Maker Studios to Lay Off Staff After Disney Deal

Maker Studios will lay off about 10 percent of its staff of 380, according to individuals familiar with the large network of online video channels. Maker is making the staffing changes after its acquisition by the Walt Disney in a deal worth $500 million (and as much as $950 million).

Staffing changes are commonplace after a deal that size, especially for a company with as much overhead as Maker. Maker's nearly 400 staffers span production, advertising sales, technology, merchandising and other sectors.

“Maker's business is constantly evolving, and we routinely reassess our internal resources and make strategic adjustments, reducing staff in some areas while actively hiring in others,” Maker said. It shares many synergies with Disney, which can help the network's reach overseas and consumer products division while using Maker's beach head on YouTube to promote its own stars and movies.