Miramax Minimized?

Seems like there's something up at Miramax. After months of speculation as to the future of the Walt Disney Co. subsidiary and the resolution of its brotherly cofounders' contract, Variety and The New York Times have speculated about what's in store. Layoffs and a thinner company to be headed by Bob, leaving Harvey with a distribution deal with the Mouse House.

Reinforced by a quick herald by Variety of impending downsizing at Miramax (see Article), the Times is convinced that Disney will look to amicably resolve its current contract renegotiation impasse with the Weinsteins (see Article). What does that future look like? According to "people involved with the talks," Disney would hold onto the content-rich Miramax library and name, Bob would be employed by Disney to continue running its box office-rich franchise machine, Dimension Films. That would leave Harvey free to obtain indpendent financing for whatever films and other ventures he desires. Disney still comes out ahead because Harvey-financed films will be off balance sheet product to fill its distribution pipeline.