Walt Disney Animation

Usually little kids have a pretty big interest in Disney, for me that interest has remained throughout my whole life.  Whether it’s going to the parks or watching the movies I have a love for Disney. In high school it was my plan to go to school for animation in hopes that one-day I could become an imagineer or artist at Disneyworld. When it actually came time to choose colleges and majors I decided to go a more practical route. However, Disney still remains one of my favorite things. So when this project was announced I knew immediately that I wanted to research Disney animation.

In 1923, Walt Disney and his brother Roy began creating short animated features in a small studio. The two worked together on the Alice series, more commonly known as Alice in Wonderland. This was the beginning of their creative journey to create one of the most well known animated career in the world. Then in 1928 the two created Mortimer Mouse, which was the early stage of Mickey Mouse. Later in 1937, the brothers had a breakthrough and produced Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. This was a significant conception because it led to the expansion of the Disney brothers company. Thus, the Disney animation studios was formed, to provide a place for the production of their new animated films. The next couple of years brought some of the most famous Disney films including Peter Pan, Cinderella, and

Fantasia. Fantasia was the biggest creative discovery for Walt because of its’ almost controversial ideas. More of a concert than a standard film plot Fantasia brought musical innovations that had not been seen in other movies.

Walt Disney was obviously the mastermind behind the ultimate success of Disney animation. He provided new creative insights to cartooning that may not have progressed if not for him. This includes the use of the multiplane camera, a camera that allows for a more three dimensional result which was a huge advance in film production. The original creator Ub Iwerks was also a large part of Disney’s success, he co wrote various films such as Steamboat Willy and Oswald. In addition to Walt and Ub, William Garity was a big contributor in the innovation. He further assisted the use of multiplane cameras. The Little Mermaid was the final movie to use the multiplane camera before computer animation took over.

Disney animation accesses the more imaginative part of creativity. It emphasizes the importance of dreams and working to achieve what you want. I have always had a passion for Disney because it’s inspiring. It teaches certain lessons through animation and childish humor. Disney animation emphasizes the importance of independence as well as family.

Filmsite. "Fantasia (1940)." Fantasia (1940). N.p., n.d. Web. 06 Apr. 2014.

Walt Disney Studios. "The Walt Disney Studios - History." The Walt Disney Studios - History. N.p., 2014. Web. 06 Apr. 2014.