Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse: A Timeless Partnership

Walt Disney Animation Studios' latest short film, Once Upon a Studio, makes its debut on Disney+ and Hulu today as part of Disney's grand 100-year anniversary celebration. Additionally, it will be broadcast on various Disney networks including Disney Channel, Freeform, FX, and more. The short will also be featured ahead of the Disney100 special screening of Moana in select theaters until Thursday, October 26.

Once Upon a Studio, crafted by Disney Animation, brings together an impressive ensemble of 543 beloved Disney characters from over 85 feature-length and short films. These include iconic heroes, cunning villains, charming princes and princesses, trusty sidekicks, and formidable sorcerers, all reimagined through a blend of hand-drawn and cutting-edge CG animation. This vibrant showcase pays tribute to ten decades of storytelling, artistic brilliance, and technological advancements.

At the heart of this emotional and uplifting gathering is none other than Mickey Mouse himself, orchestrating a heartwarming reunion among these cherished Disney characters. Their purpose? To capture a momentous group photo commemorating Disney's centenary. The creative minds behind this project, Dan Abraham and Trent Correy, wrote and directed the film, with production overseen by Yvett Merino and Bradford Simonsen. The tale of how Abraham and Correy's passion project swiftly transitioned into production, moving even Jennifer Lee, Chief Creative Officer of Disney Animation, to tears during the pitch, is nothing short of inspiring. Eric Goldberg took the reins as the head of hand-drawn animation, while Andrew Feliciano led the CG animation team. Together with Abraham and Correy, they meticulously ensured that each character's unique style seamlessly blended when they shared the screen.

The filmmakers also delve into the intricacies of filming live-action plates within the historic Roy E. Disney Animation Building, and the poignant experience of recording with over 40 original voice actors. In a touching tribute to Disney Legend Richard Sherman, who, at 94, revisited Walt Disney's office to rerecord "Feed the Birds" from the timeless classic Mary Poppins (1964), the film pays homage to a cherished tradition. This was the very place where Richard and his late brother, Disney Legend Robert Sherman, would perform the song for Walt on Friday afternoons. Abraham, Correy, Merino, and Simonsen share the heartfelt journey of incorporating this special nod into Once Upon a Studio.

The short also saw the inclusion of five hand-drawn animation apprentices, handpicked from a pool of over 2,000 applicants. Their contribution marked a significant milestone at Disney, as the first new hand-drawn animator hires in over a decade. In an exclusive Q&A, program supervisor Eric Goldberg, alongside former apprentices Tyler Pacana and Austin Traylor (now both full-time Disney animators), reflect on their experiences and express their aspirations for the future of Disney's hand-drawn animation department.

The narrative of Once Upon a Studio opens with the dedicated artists, storytellers, and technologists of Walt Disney Animation Studios concluding their day, with Disney Legend Burny Mattinson, the company's longest-serving employee, being the final person to exit the premises. Clark Spencer, President of Disney Animation, underlines that Mattinson's cameo in the short film is a fitting tribute, given his extensive experience and enduring influence within the company.

Once upon a time in the early 1920s, a young, ambitious artist named Walt Disney had a vision. He dreamt of creating an animated character that would capture the hearts of people around the world. This dream led to the birth of an iconic partnership between Walt and a little mouse named Mickey.

In the summer of 1928, in a small studio in Burbank, California, Walt Disney and his team were hard at work on a new animated short film. It was to be the first of its kind, featuring synchronized sound, a groundbreaking innovation at the time. This film was destined to introduce the world to a character that would become a global phenomenon – Mickey Mouse.

Walt poured his heart and soul into giving Mickey a personality that resonated with everyone. He envisioned a character who was mischievous, adventurous, and filled with an irrepressible zest for life. Mickey was an underdog, a character that people could root for and relate to.

On November 18, 1928, in the Colony Theatre in New York City, the world witnessed the premiere of "Steamboat Willie." As the film began to roll, the audience was greeted with the delightful sight of Mickey Mouse at the helm of a steamboat, his cheerful spirit infectious to all who watched. The synchronized sound brought Mickey to life in a way that had never been done before, and the response was overwhelming. The laughter and applause echoed through the theater, signaling the birth of a cultural icon.

From that moment on, Mickey Mouse became a beloved figure across the globe. His cheerful face adorned merchandise, comic strips, and later, theme parks. Mickey was more than just a character; he became a symbol of hope, joy, and the magic of storytelling.

As the years passed, Walt Disney's vision and Mickey's popularity continued to grow. Together, they embarked on countless adventures. From the enchanting world of "Fantasia" to the heartwarming tales of "Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway," the duo never failed to captivate audiences of all ages.

Walt's dedication to his creation was unwavering. He saw Mickey not just as a character, but as a friend, a source of inspiration, and a beacon of positivity. He once said, "I hope we never lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse." This sentiment encapsulated the profound impact that Mickey had on Walt's life and the entire entertainment industry.

Even after Walt Disney's passing, Mickey Mouse continued to be the heart and soul of the Disney empire. His timeless appeal transcended generations, making him an enduring symbol of magic, imagination, and the power of dreams.

Today, as we look back on the legacy of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse, we are reminded of the extraordinary journey they embarked upon together. Their partnership not only revolutionized animation but also brought boundless joy to millions of people worldwide.

Tn the end, it was more than just a story about a mouse. It was a story of creativity, innovation, and the unbreakable bond between a visionary creator and his cherished creation. And so, the adventures of Walt Disney and Mickey Mouse continue to inspire, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of dreamers everywhere.