Does Disney Own The Polar Express?
The Polar Express is a beloved holiday classic, adapted from Chris Van Allsburg’s 1985 children’s book of the same name. With its enchanting animation, captivating storytelling, and memorable music, it’s no wonder that many people wonder if Disney owns the rights to this beloved film. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of The Polar Express and reveal the answer to this question.
Key Players Involved
Before we dive into the ownership question, let’s explore the key players involved in the production and distribution of The Polar Express. The film was produced by Cinesite Animation, a digital animation studio based in France, with a team of over 100 artists and technicians working on the project. The animation was produced in collaboration with Playtone, the production company founded by Tom Hanks, who also voiced the character of Conductor in the film.
Ownership: The Complicated Answer
So, does Disney own The Polar Express? The short answer is: no, not entirely. While Disney does have a stake in the film, it’s not the sole owner. Here’s why:
Playtone’s Intellectual Property Rights: As mentioned earlier, Playtone, Tom Hanks’ production company, holds the rights to the film’s intellectual property. This includes the story, script, and original characters. Playtone retains ownership of the storybook, screenplay, and music rights.
Summers’ Company (LAIKA): The animation studio, Cinesite, was acquired by Summers’ Company (LAIKA) in 2012. LAIKA is an independent animation studio, not affiliated with Disney. As a result, LAIA holds the rights to the animation and visual elements of the film.
Disney’s Distribution Agreement: Although Disney doesn’t own the rights to The Polar Express, it did distribute the film in 2004. The agreement with Playtone and LAIKA included a distribution contract, which allowed Disney to distribute the film worldwide.
Owning a Percentage of the Rights
Disney does own a small percentage of the rights to The Polar Express. In 2004, Disney purchased a 5% stake in the film’s profits and a 3.5% stake in the underlying intellectual property rights. This gives Disney some claim to the film’s earnings, but not full ownership.
Tables and Key Dates
| Studios/Companies | Rights Control | Distribution | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Playtone (Tom Hanks’ Company) | Script, Storybook, Music | Story, Screenplay | – | – |
| Cinesite Animation | Animation Production | – | – | |
| LAIKA (Former Cinesite) | Animation and Visual Elements | – | – | |
| Disney | Distribution | – | + | |
| 5% | Profits | |||
| 3.5% | Intellectual Property |
Conclusion
In conclusion, while Disney plays a significant role in the production and distribution of The Polar Express, it does not own the entirety of the film. Playtone, Tom Hanks’ production company, holds the intellectual property rights, while LAIKA, the animation studio, owns the animation and visual elements. Disney’s stake in the film is limited to a small percentage of the profits and intellectual property rights. Despite this, The Polar Express remains a beloved holiday classic, enjoyed by millions around the world.