Creation of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and Disney Short Films

Introduction

• Examination of production behind Walt Disney Studio's doors
• Staff growth from 300 to 700+ artists and musicians over three years

Animated Picture Creation Process

1. Story Development

• Writers and sketch artists think up funny stories
• Several hundred rough drawings illustrating key points

2. Story Conference

• Walt Disney and directors review story
• Production begins with Walt’s personal approval

3. Script and Dialogue

• Director finalizes script and dialogue
• Musical composer adds score, timing each scene
• Director acts out every move for animators

4. Animation

• Animators draw every movement in detail
• Drawings done on lighted boards for accuracy
• Use of mirrors to capture tricky facial expressions

5. Test Camera Department

• Rough drawings photographed in sequence
• Film developed and reviewed by animators
• Checks done using a small projection machine called a Movieola

6. Rough Animation Review

• Staff study rough animation of sequences
• Approval required for final production

Inking and Painting

1. Inking Department

• Drawings covered with transparent celluloid
• Detailed tracing done by hundreds of staff

2. Painting Department

• Colors made from secret formulas (1500+ shades for Snow White)
• Colors applied on back of celluloid
• 250,000 celluloid required for Snow White

3. Backgrounds

• Separate artists paint beautiful stage settings
• Detailed watercolors, e.g., interior of the seven dwarfs’ cottage

Final Photography

• Celluloid and backgrounds photographed in Technicolor
• Repeated process half a million times

Sound and Music

• Technicians record sound effects
• Symphony orchestra records musical score

Premiere

• Film premieres in Hollywood
• Animation exhibits attract crowds outside theaters