10/29/2009

in

The president of Miramax agreed to step down after producing several movie misses.

Lindsey Weedston

Daniel Battsek, head of the Disney-owned movie label Miramax Films, has been asked to step down after the label produced a number of flops that further injured Disney's already struggling image.  
  
Rich Ross, the new chairman of Walt Disney Studios since Dick Cook stepped down, announced on Friday that Battsek will be leaving his position this January per their mutual agreement, writes The Associated Press.  
  
"With the change in direction at Miramax, we have reached a mutual agreement with Daniel Battsek that he will leave his post as president, effective January 2010," said Ross. "During his 18 years of service, he has brought some very prestigious and award-winning films to the studio from Calendar Girls' to The Queen' to No Country for Old Men.'"  
  
This was the first publicly announced move by Ross since he replaced Cook last month.  
  
According to the Hollywood Reporter, Miramax will also be suffering some considerable downsizing. 50 of its employees will be cut by January, leaving only 20 on staff. They will also only be allowed three movies each year, and their New York office will be moved to Los Angeles.  
  
Recent Miramax flops have included "The Boys Are Back," Mike Judge's "Extract" and "Cheri," writes the L. A. Times. Battsek has worked with Disney for 18 years. Disney has yet to name his replacement.