Haute 100 Los Angeles Update: Robert Iger

Our Haute 100 list details the accomplishments of the most influential people in each of our markets—Miami, New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These people continue to make moves, so rather than waiting for the next Haute 100 issue to come out, we thought we’d provide you with regular updates on those Haute 100 members who are making headlines. The Walt Disney Co.’s CEO Robert Iger is planning to launch a home-film viewing option for those who want to skip movie theater lines and the long wait for DVD rental.

Robert Iger

Category: Thinkers

Company: Media

Industry: The Walt Disney Co.

What Makes Him Haute: The only big media stock to outperform the DJIA this year is Disney, and to a large extent it’s because CEO Iger efficiently runs and balances the matrix of Disney’s divisions. The careful development of ESPN, its animation studios, and an alliance with Apple’s Steve Jobs in both animation and digital content delivery should serve the Mouse well, even if the downturn continues.

What Makes Him Haute Now: Ever wish you could watch movies in theaters from the comfort of your couch, without the long wait for DVD rental? Well soon that might be an option. Robert Iger revealed that Walt Disney Co., along with Sony Pictures and Warner Bros., is looking to join forces with some of the largest cable TV systems to bring audiences a home film-viewing option. The films will be available shortly after they finish their run in theaters and will cost about $30 per showing to view at home. Disney is even considering streaming movies on the web through Xbox and Play Station 3 consoles. “I think there are a number of other products that we will be able to create through Internet-connected television, particularly when you consider our brand focus,” said the optimistic Iger at a Goldman Sachs Groups Inc. conference last week. The deal has its perks: no lines, no worries about tickets selling out, no teenagers making a ruckus (unless they live with you at home) and no grossly overpriced snacks.