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You might think after 11 Oscar® nominations—and three wins—the bloom may be off the rose for designer Colleen Atwood.
Not so. "It's still really exciting," she says. "You never know what's going to get nominated." This year, she is being honored for her colorful creations for Into the Woods, one of the many projects she's done with Disney, including Alice in Wonderland and Chicago (both of which she won Oscars® for as well). We had the chance to catch up with Atwood before she walks the red carpet on February 22, to discuss working with "growing" talent, who she'll be wearing on the big night, and secrets to looking your best.
D23: How did you learn about your nomination?
A: I was in England working, so it wasn't first thing in the morning. It was the afternoon. I forgot about it. All of a sudden I started seeing a million texts and it was like, "Oh my gosh!"
D23: Do you put pressure on yourself to be more creative every time you work on a project?
A: I'm really lucky in that I get to do so many interesting and creative projects. You feel a pressure not to repeat yourself, and to take what you've learned from one and apply it to another but still expand on what you're doing artistically.
D23: When we spoke to the cast for our magazine Disney twenty-three, Meryl Streep and Emily Blunt were both amazed at how nimble your team was, coming up with creative elements to hide Emily's pregnancy. Can you talk about the effort that went into that?
A: When someone is expecting a baby, their body changes every day. And it doesn't stay the same once it's changed. We had multiple dresses, so I'd bring in the multiple and get it prepped for the next day. I'd raise the neckline of the blouse or shade the side. Luckily, because Emily has a really nice, long neck, you couldn't tell [she was pregnant] from her face. So we managed to get away with a huge amount. But we really had to be on it. The difference in the first costume to the last day of shooting was huge!
D23: Anna Kendrick told me she felt badly that she kept getting the pitch material from the stairs all over the dress.
A: It was hard for her not to, doing what she was doing—lying down on those steps. But luckily it rinsed out. It was just molasses. We just spot-cleaned them after each take.
D23: How many of those gowns did you create?
A: It was made out of a vintage fabric, so I only had two of them. So it was a little bit scary when she started doing that number. I was just worried someone would step on it and rip the back, because, believe me, I tested the "tar" way ahead of time!
D23: You've worked with Johnny Depp many times before. Did you talk with him when designing his zoot suit Wolf costume?
A: Yeah, I showed him the sketch and he was excited about it. He came in a couple days early for a fitting to see what it would move like. He really loved it. It was a great fitting. We were in a hotel room trying it on. He was running around swishing his tail at people.
D23: What's he like to work with as a costume and as a "model" for some of your more intricately designed outfits?
A: He's one of those guys who puts something on and it feels like he's been wearing it for days. He has such an ability to wear clothes. And I love bringing lots of extra bits to play with. He is so creative, he'll come up with ideas if you present him with something.
D23: And now you've worked with him again on Alice in Wonderland: Through the Looking Glass. What's it like returning to a world you first designed the look of—from the dresses to all the hats!
A: The hats are still in. The Hatter is still in, but he has some surprise changes. There are some new characters. There's a fun, exotic vibe to the whole thing. The Red Queen is back and she has some really great new stuff. It was fun to take the characters to the next place of their journey.
D23: Do you need to be consistent with the original film's look and feel?
A: Not really. Because it's the same story with the same people so there are some things you want to tie together. But you want to expand the world that you've started. So it's a fun challenge.
D23: With the big day coming up, do you design your own dresses for your red carpet walk?
A: I have some years. And other times I haven't. This year I bought something I'm remodeling. My workrooms are so busy, I think if I asked them to make me something right now they might want to hit me over the head with a pair of scissors.
D23: So can I ask who you'll be wearing?
A: It's a Lancing dress. I like it.
D23: Are there any stores or designers you like?
A: I definitely am a fan of some of the basics of Club Monaco and Gap for layering. I like The Row for their great simple jackets. I use them a lot for work.
D23: Not everyone gets to walk a red carpet, but I feel like everyone wants to look their best, whether it be at a nice dinner or a gala event. What are the secrets to dressing well that won't leave you in pain—or bust your bank account?
A: I think that simple is always better. It's important not to overdress. Also, own what you're wearing. Stand up straight. Present yourself in a way that conveys confidence. Then you can pull anything off.
When Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero co-creator and executive producer Jared Bush was growing up, he learned that his father wasn’t a nondescript government employee but, in fact, an agent for the C.I.A.—as was Bush’s grandfather before him. Bush could have chosen to go into the “family business” himself, but instead found a way to bring the family business into his chosen field: animation. Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero follows the adventures of a regular boy who inherits the not-so-regular job of part-time hero. Sam Levine, the series’ other co-creator/executive producer, also drew from his childhood to craft the teenage protagonist’s action-packed existence. Levine’s father was a movie projectionist in New York City, so Levine spent a large part of the ’80s in movie theaters. Not only can Levine point to movies of the era like Back to the Future and Ghostbusters as inspirations for Penn Zero, but the projection booth itself served as a portal in the show, to “zap” Penn and his friends into new environments and new superhero personas, giving them the chance to save the world every week.
It’s like an 11-minute third act—when those heroes really need to buckle down and figure it out
Each mission requires Penn and his friends to fill in for heroes in need, and Bush explains that it’s like they’re zapping into the third act of a movie. “Seeing our guys get to go on the coolest part of all those adventures felt really right to us,” he says. Levine agrees, saying of each story, “It’s like an 11-minute third act—when those heroes really need to buckle down and figure it out. And within that, we have our own structure, of course.” The adventures that Penn goes on with his best friends, Boone, an “underqualified wise man” and Sashi, an “overqualified sidekick,” include trips to the old west, an underwater kingdom of fish-people, and Chuckle City, a “clown universe” where whoopee cushion jokes and seltzer sprays are in awesome abundance.
This eclectic and diverse lineup of worlds means that the characters’ appearances and the settings change drastically from one adventure to another. Levine admits, “This show is filled with fun challenges—that’s one of them, keeping the consistency but also getting variety.” The talented cast helps with that variety. Thomas Middleditch (Silicon Valley) provides the voice of Penn, and Levine says, “He really feels grounded, real, and funny and he has a broad range.” Boone and Sashi are voiced by Adam DeVine (Pitch Perfect) and Tania Gunadi (Enlisted). “They’re not doing put-on voices and they feel real to us,” Levine explains. The show’s villain, Rippen, is brought to life by Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), who “loves playing a villain… getting in there and being goofy,” Levine adds before extoling the virtues of Larry Wilmore (The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore), the voice of Larry, as a comedian and great improviser.
Both Bush and Levine have extensive backgrounds in feature animation, and their love for the amazing visual development work typically done in the early stages of animating a feature film helped them shape the aesthetic of Penn Zero. Bush says, “Early on Sam thought, ‘Could we make the show look like those vis-dev pieces?'” Levine points to the period of the 1960s and mid-century Disney design as a big inspiration for the series, and he cites One Hundred and One Dalmatians as his favorite animated film, visually speaking; while Bush says he could watch Jungle Book “over and over and over again.”
Both Bush and Levine are dads—Bush to 5-year-old twins and a 7-year-old son, while Levine’s sons are 12 and 10. They definitely want their kids to like the show and take inspiration from it, but, Levine admits, “We’re making this show, we’re trying to entertain ourselves—it’s one and the same. If we’re going to laugh at something and we’re going to think it’s cool, then we get in touch with the kids inside ourselves.” And given that the spark for the series came from both of their childhoods, staying in touch with their inner children is bound to make Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero a full-time success.
Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero premieres Friday, February 13 at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT on Disney XD and Disney Channel.
If you haven’t seen One Hundred and One Dalmatians in, well, a dog’s age, or if somehow you’ve never quite gotten around to watching this fun-filled canine caper, there’s no time like the present to sit down and view this beloved Disney animated film. The Diamond Edition has just become available for the first time on Digital HD, Blu-ray, and Disney Movies Anywhere and On-Demand.
Disney fans might be especially eager to check out The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt
The Diamond Edition includes several bonus features, including Cameron Boyce (who plays Cruella De Vil’s son Carlos in the upcoming Disney’s Descendants) giving “the 411 about 101” and “Lucky Dogs,” which profiles some of the artists involved in the making of the original film. But Disney fans might be especially eager to check out The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt. Owners of real pets already know that few things are cuter than watching their dog watch another dog on TV—and watching Pongo and Perdita’s puppies as they follow the Adventures of Thunderbolt is one of One Hundred and One Dalmatians‘ more adorable scenes. But the episode in the film ends with a cliffhanger, and for the Diamond Edition, Walt Disney Animation Studios created The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt, imagining how the sequence that so thrilled the puppies might have ended. This “extension” of the sequence was inspired by character drawings discovered at the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, and, in case you were wondering, the show is still brought to you by Kanine Krunchies!
Animator and Disney Legend Floyd Norman was involved in the making of The Further Adventures of Thunderbolt, and was an assistant animator at the time One Hundred and One Dalmatians was being produced. He says, “I can’t think of an artist here at Disney who wasn’t excited about what we were doing on Dalmatians, because it was such a break from the past, such a change from the European fairy tales we had been doing. Now all of a sudden, we have this new, bold contemporary look. And it was like a breath of fresh air here at the Disney Studios.”
The artists that Norman speaks of, by the way, include such Disney luminaries as “Nine Old Men” animators Milt Kahl, Marc Davis, Ollie Johnston, Frank Thomas, John Lounsbery, and Eric Larson; and the color styling was done by Walt Peregoy. According to Norman, “The use of color was bold and different from things we had done before. Walt Peregoy brought a new design sensibility to this film.”
L-R: Animator and Disney Legend Floyd Norman, Mimi Gibson (voice of Lucky), and Lisa Davis (voice of Anita)
Actress Mimi Gibson voiced the role of Lucky, the Dalmatian pup whose spots fall in the shape of a horseshoe. She explains that she and the other kids who voiced the puppies read the lines for multiple roles and were essentially “cast” later. “I didn’t know who I was [playing] and the others didn’t know who they were,” Gibson details. Gibson is happy to add the Diamond Edition to her collection of One Hundred and One Dalmatians-themed items, which already includes a beautiful Swarovski Crystal pin. “It’s always fun to see my friends tell their grandchildren that I was the voice of a puppy in One Hundred andOne Dalmatians. And they look at you and they can’t quite figure out how I’m the voice of a puppy,” she says.
Lisa Davis, who provided the unmistakable voice of Anita, says of the new Diamond Edition, “This new Blu-ray version is beautiful. It’s absolutely beautiful. And I must tell you quite honestly, when I see it, it still makes me cry. As many times as I’ve seen it, when the puppies are out in the snow and lost and they’re trying to find their way home, I still worry that they’re not going to make it—and I know they are. I definitely know they are. Yes, what a wonderful experience to have had. I feel very fortunate.”
And we feel very fortunate for the opportunity to revisit this very special film.
If the Slipper Fits, Wear It —and Watch a New Cinderella Trailer, Too!
Everyone who has seen the classic animated fairy tale Cinderella knows that there is only one person who can wear the shoe that our heroine leaves behind while fleeing the ball. And everyone who has seen the trailer for the Disney’s upcoming live-action Cinderella knows that Helena Bonham Carter’s Fairy Godmother provides some “surprisingly comfortable” glass slippers to complete Lily James’ stunning ball attire. Now Disney Consumer Products has collaborated with nine designer shoe brands on a collection of shoes that reimagine the most iconic shoe in fairy-tale history and allow you to dance in your own “glass slipper.” Swarovski—which produced the film’s glass slipper under the watchful eye of costume designer Sandy Powell—has again provided the crystals utilized by this collection’s designers, Paul Andrew, Alexandre Birman, René Caovilla, Jimmy Choo, Salvatore Ferragamo, Nicholas Kirkwood, Charlotte Olympia, Jerome C. Rousseau, and Stewart Weitzman.
Here in the U.S., the shoes will be available for order at Saks Fifth Avenue in New York and Beverly Hills, and in early March, windows at both of those stores will also bring Cinderella to life with fairy-tale vignettes that will feature the complete designer footwear collection, along with select props from the film.
Cinderella opens in theaters March 13, and Walt Disney Studios has just released a new trailer for the film. Watch it here, and then browse the designer sketches of the Cinderella-inspired shoes and imagine which one you would wear to the ball.
Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:
D23 and Walt Disney Archives Fall 2014-2015 D23 Member Nights and Upcoming Events March 12 Cinderella Lights Up the Palace of Fine Arts March 13
A Taste of Disney at Silverado Vineyards March 15 The Hunchback of Notre Dame VIP Experience August 14-16, 2015
D23 Expo 2015 returns to Anaheim, California Television February 13 Penn Zero: Part-Time Hero premieres on Disney XD and Disney Channel at 9:45 p.m. ET/PT March 3 Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. returns at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT
Parks March 4–May 17 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. May 15–June 14 Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Studios February 20 McFarland, USA opens in theaters. March 13 Cinderella opens in theaters. April 17 Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom opens in theaters. May 1 Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters. May 22 Tomorrowland opens in theaters. June 19 Inside Out opens in theaters (along with the short Lava). July 17 Ant Man opens in theaters.
Marvel-ous News About the Amazing World of Spider-Man
Comic book fans have long hoped that Spider-Man—always an integral part of the Marvel Universe in the comic books—would one day become part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. And yesterday Sony Pictures Entertainment and Marvel Studios announced that day is coming. The next installment of the Spider-Man franchise will be released on July 28, 2017, by Sony Pictures, but the new Spider-Man will first appear in an upcoming Marvel film from Marvel’s Cinematic Universe (MCU). Marvel and Sony Pictures are also exploring opportunities to integrate characters from the MCU into future Spider-Man films. The next Spider-Man installment will be produced by Kevin Feige and his expert team at Marvel and Amy Pascal. Sony Pictures will continue to finance, distribute, own and have final creative control of the Spider-Man films. A fan-favorite, Spider-Man has more than 50 years of history in Marvel’s world, and with this deal, fans will be able to experience Spider-Man taking his rightful place among other Super Heroes in the MCU.
Pete’s Dragon Begins Principal Photography
Disney fans who grew up in the ’70s no doubt remember Pete’s Dragon, the 1977 classic about the special bond between an orphaned boy, Pete, and his best friend, Elliot—a dragon. We’re thrilled that production has just commenced upon a reimagining of the film, which will blend live action and CGI, and is scheduled to hit U.S. theaters in August 2016. The film stars Bryce Dallas Howard (The Help) as Grace, a park ranger who discovers the existence of Elliott; 10-year-old Oakes Fegley (This is Where I Leave You) as Pete; Wes Bentley (The Hunger Games) as Jack, a local mill owner; New Zealand native Karl Urban (Star Trek Into Darkness) as Jack’s brother, Gavin; Oona Laurence as Natalie, the young girl who befriends Pete; and Oscar® winner Robert Redford (Captain America: The Winter Soldier, All the President’s Men) as Grace’s father. Pete’s Dragon is directed by David Lowery (Ain’t Them Bodies Saints) from a screenplay by Lowery and Toby Hallbrooks. WETA Digital, the New Zealand-based visual effects company founded by filmmaker Peter Jackson, will utilize the latest in digital effects to bring Elliot to life.
A Whole New Diamond Edition
We’ve been watching the trailer for the Aladdin Diamond Edition—coming to Blu-ray, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere October 6—and it’s been reminding us of all of the reasons why we loved Aladdin so much when it was released in 1992. The animation is still breathtaking, Genie still delights and amuses us, and our hearts still skip a beat when Aladdin asks Jasmine, “Do you trust me?” before whisking her off on a thrilling magic carpet ride. If we could have just one wish on a magic lamp it would be for the Diamond Edition to come sooner than October.
Chris Pratt and Chris Evans Super Bowl Bet Makes them Super Heroes to Us
Many Disney fans were glued to their TVs during the Super Bowl to see whether the Seahawks or the Patriots would win—not because of love for their team or football in general, but to find out whether Chris Pratt (a loyal Seattle fan) or Chris Evans (New England all the way) would end up paying a visit to a children’s hospital in the “losing” city, dressed as their on-screen persona (Star-Lord or Captain America). The New England Patriots, of course, won the Super Bowl but everybody ended up winning. Chris Pratt made good on his wager, visiting a Boston hospital this week, and Chris Evans has promised that Captain America will pay a visit to a Seattle children’s hospital, as well. Super Heroes on screen . . . Super Heroes in real life.
All-New Experience Driving Into Cars Land at Disney California Adventure
Like they say, when one (car) door closes, another one opens. On February 16, Luigi’s Flying Tires will close—the Parks Blog reports that Luigi’s destined for an extended vacation to his Italian homeland—but will reopen as a completely new attraction in early 2016, which will feature a new ride system and ride vehicles. So we’ll sadly say “Ciao” to Luigi for the time being, but will say “Ka-chow” along with Lightning McQueen on our visits to Cars Land until he returns.
Peter Pan’s Flight Soars Even Higher
The beloved attraction Peter Pan’s Flight has become even more beloved at Walt Disney World with the debut of its new interactive queue, which takes you into the Darling family home, shows you your shadow, and even features Tinker Bell making a bit of mischief. Check out this behind-the-scenes video from our friends at the Disney Parks Blog.
Aladdin and Jasmine—Happily Ever After… For Infinity
There’s nothing like a happy ending. And Disney Infinity makes it possible for an infinite number of them. The latest news to make us feel like true love conquers all and that our favorite Disney super couples are meant for each other is the announcement that Princess Jasmine is joining Aladdin in Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0. Jasmine is available for purchase individually or in the Aladdin Toy Box Pack, which includes both Jasmine and Aladdin figures and two Aladdin-themed Power Discs, “Jasmine’s Palace View” and “The Sands of Agrabah,” allowing players to create a whole new world of their own.
Disney XD to Debut Two New Series
2015 is shaping up to be an exciting year for Disney XD—and for the Disney fans who tune in. Two new series were announced this week. Becoming is from ESPN films and executive-produced by LeBron James and his Springhill Production Company. This half-hour show will feature inspiring stories profiling athletes from around the world. LeBron James said he’s excited about the series “because it’s something every young kid can relate to. It shows them that everyone faces adversity and challenges while growing up—even their heroes.” Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything is a live-action comedy series that stars Cameron Boyce (Jessie, Disney’s Descendants).
He is reunited with his three former gamer friends
This series follows Conor (Boyce), a 15-year-old video game phenom, forced to attend high school for the first time after a thumb injury sidelines him from the glamorous pro gaming circuit. As a coping mechanism, he begins to visualize life as a video game. He is reunited with his three former gamer friends who he left behind for life on the pro circuit World Tour, and he quickly realizes that restoring his friendships is vital in his quest to “level up” to his former glory. The series was created by Devin Bunje & Nick Stanton (Zeke & Luther, Turbo Fast), who also serve as executive producers. Jim O’Doherty (Grounded for Life, 3rd Rock from the Sun, Kickin’ It) is executive producing and will serve as show runner of the series.
Gamer’s Guide to Pretty Much Everything is scheduled to premiere in summer 2015, while Becoming will have its premiere later this year.
One Hundred and One Dalmatians Diamond Edition Has Everyone Seeing Spots One Hundred and One Dalmatians Diamond Edition is now available on Blu-ray, Digital HD, and Disney Movies Anywhere. You can check out the movie and special features, starting today. The film shows how tough it can be to be a Dalmatian puppy, and this adorable video shows that all pets face challenges—and sometimes that challenge might mean having to dress up in costume.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Disney California Adventure Park February 19–22
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, and Chip ‘n’ Dale will again dress in their Lunar New Year costumes and celebrate the Year of the Sheep at Disney California Adventure February 19–22. The Paradise Gardens area of the park will host the celebration, a multi-day annual tradition observed within the Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures. The festivities will include live performances, a daily procession, delicious food, as well as special merchandise.
Today is, of course, Valentine’s Day, the day we celebrate love—
—something Disney couples know a thing or two about. If you’re feeling a little pressure to come up with a romantic way to commemorate the day with your one-and-only—or if you’re just looking for something fun to do with a friend, a group, or anyone special in your life—you can relax and let these Disney couples provide some ideas. We’ve even added some Disney Dates boards on Pinterest to get your wheels turning! Here are our suggestions for ways to make this Valentine’s Day feel just a little more magical:
If you’re inspired by Anna and Kristoff (Frozen):
Find a café with a great selection of panini and finish each other’s sandwiches like Arendelle’s super couple, Anna and Kristoff. (We know Hans would only have snagged the last bite for himself.) Let it go at a local rink and ice skate, or if there’s snow on the ground where you live, just have a good old-fashioned snowball fight and finish your Valentine’s Day with hot cocoa and extra marshmallows. Get More Inspiration for an Anna and Kristoff date on Pinterest►
If you’re inspired by Tiana and Naveen (The Princess and the Frog):
Even if you’re nowhere near the French Quarter of New Orleans and the birthplace of jazz, you can seek out live music that makes you feel like you’re “Almost There” in the Big Easy. Make the evening complete with a Cajun meal out—or prepare your own at home, with recipes for Ralph Brennan’s Jazz Kitchen Shrimp and Grits and Gingerbread Beignets.
If you’re inspired by Ralph and Vanellope (Wreck-It Ralph):
So many iconic video game characters and games were referenced in Wreck-It Ralph. Hit your local arcade and see how many of them you can play. Then live out a real-life version of Sugar Rush with a trip to a go-kart raceway. You can also enjoy another kind of sugar rush by ending your Valentine’s Day on a sweet note at an old-fashioned candy store or soda fountain shop.
If you’re inspired by Belle and the Beast (Beauty and the Beast):
Spend the afternoon strolling through your city’s zoo, checking out the beauty of the beasts that reside there, some of which may have inspired the animators who brought the Beast to life on the big screen. For an evening worthy of royalty, make a reservation for dinner at a French restaurant with more courses than you usually indulge in and candelabras that remind you of Lumière, and follow up your decadent dining with fairy-tale footwork at a ballroom dancing lesson. Get More Inspiration for a Belle and the Beast date on Pinterest►
If you’re inspired by Pocahontas and John Smith (Pocahontas):
Take a walk in nature. Drop a pebble in the water and watch the ripples as they get larger in size. Run the hidden pine trails of the forest. Look up at how high the sycamores grow. You might just “learn things you never knew you never knew.” And if you work up an appetite taking in the riches that are all around you, you might consider dinner at a restaurant that specializes in organic foods, made by folks who have the same respect for their environment and its resources that Pocahontas demonstrated in the film.
If you’re inspired by Roger and Anita—or Pongo and Perdita (One Hundred and One Dalmatians):
Who says humans have to have all of the fun on Valentine’s Day? If you already have a Valentine—and a dog—why not go on a dog-friendly hike at sunset? And if you’re still searching for someone to give your (candy) heart to, take your pooch to the local dog park. If your dog has your back like Pongo had Roger’s, you just might meet a kindred spirit. And with 101 Dalmatians Diamond Edition available on Blu-ray and digital HD this week, you the perfect excuse to come home and curl up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn for you—and maybe a box of Kanine Krunchies for man’s best friend.
If you’re inspired by Rapunzel and Flynn (Tangled):
Chances are your tresses aren’t as long or as high-maintenance as Rapunzel’s long hair, but that doesn’t mean that a little pampering and personal care can’t be part of a date night or day. Indulge in mani-pedis or a massage at a local spa—or try something a little different, like aromatherapy or a hot stone massage. Once you’re feeling radiant and relaxed, check out the local gastropub that most reminds you of the Snuggly Duckling. Just watch out for Pub Thugs! Get More Inspiration for a Rapunzel and Flynn date on Pinterest►
If you’re inspired by Carl and Ellie (Up):
Frankly, we should all take inspiration from Carl and Ellie, who taught us that “Adventure is out there!”—even when you aren’t necessarily aware that you’re on an adventure in the first place. Earn your own “Ellie Badge” exploring parts of your city that you’ve never seen before. Try a new cuisine that you’ve always been curious to sample. Talk about visiting far-off places you someday want to venture, and start filling a jar—or savings account—to make that dream a reality. And while you’re doing that, take lots of pictures and print them. Everyone has their own Adventure Book to write and the best time to start it is now.
As we celebrate 75 years of Walt Disney’s Pinocchio (1940)—heralded by many as the most technically perfect animated film ever made—D23 presents a selection of rare, behind-the-scenes photos of the Disney Studio on Hyperion Avenue (1926–1940), where most of the film’s production took place. In addition to showcasing some of the work put into Walt’s second full-length animated feature, these images offer a rare glimpse into the former Studio’s offices in glorious color.
“We received these extremely rare color slides in the early years of the Archives,” recounts Disney Legend and Walt Disney Archives founder Dave Smith. “While there are many black-and-white photos from the Hyperion days, these are some of the only color images known to exist of that Studio.”
Please enjoy this exclusive trip back 75 years, courtesy of the Walt Disney Archives.
The newly established character model department created dimensional puppets and miniatures that were studied by artists during production. Here, animators Frank Thomas and Art Elliott study a final Pinocchio puppet made by sculptors Wah Ming Chang, Charles Cristadoro, and Bob Jones and used for publicity purposes.
Effects animator George Rowley explores the animation of bubbles—an effect used extensively in Pinocchio—with fellow staff members at Hyperion.Animator Ward Kimball (center) is pictured at the Studio Library, where artists could study a variety of subjects. For Pinocchio, extensive research was performed on subjects ranging from Italian architecture to carnivals and amusements.Animator Bernie Wolf studies a live-action reference model for Jiminy Cricket, a character whom he animated for the film. Notice the “Keep it simple!” and “Boil it down!” reminders posted alongside character model sheets.Art director John Hubley references photography while designing the ship and raft swallowed by Monstro. Additional layouts are seen tacked to the board to his left.An artist in the Inking and Painting Department adds color to a cel featuring Pinocchio. More than 1,500 shades of paint were used for the Technicolor production.
In writing Pinocchio: The Making of the Disney Epic [out May 26, 2015 on Walt Disney Family Foundation Press], I had the opportunity to study the production of Pinocchio in depth. One of the most fascinating aspects of the film was the special effects—both effects animation and photographic effects. Added to the brilliant character animation, these effects gave the film an extra layer of luxurious production value. Some of them, like the spectacular moving-camera scene that moves over the rooftops and down into the street, are famous in themselves, but others are sometimes overlooked. I’ve picked out five scenes that used special, innovative techniques. Next time you watch Pinocchio, take a closer look at these fascinating moments on the screen:
Jiminy Cricket enters Geppetto’s workshop.
In this scene, rich with special effects, the artists used shadows and “blend” to suggest color modeling on the Cricket. Then, as he strolls toward the fireplace, the coals were deliberately overexposed for a glowing effect, and realistic heat distortion was added above the hearth.
The wishing star approaches Stromboli’s wagon.
One feature of the multiplane crane was that it allowed the technicians to light individual background planes separately. Here, as we view the star through the window, it passes over distant mountains and plains—and its glow lights up the landscape as it approaches.
Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket escape Stromboli’s wagon.
Disney technicians built two miniature wagons and filmed them rolling over a bumpy track. Then those motion picture frames were photographically enlarged onto washoff relief cels, which were painted like ordinary cels. The character animation of Pinocchio and Jiminy Cricket was added on top.
Pinocchio and Geppetto push the raft toward the whale’s mouth.
Watch this scene closely: six different artists worked together to animate the characters, the raft, the whale’s jaws, distant and foreground waves, seagulls overhead, and smoke from the fire—for a scene that lasts barely over four seconds on the screen!
Pinocchio becomes a real boy.
This is an extremely complex scene. Many scenes used double exposures for shadows and other effects, but this is a quadruple exposure—each exposure involving four different cel levels, to accommodate the puppet, the “real” Pinocchio, and multiple levels of blue light, vibrations, and sparkles.
These five scenes are just a sample; the film is filled with lavish, imaginative special effects, some of them very subtle. The more closely you look, the more you’ll see!
Sam Flynn and Quorra from Tron: Legacy have just joined the Disney Infinity Toy Box 2.0 digital character lineup, exclusively on the iOS app! The characters are now available as digital exclusives for Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition) via the Disney Infinity: Toy Box 2.0 iOS app for $2.99 each, and will be available for PC in March 2015. Both will join all of the previously announced Disney and Marvel characters in the Toy Box mode.
Fans of Tron: Legacy will remember Sam Flynn, the tech-savvy, rebellious son of Kevin Flynn from the original Tron film. When he’s pulled into the grid in his search for his father, Kevin unites with Quorra, a fearless warrior, to escape the digital world and preserve ours.
“The iOS version of Disney Infinity has always attracted our largest audience, so we wanted to do something special to celebrate its launch. I can’t think of a more appropriate digital exclusive than Sam Flynn and Quorra from Tron,” said John Vignocchi, Vice President of Production, Disney Infinity.
Disney Infinity: Toy Box 2.0 debuted last week as a mobile app for iPads and—for the first time ever—iPhones. The app—which can be downloaded for free—includes all the tools and enhanced features of Toy Box 2.0 from Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition), along with all-new multiplayer functionality. You can transfer your creations to different platforms by syncing your mobile devices and your console, and enjoy a seamless play experience across console and iOS devices. Bring on the Toy Box!
Let’s be honest—we really caught Frozen Fever the first time we heard Idina Menzel sing “Let It Go.” But we’re gearing up for an awesome relapse with the debut of Frozen Fever, the short that will premiere in front of Cinderella when that feature hits theaters March 13. In this new featurette, Frozen directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee give us a behind-the-scenes look at the short, in which it’s Anna’s birthday and Elsa and Kristoff are determined to give her the best celebration ever, but when Elsa catches a cold, her powers may put more than just the party at risk.
Walt Disney Animation Studios also released some images from the short that show us new dresses, old friends, and what’s looking like a spectacular birthday party for Anna! This is a Fever that we’re happy to have linger.
Save the Date!
Be sure to mark these upcoming Disney events on your calendar:
Parks March 4–May 17 22nd Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. May 15–June 14 Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios. Studios February 20 McFarland, USA opens in theaters. March 13 Cinderella opens in theaters. April 17 Disneynature’s Monkey Kingdom opens in theaters. May 1 Avengers: Age of Ultron opens in theaters. May 22 Tomorrowland opens in theaters. June 19 Inside Out opens in theaters (along with the short Lava). July 17 Ant Man opens in theaters.
Phineas and Ferb Act Their Age—Plus 10 Years
A special episode of Phineas and Ferb is always a special event. We loved it when Lost came to Danville, we were thrilled when Phineas and Ferb turned up in a certain galaxy far, far away, and we thought that Phineas and Ferb: Mission Marvel was simply marvelous. But the latest episode of Phineas and Ferb, “Act Your Age,” is special in a completely different way; it’s set 10 years in the future and focuses on Phineas and Ferb as teenagers, preparing to head off to college. Check out this featurette, which tells the story of how co-creators and executive producers Dan Povenmire and Jeff “Swampy” Marsh encountered a 25-year-old Canadian superfan/aspiring artist named Ashley Simpson at Comic-Con and how her artwork inspired the character designs for teenage Phineas and Ferb. “Act Your Age” premieres Monday, February 9 (8:30 p.m. ET/PT) on Disney XD.
New Tomorrowland Trailer Debuts During Super Bowl
One of the nicest things about this week’s Super Bowl was the way Disney fans loyal to both the Seahawks and the Patriots could halt their rivalry to cheer for the latest trailer for Tomorrowland. When the film’s star, George Clooney, describes the world of the movie and asks—”Do you want to go?”—our only conceivable response is “Yes, please, and right now!” Unfortunately we’ll have to wait until the film opens in theaters May 22, 2015. Tomorrow can’t get here soon enough.
Disneyland Unveils Details of Diamond Celebration
Speaking of May 22… One of the biggest days in Disney history has to be July 17, 1955, the day that Disneyland first opened its gates to the public. And last week Disney Parks announced that May 22 is shaping up to be one of the biggest days in Disney’s 2015, as that’s the day three new entertainment experiences will make their debut, kicking off the yearlong celebration of Disneyland’s 60th anniversary. A new edition of World of Color will celebrate Walt Disney’s legacy in animation, as well as his dream of Disneyland; while Paint the Night will be a new state-of-the-art nighttime parade incorporating 1.5 million LED lights illuminating Main Street, U.S.A. like you’ve never seen it before. And, of course, what would a Disneyland celebration be without fireworks? The Disneyland Forever Fireworks Spectacular will feature special effects and pyrotechnics on a grander scale than seen before in a Disney Park, along with a new song written by Disney Legend Richard Sherman. Visit D23.com for more details.
Introducing Princess Elena of Avalor
Mark your calendar for an event of royal proportions in 2016, when Disney Junior crowns a new princess. Princess Elena of Avalor, a confident and compassionate teenager in an enchanted kingdom inspired by diverse Latin cultures and folklore, will make her debut in Elena of Avalor, a spin-off of Sofia the First. The 16-year-old princess will first be seen in a special episode of Sofia the First in which Princess Sofia of Enchancia discovers a connection between the amulet she wears and Princess Elena’s fairytale journey. Elena will be voiced by Aimee Carrero (of ABC Family’s Young & Hungry) and the series is executive-produced by Craig Gerber (Sofia the First). Silvia Cardenas Olivas (Moesha, The Brothers Garcia), an alumna of the National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Television Writers Program, is the story editor, and Elliot M. Bour (The Little Engine That Could) is the supervising director. The series’ cultural advisors are Doris Sommer, Harvard University professor and Director of Graduate Studies in Spanish; and Marcela Davison Aviles, Managing Director and Executive Producer, El Camino Project, an international Latino arts initiative.
Date Announced for Radio Disney Music Awards
Are you worried about awards show withdrawal setting in after the Oscars® on February 22? Fortunately, Radio Disney has announced the date for the 2015 Radio Disney Music Awards (RDMAs), which will take place Saturday, April 25, at the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live in Los Angeles, with a 90-minute televised special (and 30-minute pre-show) airing the following night—April 26—on Disney Channel. Find out on February 27 which of your favorite songs and performers are nominated for RDMAs and get ready for a show that’s packed with all of your favorite Disney Channel and Radio Disney stars, and, no doubt, more than a few surprises!
Disney Infinity: Toy Box 2.0 Mobile App Launches for iOS
If you can’t get enough of Disney Infinity, our friends at Disney Interactive have just made it even easier for mobile gamers to expand their field of play to infinity and beyond. Disney Infinity: Toy Box 2.0 debuted last week as a mobile app for iPads and—for the first time ever—iPhones. The app—which can be downloaded for free—includes all the tools and enhanced features of Toy Box 2.0 from Disney Infinity (2.0 Edition), along with all-new multiplayer functionality. You can transfer your creations to different platforms by syncing your mobile devices and your console, and enjoy a seamless play experience across console and iOS devices. Bring on the Toy Box!
Disney Store’s Cinderella Collection
In just a few short weeks we’ll be able to see Cinderella in movie theaters, but if you’re having a hard time waiting—like we are—you can visit the nearest Disney Store (or DisneyStore.com) to check out a collection of items inspired by the film. They’re just as exquisite as we’d imagine them to be: Butterflies and glass slippers adorn an iPhone case, compact mirror, and clutch purse that will appeal to the princess in us all, and beautiful costume replicas of Sandy Powell’s breathtaking blue gown are sure to inspire younger fans of the movie to have courage and be kind while playing dress-up or trick-or-treating this Halloween.
In March 2009, Disney Chairman and CEO Robert Iger introduced D23: The Official Disney Fan Club and the then-upcoming D23 Expo 2009 in grand style on ABC’s hit daytime talk show The View. Flanked by hosts Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sherri Shepherd, and Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who were on location at the Disney Studio lot in Burbank, Calif., to film the show, Bob talked about the brand-new fan club and Expo—both firsts for the Company. To give audiences a taste of what they could expect from the D23 Expo, Whoopi took a tour of the Walt Disney Archives with Archivist Rebecca Cline. When the pair came across Big Al’s guitar from Disneyland’s now-defunct Country Bear Jamboree, they broke into an impromptu duet of “Blood on the Saddle”—the biggest of the bears’ signature tunes.
Now, six years later with D23 Expo 2015 just months away, we thought it would be fun to look back at some of the best moments from Expos past. But, keep in mind, these are just some of our favorite D23 Expo moments. After all, the first three Expos were chock full of unforgettable, one-of-a-kind experiences. So don’t hold it against us if you don’t see your favorite on the list!
Betty White at Legends (2009)
When the adorable, then-nearly-90-year-old TV vet Betty White received her Disney Legends award, she quipped, “First of all I want to put to rest the rumor someone started that I used to babysit for Walt when he was a little boy—I didn’t!”
Johnny Depp surprising guests at the Studios presentation (2009)
When the curtains on stage at The Walt Disney Studios presentation parted and good ol’ Jack Sparrow, aka Johnny Depp, appeared in full costume, on his pirate ship, drunk as a skunk—the crowd went wild. The screams and cheers from the totally stunned audience were deafening and could be heard throughout the Anaheim Convention Center.
Disney Princesses singing together at Legends (2011)
When newly inducted Disney Legends Jodi Benson (Ariel, The Little Mermaid), Paige O’Hara (Belle, Beauty and the Beast), Lea Salonga (singing voice of Mulan, Mulan, and Jasmine, Aladdin), and Anika Noni Rose (Tiana, The Princess and the Frog) performed a stirring musical medley of classic songs from their respective films after being honored at the 2011 ceremony. For the finale, the Princesses sang “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes,” bringing the capacity crowd to its feet.
The Avengers make an appearance during Studios presentation (2011)
When, after what was already a jam-packed, star-studded Walt Disney Studios presentation, Kevin Feige, Marvel Studios producer and president, introduced The Avengers cast. Scarlett Johansson, Chris Hemsworth, Jeremy Renner, Tom Hiddleston, Cobie Smulders, and the inimitable Robert Downey Jr. thrilled all in attendance. Backstage, after the event, Downey gave the kind of description of D23 Expo 2011 that only he could provide, “It’s like Comic-Con with better security.”
Miss Piggy Rides Again (2011)
When Jason Segel took the stage to interview Kermit the Frog about The Muppets, Miss Piggy was nowhere to be seen. Always fashionably late and arriving in style, she rolled on in the sidecar of her own personal motorcycle to set the two of them straight!
Dick Van Dyke performs with the Vantastix (2011)
When Disney Legend Dick Van Dyke performed well-known Disney hits, pop standards, and songs from his storied career with his a cappella quartet Dick Van Dyke & The Vantastix. For an encore the group performed a Mary Poppins medley of “Chim Chim Cher-ee,” “Step in Time,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and a rap cover of “A Spoonful of Sugar” that left the audience in stitches, and judging by the reaction on Dick’s face, he enjoyed it as much as the crowd.
Angelina Jolie’s surprise appearance at Studios Live Action (2013)
When international superstar Angelina Jolie graced the stage at The Walt Disney Studios presentation, jaws dropped and a collective gasp rang out throughout the jam-packed D23 Arena. The stunning beauty graced the stage to help introduce Maleficent.
Idina Menzel singing “Let It Go” for the first time in public at Studios Animation (2013)
When fans were treated to the first live performance of Frozen‘s Academy Award®- winning song “Let It Go.” Broadway’s Tony® Award-winner Idina Menzel, who provides the voice of Elsa in the film, sang the soon-to-be-mega-hit and this stunning performance was just one amazing moment in what would become the Frozen juggernaut that is still sweeping the nation and the globe.
Tim Gunn pops by Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives for the Harrod’s exhibit (2013)
When fashion guru and Disney Channel star Tim Gunn, who voices Baileywick on Sofia the First, heard about the Harrods collection of designer dresses inspired by Disney Princesses on display at D23 Expo 2013 and made a beeline for the Treasures of the Walt Disney Archives exhibit to see the exquisite creations stunningly handcrafted by world-leading designers including Oscar de la Renta, Versace, and Elie Saab, to name a few.
John Lasseter’s moving tribute to Steve Jobs at Disney Legends (2013)
When Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios Chief Creative Officer John Lasseter accepted the Disney Legends Award for Apple founder and visionary Steve Jobs. “I don’t know how I’m going to get through this,” he said, recalling his dear friend. “I remember a meeting with him going over the Tin Toy stories and drawings. And he did that trademark move of his—his hands under his chin—and he wasn’t even looking at the drawings. He was looking into the future. At the end of the meeting, he said, ‘John, make it great.'”
Parks presentation with Darth Vader (2009)
When Darth Vader interrupted the Star Tours announcement at the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts presentation, surrounded by the 501st Legion.
