Better Late Than Never: Happy Birthday Walt!
Yesterday saw another significant date on the animation calendar. Walt Disney would have turned 110 years old.
Mr Disney was a film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, international icon and philanthropist. a very talented chap. What stands out for me is how far he managed to commercialise his name. Today, over 110 years after the date of his birth, his name is still a symbol of entertainment worldwide.
The creator and his team were responsible for some of the greatest ever characters, and I believe it’s because of him, the current animation scene is of such a high standard. Where would Pixar be, not just without his name, but without his creative influence? Would we still have the 12 principles of animation? Would families have a destination they could holiday that contained all their favourite characters?
Disney and his Nine Old Men were responsible for the first animated feature film. In 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released. This was to become the catalyst for a time known as The Golden Age of Animation.
On a personal note, I grew up surrounded by all things Disney (…who didn’t), even venturing to DisneyLand when I was at school. He is arguably my greatest influence for studying animation. At my desk I am surrounded by Disney posters as a source of continued inspiration. Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston’s Illusion of Life is also never far from hand.