Disney Begins Restructuring of Miramax

The Mouse House began the overhaul of its film operations Friday with word that it will restructure Miramax Films, consolidating operations and reducing the number of films it releases annually. Meanwhile, it's considered a fait accompli that Disney Channels Worldwide prexy Rich Ross will soon be elevated to a role overseeing at least the Disney-branded portion of the Mouse's studio operation.

With the Miramax downsizing, prexy Daniel Battsek will continue to oversee creative, development, production and business and legal affairs out of New York. Walt Disney Studios will handle most marketing, distribution, operations and administrative support functions from its Burbank headquarters.

As such, the axe is likely to fall on Miramax staffers next week. The cuts could run deep, with industry insiders suggesting that about 20 staffers will remain from the roughly 80 people now employed across Miramax's offices in Los Angeles and Gotham. Departments expected to be hit hardest are marketing, publicity, distribution and production.