Saturday, February 28, 2009

Oh So Cool And Down Right Great...


One of the reasons that Pixar is the company that it is is that it respects the talent it has. There are many things big and small that the Lamp has done to earned their appreciation and loyalty. In a word...

Gratitude.

An example of that gratitude is the Pixar Awards that were recently given out. Employees that had been working there for ten years got a Golden Buzz statue with their name on it with the words "10 Years of Passion & Commitment" which is very, very cool.

Even better and more exclusive were the Pixar Awards given to those employees that had been with Pixar for twenty years... a Golden Woody statue.

Hat Tip to The Pixar Blog.

Main photo from Jayfish.

Frog Stories...


Well guys, WonderCon is in full swing and Disney had a panel there talking about "The Princess and the Frog" that showed a few clips...

Latino Review
has a report up about it. Ain't It Cool News has put up a report and /film has a report as well. They're great post, filled with brief glimpses of clips and behind the scenes of working at the Mouse, hosted by visual effects animator Marlon West.

Give it a read and dream of Christmas...

Sorry 'bout dat, 'El Guapo'...

Friday, February 27, 2009

Just What The Docter Ordered...



The rumors are true...

It appears that Pete Docter has settled on his next directing gig and the film project is a familiar one. While he likely won't be talking about it until his press junkets are through for "Up," the feature that he'll be working on(and has been for a while) is the sequel to "Monster's Inc." with tentative plans for it being Pixar's 2013 release.

You heard it here guys...

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Blue Sky Buzz (Anaheim): Color Of Authority...


I got a lot of e-mails about that story of Tokyo DisneySEA possibly(very likely) getting DCA's "World of Color" show...

Mostly asking what exactly it was. Now, if you want to see exactly what it is you'll have to wait till next spring, but I can give you some insight. And yes, it's going to be a great show that'll quickly become the alternative to Fantasmic! for the Disney faithful. Not to mention the families that will swarm to this new viewing area to watch the closing show to the park...

Well, if you've ever seen Walt Disney's Wonderful World of Color then you've seen how it's going to open. Lots of color, rolling kaleidoscope style stuff and then Tinker Bell makes her appearance. The show will be themed to emotions. You know, like love, anger, happiness, sadness and all. There will be amazing choreography with the water spouts. If you've seen Bellagio then you have an idea, but it'll be even more dazzling than that. This show uses a great deal of computer power and will be the most complex show that Disney Entertainment has ever put on. Each section of emotion will be separated from the other and you'll be able to tell what's going on my the music and images on the screen. An example is watching Simba see his father die... and you will see it on the screen and then the show will go black and you'll hear the characters talking. Then BAAM! The sky lights up... It's very emotional, very dramatic and filled with heart. I'm going to love it when people see Chernabog rising out of the water spewing fire all over the place. I do love those villains after all... And for the young ones you have Zurg and a host of other characters.

This will be the last thing that happens in the park as I mentioned earlier. Due to all the technical aspects of the show, Screamin', Mickey's Fun Wheel, Silly Symphonies Swings and Golden Zephyr will all be shut down for the show. So WOC will be the finale to the park as of next March/April. After it's over and the park announces that it is closed guest will make a run for the exits, unless they stop by that other wonder: the bath rooms. The largest in any Disney theme park(hehe). But as people leave the turnstiles they'll be talking about the beautiful show they just saw. And how Disney's California Adventure is actually becoming a "Disney" adventure for a change.

Imagine that...

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

What's Up Is What's New...


The wizards at Pixar have released another "Up" poster...

Just in time for that WonderCon screening at the Metreon. I envy all you guys up in No Cal that are going to get another peek at Pete Docter's latest film.

Hat Tip to Ain't It Cool News.

UPDATE: Upcoming Pixar has an article with a couple more character posters for your perusal.

Gore Doesn't Have A Clue About Another Pirates Film...


Gore Verbinski is one director in demand...

He's attached to four or five different projects. None of which are ready to go and unfortunately, one of them is NOT Pirates of the Caribbean 4. I hope Disney does try and make it so that he can do the sequel. I think since he was the one in charge of the first trilogy, he should be in charge of the second. Ooops, I mean film not trilogy.

Ehem...

But now comes word that Gore will direct a film version of "Clue" the classic board game(not the Disney version, btw). Not that the first film was such a huge blockbuster, but that doesn't stop a studio from trying. There are no writers attached to the project so it doesn't mean it's a go and could take as much time as the "Bioshock" project that he's been connected to for some time. Here's hoping Disney can come to an agreement between Bruckheimer and Depp and some very busy screenwriters. I'd like to see the Mouse get the Pirates filmed by Gore.

Verbinski, that is...

First Hair Cut...


Within a matter of hours(literally) Byron Howard and Nathan Greno will have their first test as the new directors of Disney's long gestating film, "Rapunzel." Their first up on reels story boarded pitch, a first pass if you will, will be seen by Lasseter and the crew.

Here's wishing upon a star that they've been able to navigate beyond the story problems that resulted in Glen Keane being removed from the director's chair.

I'm crossing my fingers for you guys...

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Happy 54 To Apple's Number One...


While he may have taken a six month leave of absence from his first love, Apple, Inc., Steven P. Jobs hasn't stepped aside from his duties as one of the members of the Board of the Walt Disney Company. I'd like to congratulate Disney's largest shareholder on turning a spritely young, 54.

Happy Birthday Mr. Jobs! Here's to another five decades of insanely great things coming from you at the Fruit Company and the Mouse House.

Get well, be back soon...

Monday, February 23, 2009

Together Again...


Wanna see some really cool new Disneyfied statues of the Star Wars universe? Then click over here and take a look at these treats.

I especially think the Goofy one is quite cute, and not at all goofy...

The Morning After...


Was there something that happened last night?

I'm not sure, I've been very busy the whole weekend and haven't been around a tv much... Ok, well not totally true. I did turn on the Oscars for a bit, just to see if Heath won for "The Dark Knight" and then it was off again. I did happen to see that "Wall-E" won as well(it was on in the background), I've expected that, but wondered if they're would be an upset. There wasn't. Most of my picks were on the target... I think I missed two(the bubbly numbs the mind, you know). All in all, not a bad take for Andrew Stanton... it'll only help his prestige when he finally submits a final budget for "John Carter" and the executives have heart attacks when they see the size and scope of the film. I hope the Disney Suits don't ask him to take another pass at the script like the Warner Suits did with Brad Bird's new film...

It was interesting to see a small film with the best animated short. I rooted for "Presto" to take home the golden statue, but it's nice to see that sometimes David beats Goliath. I got to see more of the ceremony after it was over. Didn't really care for the "five" actors and actresses coming out. A bit too presumptuous for me. It just screamed: "Look at me, I'm an actor! Don't you understand? I'm an actor! I can feel things better than you, because... I'm an actor!) I would've preferred scenes from the films showing us why they were nominated. Imagine that? Now I have to go and wake up the rest of the party and find my keys. I know I left them somewhere over here...

Sunday, February 22, 2009

Designing After Disney...


Alain over at Disney and More has a great article about Eddie Sotto, a former Imagineer that is now designing outside the Disney world...

Give it a look and take a look at the fantastic artwork he's designed. Them Imagineers are so darn creative!

Good read...

The Birth Of A Beginning...


“Government is not reason, it is not eloquence, it is force; like fire, a troublesome servant and a fearful master. Never for a moment should it be left to irresponsible action.”




- George Washinton



On this date in 1732, the Founding Father of our Country was born, George Washington at his father's estate in the countryside of the British Colony of Virginia...

Walt Disney understood the importance of knowing our heritage and it's why he had such an enthusiasm for American history. It's also why he was able to educate people about things like "Great Moments With Mr. Lincoln" and didn't turn it into a list of dates and numbers boring everyone.

The first president of our nation was born on February 22, 1732 in Virginia and grew up to lead our nation through it's own birth and help establish many of the precedence that we still use today(an example is when each president says: "So help me god" while being sworn in). He was a tall man for his time(6'4" to be exact), a giant for that age and a towering presence over the men he led. It's impossible to picture the country we now live in even being here were it not for the great sacrifices he made for America during the Revolutionary War, his Presidency and even afterward.

Washington was out surveying his property one morning near the beginning of winter when it started to snow, which then turned to sleeting rain. He wasn't prepared for it and continued about his journey around his farm. When he returned later that evening to Mount Vernon he didn't bother to change his wet clothes and unfortunately became very sick with a bad cold. It developed into a severe pneumonia. The medical doctors of the day were not so blessed as the ones we now have(leeches were used to try to heal him) and he passed away on December 14, 1799.

We are all better today because of him...

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Dark Clouds, Half Full...


I know that times are tough and the Walt Disney Company is looking where it can cut, but...

That genius of an executive, Jay Rasulo has a marvelous Recession/Depression/Concession plan to consolidate all of Walt Disney World and the Disney Resort's marketing/business and job cutting plan together into one Disney that's known as... One Disney. Get it?

And I have to say...

It might not be all bad. Some of it has been needed for a long time. The company's executives in TeamDisney Anaheim and TeamDisney Orlando have been bloated for far too long. Particularly in Orlando. And it appears the bad news in the economy may wind up doing what has been needed, but avoided or put off with excuses and explanations. I hate bureaucracy. I always have. I hate it when you have four people doing jobs that one person could do. It's inefficient, wasteful and diverts money that could be used for other things.

Orlando's Walt Disney World bureaucracy is known to be like quicksand when dealing with issues. There have been many more problems with the Suits in Florida than California with some treating their areas as their own little kingdoms. The bureaucracy you have to deal with trying to get through a simple idea rivals that of Washington D.C. in red tape. Cutting through all these layers will get rid of a lot of driftwood.

Now some of the negative aspects could be the homogenization of merchandising which has happened partially before. I like many of you hate seeing all the same merchandise at the parks. Having said that, it's a lot easier to change that plan over the long run than it is to get rid of these executives. This is one of those opportunities that comes along as blessing in disguise. It doesn't mean that there are things about it I don't like. But one of the ways you get the change you want is to be vocal. Make your voice known that you want different and unique merchandise. Or anything else for that matter. Let them know at City Hall. Send e-mails. Don't just whine on a chat board. There's power in your voices if you use them properly and wisely(don't be rude or use fowl language).

Change won't happen overnight, but it will happen. In the meantime, I look upon this reorganization as way to rid ourselves of most of the remainder of Eisner's bean counting, soulless Suits.

If only Jay Rasulo would surprise us and add his name to the list, that would be the best news of all...

Friday, February 20, 2009

What's Under The Hat...


I missed this last week...

Rotten Tomatoes has a nice photo article about the Hat Building over in Burbank. For those of you that don't know, that's the building where Walt Disney Animation Studios is located. For now at least...

John Lasseter isn't a fan of the building design and has wanted to move from it since he got there. First, the plan was to build a new one over next to WDI in Glendale so that he wouldn't have to travel as far and his valuable time wouldn't be having so many commutes. But the plan for a "Glendale Kingdom" was nixed by Iger, who didn't want the studios' heart, the animation department, moved off the lot. Then plans were drawn up to have it built in the parking lot there, but that was nixed when it was learned how much the cost would be for underground parking.

So the plans went back to the drawing board. Of course, if "Princess and the Frog" does great and the buzz grows on "Rapunzel" you can expect Lasseter's wishes listened to a bit more.

In the meantime, go over to Rotten Tomatoes and check out the cool pics of the hip digs...

Thursday, February 19, 2009

ConcepTRON...


Want to see what the "Tron" universe of the 21st Century will look like?

Take a look at the website of Daniel Simon, a concept artist that is currently providing the look of the sequel to the cult classic and click on his YouTube site here to see the direction this film might be headed...

Hat Tip to George 'El Guapo' Roush/Latino Review.


Artwork is copyright Daniel Simon.

Art Of The Animal...


If you haven't seen Alain's article over at Disney and More featuring concept artwork from Disney's Animal Kingdom then you should go over and take a look...

All of it's beautiful, some of it's amazing. Now if Disney would just build "Beastly Kingdom" this park would be a wonderful full-day park. Oh, and please retheme "Dinoland U.S.A." while your at it so it doesn't look like a garish Carney. Other than that, it's a wonderful park and viewing Alain's post shows the reality and concept of what a great Disney park can, should and will be...

Pete's Dragon Returns...


Kind of...

Many of us have wondered what some of the projects that Disney's new comic book company would be working on... Speculation has run from many theme park attractions to several lesser known films. I can tell you that one of the project it's working on....

It appears that Kingdom Comics is working on new stories featuring Elliot the lovable Dragon from "Pete's Dragon" back in those bellbottomed 70's. Not sure if or how much Pete will play into this, if at all, but the primary focus will be on Elliot.

It's not known if this will lead to a film project, but that was one of the original intentions of Kingdom; to develop properties that could be turned into games, television and film crossovers.

Developing...

Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Is Lincoln Really Dead?


Kim Masters over at Slate's "The Big Money" has a great article about Spielberg trying to get his movie about the sixteenth president, "Lincoln" made...

It's a sordid path that the project has followed. It appears that Paramount has passed on the film and it's up to someone else like Disney or Universal to step up and say they'll do it. Or Lincoln will be no more...

It's strange, but if Universal decides to do it do you think they'll have displays and celebrations at Universal Studios in Hollywood and Orlando advertising "their" Lincoln attraction? Hmmm...

Hat Tip to George 'El Guapo' Roush/Latino Review.

A $300,000,000 Bolt Coming Soon...


So the domestic take of "Bolt" has been a disappointing release based on going head to head with a horrible episode of Dawson's Creek that stared vampires...

But it opened up Numero Uno at the British box office on it's first week grossing an amazing £2.8m from people spared the fight with "Twilight" that was had here in America.

Elsewhere in the world the film continues to make bucks and the international take of this Disney film will be more than double the amount it made on home turf.

Looks like John Lasseter's first outing may not be a giant blockbuster, but ain't going to be a disappointment when the final numbers are tallied either...

Monday, February 16, 2009

A Different Kind Of Toy Story...


Here's your first shots of toy dolls from the upcoming Walt Disney Animation Studios film, "The Princess and the Frog" right here...



All images are, of course copyright the Walt Disney Company.

No Nothings...


Arrrrghhh!

I hate doing this... Really, I do.

I don't like being negative. I think it's way too easy to go around being that way. You'll find it far more probable that someone says "no" to something. It's just the easier way to do things in life.

But...

When I saw this, I knew it was wrong. I knew it was another one of those "No" moments. And now it's going to be another one of those "No" posts. Only this one is not about McG and Nemo. But like those posts, this is about another part of my childhood that Suits just can't seem to stop molesting. So here it is...

The rumors are going around that Zach Efron(High School Musical) is going to be playing a certain iconic youth in Warner Bros. live-action "The Adventures of Johnny Quest" and I just have to say something to the Suits. Wait. No, I have to watch my language since yung'ns might be around. But do these WB Suits actually have functioning brains or did God somehow forget to install them? Sorry, I can't blame God for the behavior of Suits. But I for the life of me can't understand why we can't find more producers that "get" a project like this. Johnny Quest is a twelve or thirteen year old boy not a seventeen or eighteen year old boy. Which I might mention that Efron doesn't even look like anymore... I'd have trouble buying him as a freshman in college, much less high school. But the whole point about Johnny Quest is that he's just entering puberty. He's on the cusp of adolescence and he's not really into girls yet. He's into adventure and travelling the world with his dad and pals. If they truly are offering this part to Zach then they're going a whole other route. One that I don't care for. I also know that there's talk of having Dwayne Johnson play Race Bannon and while I don't really think he's right for the part, I can understand the casting there. But Zach Efron? Really!?

And I can tell that it's probably going to be a modern take in a modern setting. If I were doing JQ, it'd be set in the early 60's like the classic animated series. It's set in a more innocent time when these adventures were more believable. A time of optimism where the world that awaited us was scary and exciting, but also positive and fun. Setting it in contemporary society does nothing for the story. It's clear that the people in charge over at Warner really don't know how to protect their own properties. If they put as much care into Quest as they do Batman then I wouldn't be worried about this one. My fear is we've got another misfire on our hands here, just like "Superman Returns" was. But I really hate being negative. It makes you feel so old, like you've become your dad... or granddad. So I'm going to just shut up now.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to go tell some kids to get off my lawn...

Transformers Teaser No Longer Teasing...


The official "Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen" teaser trailer is up over at Yahoo! Movies...

Looks... big and loud. What you might expect from Michael Bay. But I must admit I had a lot of fun watching the original.

Watch and go wow...

LEGO My Mouse...



Lego and the Mouse have inked a multi-year partnership to produce lego versions of their upcoming Walt Disney Pictures films...

This means alongside all those Star Wars and Indiana Jones Legos you're going to be finding versions for "Prince of Persia," "The Lone Ranger," "TRON," "Alice In Wonderland," "Rapunzel," "Cars," "Toy Story 3" and "Pirates" over the next few years.

Prepare to build some magic...

Saturday, February 14, 2009

Docter's Appointment...



The guys over at Slashfilm have a video interview up with "Up" director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera that you might find interesting in between the chocolates and roses...

Love: Disney Style...



Happy Valentine's Day to you and the one you love...

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go buy some flowers.

Ahhh, Amore...

Friday, February 13, 2009

Tower Film A Ghost Story...



Just had a source confirm for me that Bloody Disgusting article about a Tower of Terror film was all bunk...

It's not happening.

No film is in development at this time. So it looks like they got it wrong. That's fine... it would make a great story if done right, but at this time the Mouse has no plans of doing it at all...

Thursday, February 12, 2009

More Clones, Disney Style...



It appears that Curtis Hanson(L.A. Confidential, Wonder Boys) is in negotiations with Disney to direct the long gestating project "Gemini Man" for Touchstone Pictures...

The story, for those that don't know, is about an aging assassin that suddenly finds he's being pursued by another, younger assassin looking to take him down. He finds out that the younger killer is in fact, his clone that the organization he works for has sent out to retired him.

This project has been through so many revisions I've lost count, but it appears the Suits finally have a likable draft. It doesn't mean it's the best draft("I Am Legend," for instance), but if they're prepared to sign Hanson, then they're prepared to go before cameras. Jerry Bruckheimer is producing the flick. No word yet on who will star as the assassins, but the project has had everyone from Harrison Ford to Mel Gibson attached.

Developing...

Happy Birthday, Preserver Of The Union...



"America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves."





- Abraham Lincoln



On this day in 1809...

In a small cabin on the outskirts of Hodgenville. In the woods of Kentucky was born perhaps the greatest president this nation ever had. Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States of America and "Preserver of the Union" was the steward for this nation in its most trying time...

It is no wonder that Lincoln was a hero to Walt Disney. When the Maestro created the exhibit for the World's Fair he wanted to show the world just why he felt Mr. Lincoln was such a defining force in the building of America.

He died at the age of 56 just days after winning a war that was anything but civil. He was watching a production of "Our American Cousin" at the Ford Theater when John Wilkes Booth entered the Lincoln's balcony from behind and pointed a pistol at the back of the president's head. Booth thought he was killing a tyrant. He thought he would be famous. Unknowingly, he killed a giant and was forever after remembered infamously.

When Walt was born, Lincoln would have been dead less than forty years so the war to keep the nation together would have been more fresh in the minds of people growing up in Missouri or Illinois or any other state for that manner. Walt loved President Lincoln so much that he even dressed up as him once as a young boy. The world would know Walt Disney as the an unbridled champion of American ideals but without Abraham Lincoln the Walt we know today would probably not be the same person...

That is the cause and affect of great men...

Sometimes men of purpose are born great, others are made great from their actions and the events that surround them.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Lincoln.

Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Rebuilding The Tower...


You know, I was in the gift shop last week with a friend showing her all the merchandise and pointing out what worked and what didn't. A little advise to the Mouse... Don't put Pirate merchandise in the Tower of Terror shop. It don't belong...

But while there I glanced at the DVD of that old television movie staring Steve Guttenberg and Kirsten Dunst. The really cheesy one that looks like it could have been an episode of "Goosebumps" or some other mediocre series. But then I stared at those "Dead Men Tell No Tells" shirts and I wondered what would happen if they treated this with the seriousness that they gave Pirates as a film. A scary, theatrical film.

Well, the guys over at Bloody Disgusting are saying they're hearing a rumor that Disney plans on making an actual theatrical version of this attraction. Now I haven't heard anything to validate this, but I can tell you if they were to get a good script with a strong story and then attach a director and cast to match I wouldn't be opposed. What about having Michael Dougherty write the script? He did an awesome job with his film "Trick R' Treat." Heck, what about Gore Verbinski to direct it? He did "The Ring" and did a great job I thought...

Of course, they also mention that the rights are being negotiated right now... And I had to ask: "What rights?" They own it. Then I remembered the "Twilight Zone" subtitle. I think Disney could do it fine without that element. They did it at Tokyo DisneySEA and it worked out great. I see no reason to have to tie Rod Serling to this film should this rumor turn out to be true. Were the Mouse to squander money on getting the rights to use that name it'd be a bizarre waste.

Something right out of the Twilight Zone...

20,000 Rewrites In Under Four Weeks...


It appears that Justin Marks has been hired to rewrite Bill Marsilii's draft of the prequel/revisionist film.

Strangely, they've only given him four weeks to bring it up to speed and they're calling him their "world builder," which is a phrase I've never heard used to describe writers before... Being a writer I have to say I like it. Let's just all pray the world he creates is one we want to enter. Hehe.

I don't know what to think, I've not seen or read any of Marks' work other than "Super Max" which I wasn't too impressed with. It's not however, impossible for him to turn something bad or misdirected into something good or great even. It just needs the right hands involved. Mr. Lasseter are you listening to me? Hello? Hello? Sigh... gonna cross my fingers on that one. Now if someone will just take a bat and smash McG's head so that the words Will Smith get knocked out I'll be breathing a sigh of relief. What? I don't mean hit him hard enough to hurt him... just knock some sense into that high-concept drenched mind of his.

Developing...

Superman Reloaded...


Or is it Superman Reborn?

Non-Disney news, but very interesting pop-culture news for sure...

Rumors are circulating that Brian Singer is out of any new Superman film. Apparently Singer wasn't too keen on going the route the Warner Suits were looking to chart... And the Wachowski Brothers("Bound," "The Matrix," "Speed Racer") have been offered the opportunity to reboot or reload the franchise as a trilogy. They're mulling over the offer as it would conflict with their own planned filming of the Plastic Man script they wrote a decade ago.

I remember having talks with my friends after seeing the first Matrix movie. I told them that essentially Neo was Superman so I can see how their approach might work. After the success of the original film they were offered the chance to take over the Batman franchise and turned it down. While it would have been interesting to see a film of the Dark Knight by the brothers, I'm glad they took a pass. Their own comic book history as well as the type of directors they are would be far more suitable to the Man of Steel. If they can keep their private lives from taking away from this project I think they may be the right team to write and direct this project.

No word has come as to the status of Brandon Routh, but since this sounds like a remake/reboot it's not very likely he's got a future as the Last Kryptonian. Brandon, could I introduce you to George Lazenby... you guys may turn out to have a lot in common.

Developing...


Hat Tip to Ain't It Cool News.

Musings About Spielberg's Mouse House Movings...


Really nice article by Peter Bart over at Variety today...

It focuses on his/DreamWorks journey and perspectives about how things have and will be going with Disney in the future.

Give it a read...

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Teasing Basterds...


The teaser trailer shown on E.T. tonight that I gave you a heads-up about is now online...

Am I the only one bothered by Brad Pitt's over the top, cheesy accent? Here's hoping this is going to be a great popcorn experience.

We'll find out audiences react when it premieres at Canne in May...

UPDATE:

The trailer is officially up now over at Yahoo! Movies for those that want to see it undisturbed by annoying Entertainment Tonight voices.

What The Prequels Should Have Looked Like...


If you haven't seen the trailer for the three part conclusion known as "The Ryloth Trilogy,"("Storm Over Ryloth," "Innocents of Ryloth," and "Liberty on Ryloth") of the Cartoon Network's Clone Wars series Season One, then take a look...

It's pretty swanky if you ask me, and I ain't been too kind to Master Lucas' handling of the Star Wars franchise of late.

Frodo Never Lived...


Jeff Pepper over at the always great 2719 Hyperion has a detailed article on the history of the perceptions that Walt Disney once owned the rights to The Lord of the Rings...

It's a great read, give it a look.

Deco Digs to Animation Cribs...


In the market for a new chair or desk? How about one of these... an "airline" chair from designer/architect KEM Weber. The airline chair was made between 1934-35 and was only produced in limited quantities. If you happen to be lucky enough to find one for sale these days you'd better be ready to cough up a pretty penny. They range anywhere from $10-25,00o. Guess who was rather fond of this design and happened to order a few hundred of them for a certain new studio- Mr. Disney himself!


While KEM Weber (KEM being short for his full name Karl Emanuel Martin) was a student in Berlin at the School of Decorative Arts, he became involved in the construction of the German Pavilion at the Brussels World Fair in 1910. After graduating in 1912 KEM again worked for the German government on a display for the San Francisco "Panama Pacific International Exposition" in 1915. KEM was eventually sent to San Francisco to work on the project and was then stranded in the U.S shortly after WWI erupted. He took it as an opportunity and quickly opened his own design studio while also teaching in Santa Barbara. Years later he headed south to Los Angeles as an Art Director for Barker Bros.

Weber's unique design style of post Art Deco and Modern Streamline designs were bound to catch the eye of Hollywood. And they did. Walt made Weber the principle architect for the Disney Studio in the 1930's (there is a great gallery of his designs for the studio on disc 2 of the Walt Disney Treasures "Behind the Scenes at the Walt Disney Studios")

But what a lot of people don't know is that he also designed all the furniture for the animation department as well. There are many aspects and departments in the animation process and Weber designed furniture, most notably desks, for each specific task in the process. There were layout desks, story desks, background desks, animation desks, directors desks, and ink & paint desks.



Weber's design influence has almost become iconic with the Disney look of the 1930's. When the new animation building was built in the 90's a second generation of Weber influenced animation desks were ushered in to populate the new digs. There was even a "KEM Weber" font created for all the signage and name plates for the staff. It's no surprise that some of the artistic staff, preferring the authentic, refused to upgrade to the new furniture. With the boom of the "second golden age" of Disney animation some of the staff even negotiated these pieces into their contracts.

Andreas Deja actually took the time to hunt down a specific Kem Weber animation desk out of hundreds stored in a warehouse in Glendale. What was he looking for? A specific pattern in the wood grain. No seriously he was. He was trying to identify Milt Kahl's old desk from a photo, and after a little searching he found it.



Forget the Bentley's and the Cristal in the fridge. I want to see an MTV animation cribs episode where Andrea's flaunts his KEM Weber/Milt Kahl desk!



All artwork/pictures are copyright their respective owners.

How To Construct A Dream...


The Hollywood Reporter has all the inside nuts and bolts of the Disney/DreamWorks deal...

Give it a read if you're curious about such things, or happen to want to know what mezzanine financing is.

Oh and as has been discussed, when this deal was announced, many a Disney Fan/Geek's first thought was: "what about a Spielberg created Disney attraction?" Well over at Slashfilm, they've tried to put the breaks on this idea in a post entitled: "Why Steven Spielberg Won’t Contribute To Disney Theme Parks." They could be right, but all is not lost...

What Peter Sciretta, the author of the piece doesn't mention or hasn't heard is that Universal recently was asking the director to renegotiate his 2% fee on the parks. Here's a quote from Deadline Hollywood Daily:

"Spielberg was irritated that Universal came to him asking to renegotiate his longstanding 2% theme parks consulting deal dating back to the days when Lew Wasserman/Sid Sheinberg controlled the studio. These days, that's worth $50 million a year to the director. And Universal also asked to delay for 5 years Spielberg's '"put" deal -- his right to have the studio buy him out of the parks deal in a year."
- Nikki Finke

Spielberg balked. If they press the issue and he walks away from that deal we'll see if Disney would be willing to have him design an attraction with Imagineers.

I wonder what he'd do?

Monday, February 9, 2009

TRON Trailer @ Comic-Con...


After having watched the teaser trailer they showed at last years San Diego Comic-Con, this should come as a no-brainer...

Walt Disney Pictures will premiere the "actual" teaser trailer for "TRON" at this years Comic-Con in San Diego during the Disney Pictures panel.

Geeks of the world rejoice and let the pilgrimage to Nerdvana begin!

And yes, it will be called "Tron" as I've said before, not Tron 2 or TR2N...

Hat Tip to Dark Horizons.