Layoffs at Warner Bros.

BURBANK: In response to declining DVD sales and lower expectations for its scripted TV business, Warner Bros. is set to eliminate some 800 jobs.

The layoffs amount to about 10 percent of the studio’s global work force. The extent of the redundancies has surprised some analysts, given the studio’s healthy theatrical business in 2008, with such hits as The Dark Knight. According to reports, the studio took a hit in its DVD business in the fourth quarter, while orders of scripted TV series are expected to fall as the networks cut costs in the wake of the ad downturn.

“Warner Brothers is not immune to the changing entertainment business landscape, shifting consumer demand and the state of the global economy,” a statement from the studio said. “Despite the fact that the company performed solidly in 2008, this decision reflects changes necessary for stability and growth going forward."

The Warner Bros. layoffs follow similar moves at NBC Universal and Viacom.