D23 presents a selection of rare, behind-the-scenes photos of the Disney Studio on Hyperion Avenue (1926–1940)

Six Very Rare Pinocchio Slides Show the Studio’s True Colors

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
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
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
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
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
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.