Smoke and Mirrors. Maker Studios is NOT the happiest place on earth…. - Anonymous employee Maker Studios Employee Review

2.0
7 Sept 2014
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Most employees are nice, fun, outgoing, creative and collaborative. Culver City location is close to westside, train, lots of cool restaurants and bars. Opportunity to network with some experienced and interesting individuals who come from all different backgrounds and experiences. Lots of passionate people if you take the time to get to know them.

Cons

Leadership is nonexistent, environment is extremely toxic and negative since May layoffs. In the middle of a mass exodus - extremely high employee turnover, frustration and unhappiness are the elephants in the room that everyone refuses to address (including HR). Only hiring VP's and big name executives - no one really knows what they actually "do". Too many meetings with lots of big strategy talk but no plans of attack or accurate execution timelines. No one cares about the details until they need something or someone to blame. Teams are set up for failure internally and externally. Lacking tools and resources needed for success. New culture of playground politics and petty gossip distracts from day-to-day work. No incentive system for 90% of the staff who did not get rich during the Disney acquisition but put in the long nights and weekends to get the company where it is today. Horrible compensation plan and NO a Disney Silver Pass does not make up for the horrible salaries and imaginary raises or bonuses. No food or snacks provided to employees, just overpriced vending machines. Parking is limited for staff, dangerous offsite parking available if you dare. Workspace is communal, perfect for execs to flaunt during client tours but normally avoid at all costs by hiding in their personal offices. Execs will demand work from you at all hours but will not look you in the eye or say hi in passing. Company bonding now happens over weekly "good-bye" drinks for the 2-3 people that quit that week.

Explore other reviews about Maker Studios

5.0
17 Sept 2018
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

* PayPal optional, the payment was also done by snail mailed cheques (UK)/checks (US) no mater where you live. (If you choose so). For US residents, direct bank transfer possible. * Not so hard entry requirements for partnership * Offers for campaigns * Referral program * Royalty Free Music * Merchandise store to sell your own T shirts online * Community forums with great helpful moderators * After the buyout, it felt great to be part of a Disney owned company * Equal treatment and no discrimination based on ethnicity or country.

Cons

* Minimum $50 threshold for payment * 1 year contracts which can be renewed and if you want to leave, you have to send a support ticket before it is renewed. * Not much help to actively increase your subscribers although, tips and tricks are taught to you. Just don't expect the company to hand hold you to your dream subscriber count. You have to do the hard work, and use the Network as a helping tool. * Huge layoffs in 2017 which removed many small YouTube channels. * Now Maker Studios is Disney Digital Network so support tickets to the old Maker aren't answered from 2018 at least.

2.0
19 Mar 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Lots of amazing people, some not so amazing but thats any place

Cons

Lack of communication and clear understanding of what we were trying to do

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