An Insider Look at Disney Feature Animation

A History of Enchantment

Walt Disney Feature Animation, now known as Walt Disney Animation Studios, is the oldest and most celebrated animation studio in the world. Founded in 1923 as the Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio, the company has produced over 50 feature-length animated films, including some of the most iconic and beloved works in cinematic history.

Mouse in Transition: An Insider's Look at Disney Feature Animation

by Steve Hulett

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1962 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	184 pages
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Disney's early films, such as Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) and Pinocchio (1940),were groundbreaking achievements in animation. These films showcased the studio's innovative use of technology and storytelling, and they helped to establish the Disney brand as synonymous with quality family entertainment.

In the 1950s and 1960s, Disney continued to produce classic animated films, such as Cinderella (1950),Sleeping Beauty (1959),and The Jungle Book (1967). These films were known for their beautiful animation, memorable characters, and timeless stories.

In the 1970s, Disney Feature Animation began to experiment with new animation techniques. The studio's first computer-animated film, TRON (1982),was a critical and commercial success. In the 1990s, Disney released a string of highly successful animated films, including The Lion King (1994),Beauty and the Beast (1991),and Aladdin (1992). These films helped to usher in a new golden age of Disney animation.

The Production Process

Creating a Disney feature animation film is a complex and time-consuming process. It can take anywhere from three to five years to complete a film, and it involves the work of hundreds of artists, animators, and technicians.

The first step in the production process is to develop the story. A team of writers and story artists work together to create a compelling story that is both entertaining and visually appealing. Once the story is finalized, the animators begin to bring the characters to life.

The animators use a variety of techniques to create the characters' movements. Traditional hand-drawn animation is still used for some characters, but computer animation is becoming increasingly common. The animators work closely with the directors and other creative team members to ensure that the characters' movements are fluid and expressive.

Once the characters are animated, the visual effects artists add the finishing touches to the film. They create the backgrounds, lighting, and other visual elements that bring the world of the film to life.

Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

There are many fascinating behind-the-scenes secrets about Disney Feature Animation. Here are a few:

• Walt Disney himself was a perfectionist, and he demanded the same from his animators. He often made changes to the films right up until the very end of production.
• The animators on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs used live-action models to help them create the characters' movements. The models were filmed performing the actions, and the animators used the footage as reference.
• The voice of Mickey Mouse has been provided by only three people: Walt Disney, Jimmy MacDonald, and Bret Iwan.
• Disney Feature Animation has a long history of promoting diversity and inclusion. The studio has created films featuring characters from all over the world, and it has employed animators and other creative team members from a variety of backgrounds.

The Future of Disney Feature Animation

Disney Feature Animation is constantly evolving, and the future is bright for the studio. The studio is embracing new technologies, such as computer animation and virtual reality, and it is continuing to produce groundbreaking films that entertain and inspire audiences around the world.

Disney Feature Animation is a true American treasure. The studio's films have touched the lives of generations of people, and they will continue to do so for many years to come.

Image Credits

• https://www.disneyanimation.com/company/history
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0027977/
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0034583/
• https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0112512/

Mouse in Transition: An Insider's Look at Disney Feature Animation

by Steve Hulett

4.9 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1962 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	184 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE