Disney+ Announces ‘Sketchbook,’ An Instructional Documentary Series About Drawing

Disney+’s new six-part original Series Sketchbook will give “an insider’s look into the animation process” as studio artists teach viewers how to draw Disney characters like Kuzco (Emperor’s New Groove), Olaf (Frozen), Genie (Aladdin), Captain Hook (Peter Pan), Mirabel (Encanto), and Simba (The Lion King).

The series is produced by Supper Club (Netflix’s Chef’s Table, Ava DuVernay’s 13th) in partnership with Walt Disney Animation Studios. It launches April 27.

Disney describes it as “an intimate instructional documentary series,” with each episode focusing on a single artist illustrating a character that either they helped create or inspired them to want to be an artist at Disney. The series will also explore the lives of each artist and how they made their way to the studio.

“This series is an unprecedented look at what it takes to bring these beloved characters to life,” said Jason Sterman, director and executive producer, Supper Club. “We are honored to feature this incredible group of artists who trusted us not only with presenting their skillset, but with sharing their personal, and often emotional, stories with the world. We’re looking forward to audiences becoming inspired to hopefully pick up a pencil and put it to paper themselves.”

Added Amy Astley, senior vice president, publicity/communications, creative legacy, and brand strategy for Walt Disney Animation Studios, “Think back to your favorite films from Walt Disney Animation Studios, whether from our earliest days, the films of our 1990s renaissance or the award-winning films of today like Encanto and Frozen, every film starts with an idea, a pencil and an artist. And within the thousands of artists who have created our 60 films over the last century, every person has a unique and special story.”

Sketchbook is executive produced by Jason Sterman, David Gelb, and Brian McGinn for Supper Club, and Amy Astley for Walt Disney Animation Studios. Sterman, Leanne Dare, and Andrew McAllister serve as directors.