A list of images from the making of Disney animated classics. Back in the days before 3D movies and CGI, hand-drawn Disney animation was at the heart of every kid’s childhood. In those days, everything from the landscape of a magical fairy tale kingdom to the unique movements of an individual character were carefully crafted by the hand of a Disney artist. If you’ve ever wondered what went into bringing your favorite characters to life, check out this revealing list of rare and incredible images.
Here you’ll find everything from the original designs of your favorite characters to reference photos from live action models. Walt Disney Studios first hired actors to act out scenes way back in the 1930s for their very first animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. At the time, few of the animators had a ton of experience drawing realistic characters that didn’t look overly cartoony, so the studio hired a young dancer to dress up as Snow White and act out her scenes. When filmmakers realized how helpful the reference footage and photos were to animators, it became a standard technique that the studio used for years.
So get ready to go behind the scenes of some of your favorite animated films ! You’ll see what the women who inspired some of most popular Disney princesses of all time really looked like and even meet the stunning lions who visited the studio to pose for The Lion King. Vote for your favorite bit of vintage Disney magic below!
35 Rare Behind the Scenes Photos from Disney Classics,
Mega-Props for a Peter Pan Scene
Though some rumors have claimed that Peter Pan's pal Tinker Bell was based on Marilyn Monroe, it was actually Margaret Kerry who inspired her look. The studio constructed tons of large props for Kerry to work with in order to help animators get the feel for the pint-sized pixie's proportions.
Eleonor Audley, the Original Maleficent
Animators based the striking face of Maleficent in Sleeping Beauty on Eleanor Audley, the actress who voiced and modeled for the iconic villain. Thankfully for Audley however, the massive chin was added later.
Lion King Animators Meet the Real Deal
Animators for The Lion King studied tons of big cats up close at the LA Zoo, the San Diego Zoo, and even Tippi Hedren's Shambala Preserve for Big Cats. One day however, Disney pulled out all the stops and invited a group of real, trained lions from a local animal ranch to visit the studio.
Sherri Stoner Performs for 'The Little Mermaid' Animators
Actress Sherri Stoner, who some may recognize from the Little House on the Prairie TV series, provided a reference performance for both Ariel in The Little Mermaid and Belle in Beauty in the Beast.
Concept Art for Snow White and the Model Who Inspired Her Look
Back in the '30s, Disney hired dancer Marjorie Belcher, who later changed her name to Marge Champion, to serve as a reference model for the animators of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. In later years, she also served as the live-action model for the Blue Fairy in Pinocchio and even Hyacinth Hippo in Fantasia.
Real Live Alice Exploring an Imaginary Wonderland
Over 200 young actresses, including Ginger Rogers, were considered to give Alice her voice in Alice in Wonderland. The role was finally awarded to 14-year-old Kathryn Beaumont, who also starred in the live action reference film recorded for animators. Probably not coincidentally, Beaumont voiced Wendy in Peter Pan too.
A Look at the Carousal Scene from Mary Poppins
The carousel horses in the film were created by legendary Disney designer Blaine Gibson, who also contributed to classic Disneyland rides such as Pirates of the Caribbean, the Haunted Mansion, and the Hall of Presidents. Each horse's face is actually a caricature of its rider, so the extra large chin on Dick Van Dyke's pony is no coincidence!
The Live Action Models for Lady and the Tramp
The pooch who originally inspired Lady was actually a springer spaniel with championship credentials, owned by none other than legendary Disney writer and artist Joe Grant.
Lady, whose official name was "Lady Nell the Second," was entered in a number of dog shows, but soon revealed via various "antics" that she much preferred hanging out with her family's new baby. It was Grant's sketches of Lady that first interested Walt in the premise of the movie as early as 1937, though it would be years before the team rounded out the perfect storyline for the 1955 feature.
Walt Disney Himself Sketches Bambi
These two 3-month old fawns, Bambi and Faline, were brought to the studio in order to help animators nail Bambi's look and moves. Animators also lucked out when Faline grew into a hot lady deer and started attracting a wild buck to the studio lawn, and the buck in turn provided great inspiration for badass adult Bambi.
The Inspiration for Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty
Ever notice that princesses Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty look a little similar? This is due to the fact that actress Helene Stanley was the live action model for both characters.