Details of the relationship between these two Hollywood studios!
The Walt Daily
Disney and MGM
Hi everyone! Disney MGM Studios opened its gates in 1989, but what was the relationship between Disney and Metro Goldwyn Mayer? The official relationship between Disney and MGM started in 1985 when Disney gained access to the rights to the MGM logo and library for a new park about the movies it was developing. Having the reputation of MGM behind it, Disney would really be able to sell the idea of being a real working studio that also just happened to be a theme park. Unfortunately though, the relationship between MGM and Disney wasn't all glitz and glamour. The owner of MGM at that time, Kirk Corcorian, felt that Disney was getting away with a license to their content for a very modest amount. More problems arose when Disney began to make feature films at Disney MGM Studios. In an article from Variety Magazine in October 1992, it was reported that Disney shot several minutes of Beauty and the Beast and scenes from Honey I blew up the kid on the floor to lot. Disney applied the Disney MGM logo and name to the productions. MGM sued Disney over the licensing agreement, however a Los Angeles Superior Court ruled in favor of Disney to continue using the branding for productions on the lot. Disney then sued MGM over its plans to build a theme park at their Las Vegas Hotel, the MGM Grand, stating that it had "exclusive rights" to the MGM name in connection with theme parks. MGM did end up building their own theme park, however it closed its doors in the year 2000. Although CEO Michael Eisner initially claimed that Disney had perpetual rights to the MGM name and library, it turns out the agreement was 20 years, meaning that in 2005 the licensing agreement would end. The Disney and MGM relationship was not renewed officially and Disney issued a press release in 2007 that they would officially be changing the name of the park to Disney Hollywood Studios. [Music] [Music]