‘Mouse in Transition’: Detour Into Disney History (Chapter 6)

Before I got hired at Disney Features, I sold a few magazine articles and developed a love of writing for print, where there was nothing between writer and reader but words on a page. When I became a Disney employee, I realized I was surrounded by animation veterans with vivid memories of the rambunctious days at the old Hyperion studio, and the creative struggles that went into making “Snow White,” “Pinocchio,” and the other early features. Talking to older Mouse House staffers, it dawned on me they could provide great source material for articles.

‘Mouse in Transition’: And Then There Was…Ken! (Chapter 4)

I was back in Don Duckwall’s office, exchanging insincere smiles with him. I had been on “The Fox and the Hound” with Larry, Woolie, and everybody else for half a year. But now Don wanted me to go on another assignment.

‘Mouse in Transition’: The Disney Animation Story Crew (Chapter 3)

Larry had me writing sequence scripts for “The Fox and the Hound,” which turned out to be my assignment for the next six months. Part of the package was attending Woolie Reitherman’s marathon story sessions, which often left me drained and dazed. There were also Woolie’s marathon take-selection meetings, which left me drained and bewildered.

Michael Sporn, A Passionate Film Director, RIP

Animator and filmmaker Michael Sporn, a man who represented the spirit and vitality of New York’s animation scene as much as any other single individual, passed away from pancreatic cancer on January 19. He was 67.

Let’s Cast the Walt Disney Biopic

Who needs the Disney Company! We’ve already got the movie poster for a biopic about Walt Disney so we may as well go ahead and cast the …

The Amazing Animated Life of Fred Kopietz

If you have the slightest interest in classic Hollywood animation, do not miss this colossal 1991 interview with Fred Kopietz conducted …

Buy Ward Kimball’s House

Here’s the ultimate animation collector’s item: the San Gabriel, California home of animation legend Ward Kimball is currently for sale …

Behind the Scenes of “Reluctant Dragon”

A photo during the production of Disney’s The Reluctant Dragon on November 7, 1940. I hope somebody will get a kick out of it. Actress …

Betty Kimball, R.I.P.

Betty Lawyer Kimball passed away last Thursday evening at the age of 97. She died from natural causes. Betty (birth name: Mary …