Time Warner to Shut Site in Burbank, Laying Off 150

Time Warner said it will close its digital studios division in Burbank and lay off about 150 workers as the media company cuts costs following its $7.5-billion acquisition of Turner Broadcasting System Inc.

Warner Digital Studios will close on July 31 after two years of operation, company officials announced. The special effects division worked on such movies as “Eraser” and “Mars Attacks!,” as well as the upcoming “Batman and Robin” film, set for release this month.

In a statement, the company said: “It is difficult to anticipate long-term staffing, technical and equipment needs for visual effects on upcoming movies while maintaining a highly competitive facility to meet those needs at any moment.”

The closure comes after Time Warner’s Castle Rock unit announced earlier in the week that it would fire 60 people, or about half its staff. Time Warner Vice Chairman Ted Turner has pressured Warner Bros. and other Time Warner units to cut operating costs.