stroboscopic lighting. Have a look, and watch it full screen.




As it's currently DLP Halloween season, an orchestra playing themes from Nightware before christmas or Grim Grinning Ghosts is also playing regularly near Phantom Manor, a good initiative indeed as we miss the presence of orchestras in the park.



Video: copyright Nicolas71

Picture from Twitpic/InsideDLParis

Steve Jobs Dies At 56 - A Tribute To A Visionary Genius Who Changed Our Lives Forever

I remember very well how i learned the death of Walt Disney, back in 1966. I was a young boy living in Paris and it was through the now famous Paris Match cover - Paris Match is a french news magazine which at that time was the equivalent in France of LIFE Magazine. On the cover there was just the face of Mickey, who was crying. And i think i did too as the Disney animated classics changed so much my childhood.

45 years later another visionary genius died this morning and him, too, changed my life forever. Without Walt and Steve i would not be here posting daily articles on Disney and more... To say that i'm extremely sad by Steve Jobs death is an understatement. I said it before but, again, i bless the day i've bought my first iMac 15 years ago. It was my first computer and everything has been so easy since then.



When you look back to everything that Apple has introduced in computers since 35 years it's totally amazing. We all now how the Mac and its stellar OS X operating system, the iPod, the iPhone and now the iPad have changed our lives but other things, more simple, also came from Apple. Did you knew, for instance, that it was Apple who introduced the choice of difference fonts on a computer? Of course if they wouldn't have done it someone else would have think to do it but the truth is that it's Apple who did it the first. This one was indeed a small thing but i could go on and on on hundred of others things that Apple introduced to make our user experience better and more easy.

Without Steve we wouldn't also have Pixar. Everyone knows how Steve has transformed this animation studio after he bought it to Georges Lucas but without his unique instinct to choose the right man for the right job, probably Pixar wouldn't have been the same.



"Madness and genius are the two sides of the same street". This famous quote is so true that i can't count how many times i did say it to a lot of people trying to understand what it takes to be a genius. In fact, i think it's fair to say that genius is madness under control. Or, if you prefer, genius is a disciplined madness. As i've also said in my previous article about Steve: "First, a genius is someone who has an incredibly free spirit. Two, he is someone who is "naturally" visionary. There is no genius without vision, it's just impossible. And when i talk about vision, i mean "inside vision", or if you prefer another word: insight. Three, a genius has the constant ability to do the synthesis, i.e to be able to think about all the different plans of the reality at the same time and do the synthesis of them. And for sure, that's what Steve Jobs did from the start.

There is a famous David Lynch movie title which was "Fire walk with me". And i think this would fit perfectly to define Steve. He is a man with so much "fire" and the qualities - or defaults - associated to the "fire energy" as ancient chinese defines it, i.e high idealism, sense of beauty, capacity of vision and synthesis, tenacity, but also sometime a bit dictatorial with "olympian angers". For Steve, the goal, obviously, has always been to have the perfect ideal device becoming real and no matter how long it will take. But behind all this, there is another idea in the mind of Steve: to create products that makes life worth living. If we spend time on this planet it's not to create crap but to bring and share with the rest of the world a certain level of quality, and if possible the highest level of quality. In his case, products that will help people in their life and give them the ability to create as easily as possible what they wish".

Steve Wozniak - see also below his reaction on Steve death - who created Apple with Steve Jobs, said this morning that most - if not all - of Steve dreams have been realized. It's probably true, and even if he will not see personally the new Apple campus, most of its design will have come from Steve's dreams. I'm sure that the future Apple products will be as good as they were when Steve was here and i wonder if at Apple they will begin to ask themselves - just like it happened at the Walt Disney Company and WDI after Walt's death - " What would have Steve done?". This reminds me that someone incredibly stupid once said that "no one is irreplaceable" and there is nothing more wrong than that. Anyone is irreplaceable, and some people are indeed even more irreplaceable than others.

This first video below is unique, it's Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech in 2005 and it's probably the best one you can watch to learn more about Steve philosophy of life. A great great speech, really.


[VOSTFR] Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement... by Cladouros

What i will miss too, now that Steve passed away - and God knows how much i will really miss this - is Steve Jobs keynotes presentation. There is others people at Apple who are pretty good to present the new devices, but Steve was unique. If you've never seen him live during one of his presentation here below is the video of the iPhone keynote when Steve introduced to the world a device which was going to change forever our mobile phones. Now, almost anyone has a smart phone using the multi touch technology but if you remember just one minute what kind of mess the mobile phones were before the iPhone arrived you will understand why the people watching Steve presentation became just hysterical. The iPhone was "the future suddenly teleported in the present" and we know what an incredible hit it has been since then. And the new iPhone 4S which will be released in ten days will go on in this "future in the present" concept with the new SIRI voice recognition technology which will be a major step of artificial intelligence introduced in our daily lives.

Have a look, it was Steve at his best, on stage he was not only Apple CEO but he also looks like a kid proud to show to the world his latest invention!







In this last video you won't see Steve but it's his voice who narrates the first Think Different commercial called “Here’s to the Crazy Ones”. I think it's fair to say that we can add Steve to the "crazy ones" you'll see in this video. Because, as i've said, there is no genius without a bit of madness, and for sure Steve had both. I will miss him forever. Wherever you are now, Steve, i wish you a pleasant trip.




I'm adding this last minute video of Steve Wozniak, Apple co-founder, with his reaction today to Steve death.




You can also read my previous tribute called "Thank you so much, Steve" on my Innoventions Blog HERE and TIME magazine will release tomorrow friday a special issue "with 21 pages of the full issue to Jobs’ life and career. The issue will includes a six-page essay by Jobs’ biographer Walter Isaacson, a historical report on Jobs career by TIME technology reporters Harry McCracken and Lev Grossman and a photo essay by Diana Walker, who has been shooting Jobs for TIME since 1982".



Pictures and videos: copyright Apple Inc or Stanford University

"Vulcania Treasures" , Limited Editions of Nautilus Artwork by Legendary Nautilus Specialist Tom Scherman

Nautilus artworks are pretty rare and these "Vulcania Treasures", as i call them, were all painted by former Imagineer and legendary Nautilus specialist Tom Scherman. So, below, you will find rare Tom Scherman artworks available for purchase for the first time. All the artworks below are beautiful prints done in limited editions, printed on heavy, high quality "art paper" by Rowland Scherman, brother of Tom, who is at the head of the Tom Scherman estate.

Each of the artworks below has a reference number and title. If you wish to place an order, please send an email to: lawrence55@wanadoo.fr and tell us precisely which artwork, which quantity and the country where the artwork will be sent. We will send you a Paypal invoice, including shipping price, so you will be able to proceed to the payment with Paypal. If you don't have a Paypal account, let us know in your email as a wire transfer may be possible.


TOM SCHERMAN PAINTINGS: Color prints on Art Paper


Reference NO 1: Nautilus 1: Limited edition of 150. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 14" length. Price: $75 + shipping





Reference NO 2: Nautilus Underwater: Limited edition of 150. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 14" length. Price: $75 + shipping






Reference NO 3: Nautilus on Vulcania Island: Limited edition of 150. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 14" length. Price: $75 + shipping






Reference NO 4: Nautilus on the rocks: Limited edition of 150. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 14" length. Price: $75 + shipping






Reference NO 5: Nautilus TWO: Limited edition of 150. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 14" length. Price: $75 + shipping





VULCANIA ISLAND ARTWORK: B&W prints on Art Paper



Reference NO 6: Vulcania overview. Limited edition of 150. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 16" length. Price: $75 + shipping






Reference NO 7: Nautilus in Lagoon. Limited edition of 150. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 16" length. Price: $75 + shipping






Reference NO 8: Captain Nemo's Machines. Limited edition of 100. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 16" length. Price: $75 + shipping






Reference NO 9: Journey to the Center of the Earth. Limited edition of 100. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 16" length. Price: $75 + shipping






Reference NO 10: Journey to the Center of the Earth TWO. Limited edition of 100. Paper size: 13"x19" Image size: Approximately 16" length. Price: $75 + shipping





All artwork: copyright Tom Scherman Estate. No unauthorized reproduction allowed.

Disneyland Paris Halloween 2011 Update : Disney's Maleficious Halloween Party, and more

The Halloween Season began at Disneyland Paris and until October 31st DLP guests will enjoy the Halloween decor as well as an all new show on Central Plaza called Disney's Maleficious Halloween Party, hosted by the sinister Maleficent. Here is a full update with HD pics and videos which will show you this DLP Halloween season just like if you were there!



At Disney's Maleficious Halloween Party Disney’s ‘Mistress of All Evil’ awaits you daily for a brand new show full of delightfully deadly surprises! Still seething with jealousy for not having been invited to Princess Aurora’s christening, Maleficent plans to cast a spell of terror over Sleeping Beauty Castle. This year, she has given the job to the latest arrival to the family of Disney Villains, Dr. Facilier from the Walt Disney Pictures film The Princess and the Frog. Although Facilier proclaims himself ‘World’s greatest sorcerer,’ Maleficent has plans to show him the true tricks of the trade. The height of the show - a sinfully delicious shower of treats!

Here is a Youtube video of the full show filmed by filipv who did a great job. Note that a rumor is saying that DLP might reduce in the coming months the size of the Central Plaza stage.



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Also new this year" Mickey’s Halloween Treat in the Street!", an interactive show with Mickey and friends. "Mickey and his closest friends are dressed in their Halloween best and await you for some unforgettable memories. You won’t want to miss them each day on Castle Stage as Mickey invites you to his Halloween party. Come dance with Minnie, learn to Hula Hoop with Goofy and go on a bat hunt with Donald... while Mickey plays referee for his friends as they skilfully master each event. Interactive fun several times a day followed by a sweet ending – a shower of Halloween candy!". Here is the video of the show filmed by MrPlopsalandfan.





DLP has also released its own video with official footage of this 2011 Halloween season, here it is below.




The Disney’s Halloween Festival Events are also back and include in Disneyland Park the Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on 7, 14, 21 and 28 October 2011 from 8 to 11 p.m, and the big Disney’s Halloween Party on 31 October 2011 from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m:

"By the light of the moon, the Park will reopen its doors to a most mysterious atmosphere featuring a wide variety of events, surprises and boo-groovy music until the late-night hours:
- Spooktacular street entertainment and stage shows throughout the evening
- The Disney’s Fantillusion Parade led by the vicious Disney Villains, where the world of darkness meets the enchanted world in a fantastic twilight spectacular.
- A special Halloween Sound and Light Show with the fantangulous backdrop of Sleeping Beauty Castle.
- And oodles of other dreadfully delectable surprises!



And at the Walt Disney Studios, "Terrorific Night" returns this year as well with its own good helping of thrills and chills on 29 and 30 October 2011 from 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m., "for a new experience in an even more terrifying world… The most fearless guests are going to scream in terror, but receive no response… Anyone who could be of help seems to have deserted the park… Gruesome creatures, monstrous characters and other-worldly artists have decided to haunt their nights for all eternity".

Below, a DLP official video which presents these Halloween events.




Also, here is two TV ads released by the park for this 2011 Halloween season.






Finally, the park did its Halloween media event recently with VIP guests who this time went on photo call with Disney Villains. You can see some of them on the video below, but most of them if not all are french so if you don't live in France you might not know any of them; Still, my french readers will be interested by the video.




Videos copyright Disneyland Paris, filipv and MrPlopsalandfan

Editor's Note: The D&M Archives article of this week-end is all about my good friend, great artist and former WDI Imagineer Hani El Masri!