Managing in Troubled Times Case Study

Case Title:

Miramax: A Victim of Interpersonal Conflict?

Abstract:
Started in 1979 by the Weinstein brothers to buy and release foreign and independent films, Miramax Film Corp. was acquired by Disney in 1993. Over the years, Miramax released hits like Pulp Fiction and Shakespeare in Love, but relations between Harvey Weinstein and Disney's CEO Michael Eisner had been deteriorating. Miramax's decision to fund Fahrenheit 9/11, a controversial documentary, against Eisner's wishes strained the relationship further. The current contract between the Weinsteins and Disney is to be renegotiated in 2005, but differences over financial performance, control and compensation raised uncertainty over Miramax's future. Eisner's announcement of his departure from Disney fuelled the uncertainty.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To discuss the changing dynamics of the relationship between Miramax and Disney
• To discuss the impact of interpersonal conflicts between the leaders of the organisations
• To discuss the possible results of the renegotiations in 2005.

Keywords :  Harvey Weinstein; Managing in Troubled Times Case Study; Bob Weinstein; Miramax Film Corp; Disney; Michael Eisner; Dimension films; Independent cinema; Oscar marketing; Fahrenheit 9/11; Interpersonal conflicts between leaders