Disney Animation Studios Florida…

is expected to close on Monday, jeopardizing the jobs of nearly 260 animators. Some artists will be transferred to Burbank, California, where Disney’s corporate headquarters is located, but most of the employees, whose credits include the films Brother Bear and Lilo & Stitch, are expected to lose their jobs.

In recent years, however, computer-generated animation has become increasingly popular as evidenced by movies like 2003’s Finding Nemo, made by Pixar Animation Studios. With Pixar splitting from Disney earlier in 2003 it has made a decision like down-sizing their animation department inevitable.

In related news, a number of those animators who were let go have formed their own company, Legacy Animation Studios, and announced Thursday that they plan to set up shop in Winter Garden, Florida later this month.

“We believe that traditionally animated films are still a viable form of entertainment,” Legacy’s directing manager, Eddie Pittman, said. “Our goal is to create quality animated films with compelling stories and strong characters and to continue Walt Disney’s legacy of hand drawn animation.”

Let’s see if this works. With computer animation on the rise it might be difficult, but if they can deliver on their promise then they will be fine.