YouTubers React To The Maker Studios Acquisition
Social media has been abuzz ever since it was announced Disney acquired YouTube Multi-Channel Network Maker Studios for half a million dollars! If the updated reports are anything to go by, that number is actually closer to $550 million, which means if Maker meets their performance targets Disney will pay out 1 BILLION DOLLARS for the network. Seriously! Who would have ever thought something made by a group of people once known for making videos in their bedrooms would ever be worth 1 BILLION?!
While i’m trying really hard not to step on The Fine Bros. toes here (and they really do need to make an episode of YouTubers React dealing with Disney’s Maker Acquisition), I’ve taken the time to collect a few YouTuber’s reactions to the Disney/Maker Deal.
Maker’s ousted CEO Danny Zappin has said nothing thus far; which is understandable considering (if he held on to his Maker shares) the people that ousted him have just made him a very wealthy man. It wouldn’t be surprising to see his pending lawsuit against the company miraculously disappear at the thought of a billion dollar buy out. Fellow members of Maker’s original leadership team Ben and Lisa Donovan have been re-tweeting and favoriting messages from friends and fans, but Ben was the only one to discuss the acquisition directly:
Congrats to everyone who has helped to make today a reality! Really proud of the entire @MakerStudios team.
— bdonski (@bdonski) March 25, 2014
YouTube Vlogger and Maker Co-Founder ShayCarl has been the most vocal since the deal was announced:
@shaycarl take shelter! Shay is on a twitter bombing run! LOL
— Chris Kelling (@n1wko) March 25, 2014
It’s a dream come true of a dream I never knew I even had!!
— shaycarl (@shaycarl) March 24, 2014
Remember when we moved from Idaho to Los Angeles to start a @YouTube business? We sold it to the Walt Disney company!
— shaycarl (@shaycarl) March 25, 2014
@z103idaho @z103brad @YouTube It all started in that little studio Thanks for giving me a chance to be creative! My 1st job in entertainment
— shaycarl (@shaycarl) March 25, 2014
Philip DeFranco has a rocky past with Maker, but he still congratulates his friend ShayCarl on his success. Shay owns a significant percentage of Maker Studios, so he’s cashing in big time:
@shaycarl don’t spend it all in one place :-p. I don’t think that’s even be possible lol
— Philip DeFranco (@PhillyD) March 24, 2014
Former Sheriff of YouTube TheWillofDC bringing the drama. Here’s hoping he’ll return for a one-off video explaining his tweets, but he’s likely referring to the series of backdoor layoffs between 2011-2012 which caused many early Maker employees to lose their jobs (and their shares…):
Disney buys maker. ps journalists put a footnote that original employees who built it on their back are getting $0 😉
— William (@thewillofdc) March 24, 2014
@WhataDayDerek you know who i’m talking about and you know the work they did for years and know it’s not right. & they’re your friends too
— William (@thewillofdc) March 24, 2014
YouTube’s entertainment news authority Michael Buckley lamenting saying no to Maker when he was asked to join them in 2009:
@WhataDayDerek @shaycarl remember when i said no thank you? #FacePalm LOLZ <3
— Michael Buckley (@buckhollywood) March 25, 2014
YouTube Co-Founder Chad Hurley and Director of YouTube’s Next Lab Tim Shey:
Congrats @Lisa_Nova, @shaycarl, @kassemg and the rest of the team at @MakerStudios! Another awesome day for the @YouTube ecosystem. #proud
— Chad Hurley (@Chad_Hurley) March 25, 2014
Disney is now home to the Avengers, the Jedi, the Incredibles, and the Shaytards. It all kind of makes sense.
— tim shey (@moth) March 25, 2014
Others:
This is the book I’ve been reading. I guess I know how it ends now! What a rad day!!!! pic.twitter.com/Cfc6T3Ic5d
— Sam Macaroni (@SamMacaroni) March 25, 2014
Disney just bought Maker Studios! They’re building Pewdie Pie character parking next to Woody!
— Steve Greene (@SteveGreeneCOM) March 24, 2014
Selling your MCN is the new black.
— George Ruiz (@georgeruiz) March 25, 2014
I hope this means we’ll see @shaycarl in Star Wars, @Traphik in The Avengers and the newest Disney princess @GloZell.
— Andre (BlackNerd) (@BlackNerd) March 25, 2014
Congratulations to the entire Maker team.