Another Death Knell for American 2D Animation

Ain’t It Cool News has reported that the Walt Disney Company has officially closed its Feature Animation Florida department, firing more than 250 artists and technicians responsible for Disney hits including Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, and Brother Bear. Henceforth all of Disney’s 2D style animation will be produced entirely in their remaining Burbank, California studio.

Many of the former Disney Florida animatiors have joined to open their own independant animation studio named Legacy Animation Studios. The Orlando Florida based studio will offer “a full-range of traditional hand drawn (or 2D) animation services for film, television and commercials.”