Ebert Gives a Big 'Thumbs Down' to Disney's Statement
Filed under: Celebrities and Controversy, Newsstand
Here's an interesting kerfuffle to kick off your weekend. Yesterday, Disney released a statement, published by the Associated Press, stating that film critic Roger Ebert has exercised his contractual right to withhold use of the famous "THUMBS UP/THUMBS DOWN" which has been a part of the critic's television program (distributed by Disney-ABC Television) since way back when it was Gene Siskel sitting opposite Ebert on the balcony. (You can see the AP story in its entirety over on the ABC News website.) In response to Disney's statement, Ebert this morning sent out the following email, which I'm reprinting here in its entirety, so that Ebert can have his say in his own eloquent words:
I am discussing with Disney my association with the show that Gene Siskel and I started more than 30 years ago. In addition to my personal involvement, we are discussing the continued use of our THUMBS trademarks, owned by myself and the Siskel family.
Contrary to Disney's press release, I did not demand the removal of the THUMBS. They made a first offer on Friday which I considered offensively low. I responded with a counter-offer. They did not reply to this, and on Monday ordered the THUMBS removed from the show. This is not something I expected after an association of over 22 years. I had made it clear the THUMBS could remain during good-faith negotiations.
During my absence from the balcony, I have been excited to participate in the show in ways other than being on the set. I love the show and I love the THUMBS and I hope we will all be reunited soon.
Ebert further notes, for the record, that he was "not contacted by a Disney publicist or by email." We at Cinematical have followed Ebert's long illness and his recent return to writing about film on his website, and we look forward to the day when he will return -- THUMBS and all -- to his place on the balcony.
Contrary to Disney's press release, I did not demand the removal of the THUMBS. They made a first offer on Friday which I considered offensively low. I responded with a counter-offer. They did not reply to this, and on Monday ordered the THUMBS removed from the show. This is not something I expected after an association of over 22 years. I had made it clear the THUMBS could remain during good-faith negotiations.
During my absence from the balcony, I have been excited to participate in the show in ways other than being on the set. I love the show and I love the THUMBS and I hope we will all be reunited soon.
Ebert further notes, for the record, that he was "not contacted by a Disney publicist or by email." We at Cinematical have followed Ebert's long illness and his recent return to writing about film on his website, and we look forward to the day when he will return -- THUMBS and all -- to his place on the balcony.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
8-25-2007 @ 3:04PM
tikirob said...
I think this sucks. I might not always agree with his reviews but I respect him as a critic.
http://www.movie-cat.com
Rob
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8-25-2007 @ 3:51PM
Sy said...
Ebert ...forget the thumb, give them the finger!
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8-25-2007 @ 7:50PM
Julie said...
That was funny Sy and cute- made me laugh out loud and ohhh so true! Where is the appreciation and respect for this long run?
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8-25-2007 @ 10:17PM
Cincinnati Mike said...
Forgive me for feeling several different ways about this flap. While some purists feel that Roger and Gene's "thumbs dumbed down film criticism, I am forever grateful for the way they brought film criticism "down to our level."
But maybe, just maybe, it's time to fold the tent. Loyalty and past performance aside, I think Disney has a right to question the future of a talent who hasn't been in the chair for quite some time. Can we honestly say that the show--the brand-- hasn't suffered in his absence? "Two thumbs up, say Richard Roeper and Some Guy!" I think it's a rebuilding year, not the time for salary brinksmanship.
Now, that being said, I feel Roger has every right to take his "thumb" and go home if they can't agree.
Like I said, I'm conflicted.
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8-26-2007 @ 1:02AM
Sy said...
Julie,
Glad I could make someone laugh out loud today. :)
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8-26-2007 @ 5:39AM
Pecker said...
Thats just stupid. That's what made this show in the first place, also it has become a motto[THUMBS UP/DOWN] to people. I hope that they don't take that away. I just saw the show a couple of minutes ago, and the show just wasnt the same without it.
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8-26-2007 @ 11:18PM
Jackie said...
Isn't it a little early for the "grinch who stole christmas". Am I tnhe only one who has had it up to their eyeballs with the $$$ dealing mouse. I don't care for the way Disney does business now-a-days. I can't believe Roy is standing for this. All I have to say to Mr. Ebert is watch out, you saw how they treated the creator of Pooh doll and merchandise. And the courts sided with Disney because she went through their trash and found the proof she needed. Her ending words in the story I read she stated "Disney's team said to her as they shook her hand". "You won't regret this, we promise you".
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