It was a “Hi Diddle Dee Day” on Saturday, September 26, as more than 350 D23 Gold Members and their guests arrived at the Disney Studio lot in Burbank to celebrate 75 years of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio. This special event offered the perfect opportunity for historians, authors, and original Inking and Painting artists to join in commemorating not only the animated classic, but also the art of Disney animation exemplified by the beautifully realized motion picture.
Upon checking in, each guest received a special commemorative gift—their very own “Official Conscience” pin, just like the one Jiminy Cricket earns in the film—before enjoying displays of original Pinocchio animator’s models and vintage merchandise from the Walt Disney Archives. Then, after receiving complimentary water and popcorn, guests entered the Studio Theatre to put their Pinocchio knowledge to the test with trivia questions and behind-the-scenes glimpses at the film’s production.
At 2 p.m., D23’s Kristin Rodack officially kicked off the event by welcoming D23 Members and introducing two special presentations celebrating Disney artistry. First, Mindy Johnson, author of the upcoming book Ink & Paint–The Women of Disney Animation, hosted a panel discussion featuring Inking and Painting artists Wilma Baker, Eleanor Dahlen, Ginni Mack, and Carmen Sanderson. These remarkable women shared some of their fondest memories of working on animated films from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to The Lion King (1994). Together, the artists represented all of the decades of Disney animated features to utilize the renowned Inking and Painting process.
The artists recalled the lengths it took to ensure consistency across the cels and achieve realistic special effects. “For The Little Mermaid, I spent weeks inking bubbles,” remembered Eleanor. “And it’s hard because they’re a circle, and that’s one the most difficult things to do.” “The cards [from Alice in Wonderland] are what stick out the most to me,” Carmen chimed in. “I’ll never forget those cards for as long as I live!”
Attendees also learned about everyday life for an Ink and Paint artist at the Disney Studio, including a daily activity that offered a break from their meticulous work. “It was a ritual we had that only Walt—of all the bosses in the whole world—served us free tea,” Wilma shared of her days at the Hyperion, and later Burbank, studios. “The maid would call out ‘Tea time!’ and everybody would run to the back corridor to get their tea. We enjoyed that.”
Next, author and historian J.B. Kaufman presented some of the incredible discoveries he made while researching for his recent book, Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic. Showcasing rare images and artwork from the production process, J.B. revealed the extent to which artists achieved some of the film’s most ambitious and complex moments. (We learned that one particular scene, featuring a tour de force of visual effects and the efforts of as many as six different artists, lasts for only four seconds on screen!) This new insight offered D23 Members a renewed sense of appreciation for each frame of Pinocchio—the perfect way to introduce a screening of the beautifully restored masterpiece.
After enjoying the 1940 classic on the big screen, guests made their way to the Disney Studio Store for shopping and to meet with J.B., who signed copies of his books on Pinocchio and Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, which were available for sale. And as a special surprise, each guest received a complimentary Pinocchio poster from the film’s last theatrical release—an extra-special keepsake from a memorable day on the Disney Studio lot.
We thank all of our D23 Gold Members, guests, and presenters who helped make our tribute to Disney animation a truly special one. And for those of you still “wishing upon a star” to celebrate Pinocchio, don’t miss our upcoming Gold Member events at Walt Disney World Resort on November 14: Pinocchio: 75 Years of a Disney Classic and Mickey’s of Glendale Shopping Event!
