This documentary, Directed by Theodore Thomas, gives a glimpse into the personal lives of Walt Disney's animators known as the Nine Old Men, as their families share childhood stories.
Disney's Nine Old Men were a group of key animators who worked at Walt Disney Studios from the 1930s to the 1990s. They were responsible for animating many of Disney's most famous characters and films, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Fantasia, Bambi, Pinocchio, and Cinderella. The Nine Old Men were considered to be the core animators of Disney's golden age and are credited with developing many of the techniques and innovations that helped to define the studio's distinctive animation style. Their work remains highly influential to this day, and they are considered legends in the world of animation.
Les Clark was the first animator hired by Walt Disney and worked on many of Disney's early animated shorts and feature films. He was known for his strong drawing skills and his ability to bring a sense of realism to the characters he animated. Les Clark remained with Disney Studios for over 40 years, until his retirement in 1976
Marc Davis was a multi-talented animator who worked on many of Disney's most famous films. Davis was known for his ability to create compelling and memorable characters, and his animation style was characterized by its fluidity and grace. He was also a skilled storyboard artist and played a key role in developing the studio's character-driven approach to animation.
Ollie Johnston was known for his ability to bring a sense of warmth and humanity to the characters he animated, and he worked on many of Disney's classic films, including Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Pinocchio, Bambi, Fantasia, and Cinderella. Ollie Johnston was also a co-author of the book "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation", which is considered to be a seminal work on the principles of animation. He was an influential figure in the animation industry.
Milt Kahl was considered one of the studio's most talented animators and was known for his ability to bring a sense of personality and life to the characters he animated. Kahl worked on many of Disney's classic films. He was also a skilled layout artist, and his attention to detail and ability to create complex, believable backgrounds helped to define the visual style of many of Disney's classic films.
Ward Kimball was known for his innovative and energetic animation style, and his ability to bring humor and personality to the characters he animated. Kimball worked on many of Disney's classic films and was particularly noted for his work on the character of Jiminy Cricket in Pinocchio. He was also an accomplished jazz musician, and his love of music was evident in the rhythm and timing of his animation.
Eric Larson was known for his ability to create dynamic and believable characters, and his work was characterized by its strong sense of anatomy and movement. Larson was particularly noted for his work on the horse in the film Bambi. He was a dedicated and passionate animator who helped to define the visual style of Disney's golden age.
John Lounsbery was known for his ability to bring a sense of humor and personality to the characters he animated, and his work was characterized by its strong sense of timing and expressiveness. Lounsbery was particularly noted for his work on the characters of the Seven Dwarfs.
Wolfgang Reitherman was known for his ability to create dynamic and believable characters, and his work was characterized by its strong sense of motion and energy. Reitherman was particularly noted for his work on the film The Sword in the Stone. He later went on to become a director at Disney Studios, overseeing the production of many classic Disney animated films, including The Jungle Book, The Aristocats, and Robin Hood.
Frank Thomas was known for his ability to bring humor, emotion, and personality to the characters he animated, and his work was characterized by its strong sense of expressiveness and fluidity. Thomas was particularly noted for his work on the film Sleeping Beauty. He was also a co-author of the book "The Illusion of Life: Disney Animation", which is considered to be a seminal work on the principles of animation.
These animators were responsible for animating some of Disney's most iconic characters and films, and their work continues to be highly regarded and influential in the animation industry.
This documentary is for educational purposes only.
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