In animation circles, meanwhile, the Pixar sequel unit is being seen by some as an affront to the creative process.

The Walt Disney Co. said Tuesday that about 30 of the 168 employees of Circle 7, the animation unit working on the animated sequel “Toy Story 3,” have been laid off, and others have been ...

As it expands its circle of producers, Sony Pictures Animation has struck a multiyear, first-look deal with Fred Seibert and his Frederator Studios to develop animated features.