‘Once Upon a Studio’ adds a dash of Magic with Legends Burny Mattinson and Richard Sherman
Now available exclusively on Disney+, the original short film “Once Upon a Studio” from Walt Disney Animation Studios invites both beloved heroes and iconic villains, charming princes and enchanting princesses, faithful sidekicks and powerful sorcerers to come together in a unique blend of hand-drawn and CG animation. This extraordinary creation commemorates an impressive ten decades of storytelling, artistic brilliance, and technological innovation.
Crafted under the skilled direction and writing of Dan Abraham and Trent Correy, with the talented production team of Yvett Merino and Bradford Simonsen, “Once Upon a Studio” showcases over 500 cherished Disney characters hailing from more than 85 feature-length and short films. Additionally, this enchanting journey includes two magical contributions from legendary Disney figures.
Related: Disney’s ‘Once Upon a Studio’ Now Streaming on Disney+
The narrative unfolds within the hallowed halls of Walt Disney Animation Studios in Burbank, California, as the workday draws to a close. We witness Disney Legend Burny Mattinson, the longest-serving employee of The Walt Disney Company for an astounding 70 years (may he rest in peace as of 2023), as he becomes the last person to exit the premises. The story takes an enchanting turn as Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse spring to life from a framed picture, gathering a remarkable assembly of 541 other characters to capture an official 100th-anniversary portrait.
Related: Disney Brought Back Robin Williams’ Genie for ‘Once Upon a Studio’ without Using AI
Mattinson wasn’t the only Disney Legend to share his time and talents with the Once Upon a Studio filmmakers. As Abraham and Correy contemplated the musical cue that would accompany a tender moment in which Mickey expresses gratitude to a portrait of Walt Disney, they knew it had to be something special in keeping with that emotional moment.
There was only one song that fit the bill: “Feed the Birds,” by Disney Legends Richard Sherman and Robert Sherman. And so, on a Friday afternoon in August 2022, Abraham and Correy joined Richard in the very same place where he and his brother would regularly perform the lullaby for Walt.
“It’s very nice to be back in Walt’s office. It’s just the way it was when I was much younger and Walt was here; piano’s the same,” Richard says in a behind-the-scenes featurette, streaming on Disney+. “Walt’s not here, but his spirit’s here.”
What did you think of Disney’s Animated short, “Once Upon A Studio”? Let us know your thoughts in a comment.
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