This difficult decision was based on what is best strategically for our business in both the short and long term, ... Having the entire animation group working together in Burbank under one roof will further enhance our filmmaking process.

What I was saying to them was, `You've got to embrace it or there isn't going to be a place for you,'.

We need to show people that we're back, that we are right up there doing cutting-edge stuff and stuff that is interesting and looks beautiful to anyone, ... Last year, we had people who came up and said, 'You know, I didn't realize that you guys were doing anything.' Swear to God. People really thought we were out of business.

We were so incredibly fortunate to have had Joe at the studio sharing his creativity and enthusiasm, and inspiring young talent for such a long time.