I hope Glen can do it.  Rapunzel's art test are lovely and I want to see a talent like Keane become a major animation director.  Maybe they should do like Toy Story and hire a screenwriter to help with the story.

BTW, Happy birthday Jim!  Don't set the house on fire blowing out the candles... Hehe.

I hope he gets the story done soon! It looks like it would be a very excellent film!

I think this movie will be gorgeous if it ever gets done.  I'd rather go see a gorgeous CG movie with a bad plot than a crappy CG movie with a bad plot.

Case in point, Marie Antoinette.  HORRIBLE Movie.  but it was beautiful and I kind of want to watch it again, just for the visuals.

Though that one image of Rapunzel with her hand on her hip just... i dunno.  Her right eye is HUGE and i can't figure out why.  I guess thats what you get for using CG.  In traditional media, you can tweak shapes and sizes of objects at will for the strongest posing and best visual appeal.  You can do that, limitedly, in CG but you can't actually break the model.

Hey, what happened to all of those laid off Florida guys that were rumored to be starting their own company?  Did they ever do it, or did they fizzle off to work for someone else?

Glen keane may be a masterful animator but that doesn't make him a great director. It may be in his best interests to accept a co-director in order to get the damn thing finished. Some one who may know story better than he.

This could be an amazing film, but i think keane should concentrate on the visuals and a new guy can bring something fresh to the table in terms of narrative.

If not then this once promising project will be lost forever.

As i was reading the 3 options, I thought that having a co-director would be the best option.  I can see where Mr. Keane is coming from, though- he's rather have his vision of the movie or not have any version.  I was wondering when "Rapunzel" was slated to come out, since I knew that "The Frog Princess" is supposed to come in 2009, when "Rapunzel" was supposed to.  It's shocking to me that a movie that hasn't really started production yet will be coming out before a film which has been in pre-production and production for years.  I understand that John Lasseter is trying to put out quality product (Disney does stand for quality), but he shouldn't be bullying his friend Glen.  I wonder what kinds of story changes need to be done in order for the film to be "good" or "great".  I'm hoping that Mr. Keane and his team can make it happen...it's a shame what happened to movies such as "Fraidy Cat" and "Angel and Her No Good Sister"/"Once In A Blue Moon"/"My Peoples", etc.  I don't want "Rapunzel" to be in the Disney That Never Was.  As long as they don't go back to "Rapunzel Unbraided", and that concept, I'll be somewhat happy...

So you're saying that as great an artist, draftsman and animator that Glen Keane is, they gave him is own picture to direct for no better reason that they could keep the heat down while they dismantled the 2d animation department?

What a way to run a rail road. No wonder it was necessary to bring in completely new blood to take names and kick tail. I feel sorry for Keane, I don't see any way this has a happy ending for him, based on Jim's reports.

As was pointed out above, a great draftsman/animator isn't necessarily a great story guy or director.

I still haven't read anything that states whether or not this film will be a musical.  I think it would be amazing to see a full-fledged Walt Disney style production of Rapunzel in CGI, with superb music and songs!  Am I just wishing for too much?

All I can say is that if Lassester puts his grubby pixar paw on WDFA's Rapunzel, I will be extremely mad at him. Let Glen Keane make HIS film. I was appalled during the shareholder meeting when Lasseter called American Dog Chris William's film. I wanted to yell at him "NO. This was Chris SANDER'S film before you kicked him out." WDFA ≠ Pixar. WDFA > Pixar.

askmike1 said:

"WDFA > Pixar."

I'm quite certain that's true ... in askmike1land or wherever it is you live (maybe Burbank? in a big building with dwarves on top?) ...

WDFA hasn't made a great film in 10 years or more ... Pixar's made at least 5 in that same time frame.

I can't possibly fathom how you can call WDFA superior to Pixar when not one of their films outside of Lilo and Stitch has made a dime. WDFA isn't fit to wash cels for Pixar (if they had any).

To askmike1-

i believe you're totally missing the point, pal.

This isn't about egos- "All I can say is that if Lassester puts his grubby pixar paw on WDFA's Rapunzel, I will be extremely mad at him. Let Glen Keane make HIS film"

- this is about making the best product for the company.

As I said earlier being a master animator doesn't make you a great director. Mr Keane obviously needs a hand in making this great project come to fruition and shouldn't be afraid to let others come on board to help him.

Thats what makes an artist of any field, great. To be able to know ones strengths and weaknesses and to bring people to the table who can counteract their own weaknesses to make the end product a great one. Not just think about their own egos at the expense of the entire production.

If Glen could accept a co-director to come on board I believe this could be a great great film that will be remembered in years to come. If not who knows what'll happen? It isn't in Lasseter's interests to derail a production or put out a lacklustre product- he'll simply be costing his own company money.

Remember the Richard Williams' story?

he was a master animator but that didn't neccesarily make him a great storyteller/director. A distinction needs to be made.

So I guess the rumour of Rapunzel going 2-D has been scrapped?

I appreciate what Keane's trying to do, trying to give CG animation the same flexibility and look of classical animation.

But it's becoming apparent that he's better suited to the role of "Creative Consultant" or "Head of Design" if he still hasn't managed to crack the story after five years.

Lasseter comes from the Pixar "Story is King" school, so he's not gonna let Rapunzel off the hook until he's satisfied with the narrative. With good reason.

I have high hopes for this project; Rapunzel is one of the last of the Big Fairy Tales. I just hope it doesn't get relegated to "pet project" and languishes in development hell for years. Hopefully we'll have a solid Rapunzel by the end of the year.

I think Rapunzel could be saved, but following the Snow White formula feels ancient today, and following the post-Shrek Fractured Fairy Tales formula feels ...less than fresh too.  The story problems would have to be tackled from a brand new angle.  This is going to need a co-director who wants to tell a good, original story.  Maybe this particular project is out of his ability to complete as a solo director.  That wouldn't necessarily mean he couldn't solo on another project, but being the solitary director credit on a terrible film could mean that he'd never get the chance to direct another film by himself.  

If it was my call, I'd call off any future fairy tale projects for a while and move onto something else.  We're being inundated with projects so similar that I for one have a hard time telling one from another.  Not just Disney/Pixar, but every studio is doing them now.  After Rapunzel, if it comes out, and after The Frog Princess, I'd say set it aside and do something new.  The sameness of the material makes it too hard to do something sincere and original.

Mickey Duck i feel you raise some very very good points.

The Snow White Formula is indeed very old and wouldn't prove useful a route to go down if Rapunzel is to be refreshing. Likewise the Shrek route, perhaps even more so because this relied heavily on a small niche (post-modern fairytale mock- just look at Hoodwinked and Happily N'ever After)

I feel however they could approach in a way similar to how they approached The Little Mermaid back in 1989. Respect the narrative's historical sensiblities, yet bring a 21st century feel to the table. A younger co-director would achieve this and also younger writers too.

I don't think thye will flood the market with fairytales though. They have just 3 with a fairy tale theme. Rapunzel, Enchanted & Frog Princess. I think Disney must be aware that if they were to make any more fairy tale themed movies so close in time to these 3, the audience would indeed tire of the genre and we'll end up with another 30 year hairy tale hiatus (Sleeping Beauty 1959- Little Mermaid 1989).

A good route for them would be to concentrate on childrens literatre and other famous stories. The fairy tale format IS an excellent way to reintroduce 2d Disney films back to the audience, but after that they need to diversify their stories or the audience will get bored quickly and another 90's bust will happen.

Discuss.

What isn't made clear is whether a "co-director" would be a Disney-style co-director (i.e. "directed by Glen Keane and John Smith") or a Pixar-style co-director (i.e. "directed by Glen Keane co-directed by John Smith").

After all, Lasseter and co. have almost always used "co-directors" to help ease the burden, but no one questions that Lasseter is *the* director of A Bug's Life, et. al.

One would hope that Keane is not so petty as to refuse help should it be deemed necessary or that he would be bothered by working for Lasseter, just because they started out around the same time.

I've been looking forward to this film for a long time, and I'm glad that they've abandoned the Shrek-clone "Unbraided" idea for a more straightforward retelling. (That's why I never saw "Chicken Little"--I heard that it was trying to out-Shrek Shrek with the pop culture references, and I was bothered that a company that once *set* trends was merely *following* them. I mean, I love Shrek, but enough's enough with the clones!)

I hope they do a good job with it, and leave it in the CG format--the art we've seen already looks stunning.

But I can totally see where there'd be story problems in a "Rapunzel" film adaptation. After all, in the original, Rapunzel does nothing but wait in the tower for the prince to come to her. Now, once the witch discovers Rapunzel's deceit there's opportunity for drama as the prince struggles to find her, but as the tale is written, all Rapunzel is doing is waiting around again. (In the original, she's the mother of the prince's twins by that point--somehow, I don't think that's going to make it in!)

About the points Mickey Duck has made...remember, these three movies that are due out are the first fairy tales we've had in a while. (I look forward to "The Frog Princess"...a jazz-age fairy tale sounds unusual and intriguing!) I do agree that they shouldn't over-saturate the market with fairy tales, but I'd like to see them adapt some lesser-known fairy tales for film, and in doing so raise their profile. For example, "The White Cat."

Who knows what's really going on behind the Sorcerer's Hat with Rapunzel, but after 5 years, if you don't know what your story is, or tone, or how characters should act - that's way past "letting someone make their own movie." If you've got a pet project, you've worked out these issues in your head time and time again. Try starting a bedtime story for a six year old and when they ask how it ends, you reply, "I'll tell you when you're eleven."

Keane is extremely well regarded in the industry, regardless if Rapunzel ever gets made. He is also extremely fortunate. Usually when a co-worker gets promoted ahead of you or over you, it's political and not talent-based. A pencil pusher would automatically stop production after five years of not knowing what the story is. Lassetter sounds like he's giving it every opportunity to be successful.

If you're an animator, and you don't like working for Lassetter - you're just never gonna be happy working for anybody. When you start your own studio, you don't have the luxury of five years figuring out your storyline. Pick your poison.

Dear Jim

In your report you state "Mind you, back in the late summer of 2006, Keane reportedly  showed Lasseter the first 20 minutes of the most recent version of "Rapunzel." And John was allegedly  very lavish in his praise, saying that it was the strongest opening of a Disney fairy tale film that he'd ever seen. "

As this information comes from a personal interview I conducted with Glen I'd like to clarify.  I reviewed my log of this interview - a transcript of an audio recording, as I record every interview I conduct, for accuracy.  I can state as fact that Glen did   indeed show Lasseter the opening and did state as fact that John said it was the strongest opening of a Disney fairy tale film he'd seen.  As I have known Glen for some time, and I will stake my professional and personal reputation on his reliability as I know him to be neither a liar no someone prone to hyperbole or exaggeration, I do not consider Glen's report as alleged, but as factual.    There are a lot of people caught up in the show of Show Business, but Glen is not one of them, and he is among the most level, reliable, even keeled people I know in the industry.

You then go on to state "that (According to the scuttlebutt that's now making the rounds at WDFA) it's the co-director idea that Glen is apparently most resistant to. The rumor is -- that if Lasseter & Catmull force Keane to start sharing directorial duties on "Rapunzel" -- that this animation master may then pull a Chris Sanders and quit Walt Disney Studios rather than continue to work on a severely compromised version of the film that he originally developed"  

This statement surprised me, and I'm confused and puzzled as to how you heard this because I understand nothing of the sort from the people at WDFA to whom I've spoken.   According to my sources the screening was a routine screening scheduled some time back.  It was followed by notes, and the next screening was then scheduled for June.    The June date is not set as a deadline to fix anything, per se, no more so than any other subsequent screening of projects in development are deadlines for anything other than the expected progress and attention to the notes delivered by management and colleagues.  

Furthermore, as I have been told there is no consideration on Glen's part to leave the studio "if" that screening goes poorly or if a co-director is assigned to the project.   Nor, as you state "to now wind up one of John's subordinates, a guy that Glen started out with ... That's kind of a bitter pill to swallow" is there any bitter feeling on Glen's part toward John being his new boss.  Glen never to my knowledge wanted to helm Feature Animation, never wanted a management leadership position similar to that of John or Ed (or Tom or Peter or David for that matter) and respects both John and Ed's leadership and counsel.   So to clarify, Glen is not bitter, and working for John is not something he has had to swallow.   Yes, it could be for some, but  - an maybe it's just me - your article implies this is how Glen feels.   I understand it differently, and just wanted to state that.

You write better than anyone on the web about the myriad of possible outcomes with projects at Disney.   You are accurate in stating that the film is in development and struggling to find the best story, but this is not a unique struggle, nor is it the same kind of struggle as a project about to sink.   Would it not also be worth emphasizing that a nice long look at the history of every Disney film from Snow White onward will show just as much delay, re-writing and development?  Some even longer than five years.    

You are an exceptional reporter, Jim, so I have to ask why you chose to report this story in the fashion in which you did, and color it with a speculative tone that implies such pending trouble for this project?   Why did you put the spin on this report that emphasizes "rumor"?    Did you speak to Glen or his office?  They're highly accessible for a story like this.   There is no unusual or particular sword hanging over Rapunzel and Glen Keane and his creative colleagues working on this film.   There was not anor else  delivered following the screening.    It makes for thrilling reading to hear what the rumor and scuttlebutt is, but it's just that - rumor and scuttlebutt, and I think of you as being far, far above either, and sad to see you spin it this way.

All things are possible.  Glen may not solve the story.  Glen may solve it beautifully.   Glen may stay the solo director.   Glen may co-direct.  Glen my leave the project and turn it over to another director while he goes back to 2-D animation.   Glen may prove to be a director with great vision who sticks with CG.   But I wouldn't bet on any one of these above all the others because as of right now, the project is going through the typical struggles of every animated feature, even the Pixar films.  

Thanks for giving me this opportunity to comment, and keep up the good work.

Your Friend and Colleague,

Rhett Wickham

Rapunzel in CG? I think that's an interesting idea, and given the photos provided above, I believe that it will be an absolutely gorgeous film.

Now I do have a unique personal problem with many CG films. I have a 12 year old daighter with Autism who is mostly bored by them.(Except for Finding Nemo) Don't ask me why because I don't know why. She loves traditional animation. She loves all the Disney classics, but she was throughly bored with "Cars" and the various "Toy Story" films and "Monsters Inc." I personally liked all of these films. I think it may be due to the fact that my daughter is into the whole Disney Princess thing, which so far have been traditional animated films (except for parts of Beauty and the Beast of course).

I know my problem is unique but doggone it, I'd like to see a CG Rapunzel in the theatres but I fear my daughter will be bored with it...and the reason not having anything to do with the quality of the film at all. She just prefers traditional animation LOL.

Thanks RWickham for clarifying the story. I would really hate for Rapunzel to have been in the same pickle as American Dog was, let-alone anything creating a stalemate between Lassater and the film director. Based from the given options, a co-director would be the best option if it's just the story that needs tooling.

The 3-D visuals look excellent, and it looks like Disney has a huge hit in the making. Of course, we ARE going to have to wait a little longer for a film that was once slated for 2007...

"I can't possibly fathom how you can call WDFA superior to Pixar when not one of their films outside of Lilo and Stitch has made a dime."

I'm speaking movie wise, not box office wise. And while I like Pixar movies, to me (ie, this is an OPINION), the best Pixar film couldn't stand up to any of WDFA's films from '89-'99 (or even 02-03)

"this is about making the best product for the company."

Is it? Or could this possibly be just a way to shoo off WDFA CGI animation so that they can only keep Pixar as CGI? Or perhaps would this just be an excuse to give Glen Keane the Chris Sander's treatment?

"Mr Keane obviously needs a hand in making this great project come to fruition and shouldn't be afraid to let others come on board to help him."

So Rapunzel needs help just because Lasseter doesn't like it? Of the 3 original films he directed, only one was universally praised (ABL was liked but mostly forgotten & Cars wasn't nearly as universally praised). So just because Lasseter 'supposedly' said there are story problem means there 'are' story problems?

"-I heard that "

CL didn't contain nearly the amount of pop-jokes people would make you believe. Cars had more pop-jokes in it that CL.

MykeTV said:

"I still haven't read anything that states whether or not this film will be a musical.  I think it would be amazing to see a full-fledged Walt Disney style production of Rapunzel in CGI, with superb music and songs!  Am I just wishing for too much?"

This movie will be a musical.  Jeanine Tesori, who wrote the music for "Mulan II," "Lilo & Stitch II," and "Kronk's New Groove," will be writing the songs for "Rapunzel."  This is a fairly popular topic because Alan Menken fans wanted a trilogy of films, in the way that "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," and "Aladdin" were a trilogy of musicals featuring Alan Menken's music.  However, for some reason, Lasseter only gave Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz the live-action/animation combo movie "Enchanted," giving "The Frog Princess" to Randy Newman and "Rapunzel" to Jeanine Tesori.  

Personally, if "Rapunzel" is really having as much problems as rumoured, I would have given Ms. Tesori "Enchanted" and asked Alan Menken to help out with the music of "Rapunzel."  At least that way, even if the story problems remain, it would still remain gorgeous due to the visuals of Glen Keane, and memorable due to the music of Alan Menken.  Just look at what Menken's music did to "Pocahontas."  That movie had a lot of story problems too but Mr. Menken's music ensured that it would still be a modest success, if not a major blockbuster.  

However, the way things are going, I wouldn't be at all surprised if Alan gets asked to take over "Rapunzel" once he wraps up his work for "Enchanted."  After all, it's not that uncommon for composers to be replaced even after they've begun work on a film.  Stephen Schwartz was replaced by David Zippel after he had already written "Written In Stone," "Destiny," and "China Doll" for "Mulan."  Since "Enchanted" is slated for a Thanksgiving release this year, Menken should be wrapping up work on that film and gearing up for his 3 Broadway releases soon:  "The Little Mermaid," "Sister Act," and "Leap of Faith."  "The Little Mermaid" is almost ready for it's debut in Denver and "Sister Act" has already run in Atlanta and Pasadena, which means that the only thing he really has to create from scratch between now and 2009 is "Leap of Faith" along with the next Disney animated musical.  Let's all hope it's "Rapunzel" . . . unless a better fairy tale pops up.

The students here at Calarts were lucky enough to have Glen over for a lecture about a week and a half ago.  The way he talked about animation floored everyone in the audience.  Incredibly insightful.

He also spoke a little about Rapunzel.  The way he described it is that things were going pretty smoothly (well as smooth as a high profile production can go), and that the project is quite different from previous fairy tales because of the goal to make Rapunzel a complex character rather than a relatively generic princess which Disney is renowned for.  Since the original Rapunzel story is fairly bare bones when compared to other fairy tales tackled by Disney, one can see the difficulty of forming an excellent story to engage todays audiences, but still keep the spirit of the original.  According to Mr. Keane, Rapunzel is a much more internal character than others in the Disney pantheon, which seems to me would make her more difficult to write for.

I agree with rwickham when he basically says that the concerns that are raised here are perhaps overblown.  Mr. Keane stated that his relationship with John Lasseter is very good, and both respect and admire each other.  While John has the upper hand in terms of politics within the company, I believe for this project they communicate on an equal artistic level.  And if Cars is any indication of projects being delayed because of story problems, then Lasseter himself isn't blameless.  

It's the nature of the beast,  particularly for a film of this quality.

Also, if things really start turning sour, it may be time for the "brain trust" to come down and discuss things with the director as they did with Meet the Robinsons.  However difficult brain trust meetings may be, they exist only to make a film better by asking hard questions.  I don't think this a poor reflection on the director's skill as much as discussion of what other decisions could be made in order to make a project work.

While I have complete faith in Glen Keane's work, he himself told the students here that he prefers animating to directing.  So I think it's unlikely to see further films directed by him.

Very very good post 'Rwickham!'

You know almost as much as me and I pride myself on my knowledge of animation history and contempoary animation.

You also make some valid points 'Bloaty'.

Lets hope this film comes together and no egos are damaged. I enjoy Jim Hill's reports but his sacremongering must desist. He is a grown man as far as i am aware.

I know Glen Keane can get his stuff together in June, but I'm not really sure if he gets the full support and resources from Disney to accomplish this. I've heard rumours about "fights" between him and Lasseter, so support from the big (creative) chief isn't there.

WDFA needs this movie to show their potential in CG animation, Keane needs this movie to show this directorial skills, and we need this movie to believe WDFA is back where it was back in the day.

And to add to my support, I appreciate Keane MUCH MUCH MUCH more than Lasseter, or any other animator at Disney nowadays. Said it before, but I don't see Lasseter as the great creative god, that everyone (Iger included) sees him. He made some good movies, and even though Toy Story 2 is one of the best animated films ever, to compare, I think Don Bluth's "The Secret of NIMH" is a better movie, with a two-times better story.

Also, I support everything you said, askmike1!! You took the words right out of my mouth. (or something like that..)

Playful Prince, thanks for answering my question about the music.  I hope you're right, and Alan Menken does get put on this project.  The combination of his magical songs and the new direction in animation will help audiences feel comfortable in a different type of animated world.  I've never seen any of those Disney sequels so I can't really say that I won't like Jeanine Tesori has to offer, but I know Alan Menken can hit it out of the ball park.

I found this article interesting, but also just don't buy most of it.  From everything I've read and watched about these two brilliant minds (Keane and Lassiter) it just doesn't match.  These guys are just amazingly nice down to earth guys whom everyone that I've heard works with loves.  They have a good history together and the bottom line is they love animation and have a sincere love and interest for the Disney company (not companies like some people still here still want to believe).

I also find it funny that Lassiter is taking heat over giving very constructive criticism over these animated films.  Lassiter seems to be doing this in the most friendly of ways by telling people what he likes and by giving SUGGESTIONS to make the film better.  Case in point, I recently read an article where the interviewer was talking with Anderson about Meet the Robinson's and how he was relieved that John gave him suggestions and let him decide on how to proceed.  Constructive criticism is the best way to go,  Walt did it in the Sweat Box (though you could argue the constructive part with Walt ;) I just think it's ridiculous for a director or anyone to say this is MY movie don't tell me anything to do with it.

As for what I've seen, Glen is the best animator in the business and will be humble enough to take any help he needs for this project.  I'm really looking forward to it.

Menken will indeed bring magic to this show. He has lost none of his marvel over time. I don't believe there's a June deadline, people so lets all just calm down.

We as animators pride ourselves on our levelheadedness, so let us ACT like animators and the respected artists we are. I forsee in my wisdom the opening credits reading something like this---

WALT DISNEY PICTURES presents

RAPUNZEL

Directed by GLEN KEANE

Co-directed by (insert name here)

Without Keane it will change too drastically and Lasseter is happy with the opening, and with a Keane-solo project it will have a story line more akin to a Don Bluth movie (train wreck narrative). This movie needs Keane AND a co-director with narrative wisdom.

Discuss, my animator friends....

Mickey_Hal:

"Case in point, I recently read an article where the interviewer was talking with Anderson about Meet the Robinson's and how he was relieved that John gave him suggestions and let him decide on how to proceed."

You really think that's the whole truth? Of course he isn't going to crack down on his BOSS! That would be kinda bad for his career at Disney, wouldn't it? Interviews like those never tell the truth. Just like Lasseters little presentation info at the shareholders meeting. All pr-controlled information.

MykeTV said: "I've never seen any of those Disney sequels so I can't really say that I won't like Jeanine Tesori has to offer, but I know Alan Menken can hit it out of the ball park."

FYI, Myke, Jeanine Tesori is no slouch when it comes to writing muiscals. She is the award-winning composer of "Caroline or Change", the stage version of "Thoroughly Modern MIllie", and the off-broadway musical, "Violet".

Currently, in addition to "Rapunzel", she is composing the music for "Shrek - the musical".

So, while Alan is a spectacular talent among writers of musicals, Jeanine can certainly hold her own.

"You really think that's the whole truth? Of course he isn't going to crack down on his BOSS! That would be kinda bad for his career at Disney, wouldn't it? Interviews like those never tell the truth. Just like Lasseters little presentation info at the shareholders meeting. All pr-controlled information."

The absolute truth, of course not.  However, it looks like the Anderson was able to keep his villain, and have you heard anyone ever complain about working with Lassiter if so I'd love to see the link.  This isn't just a thing he's doing at "Disney Animation" either as he gave the reigns of Ratouille over to Brad Bird when he didn't think things where working out there.

However, I know that there will never be convincing a large group of people that Pixar is now a part of Disney.  Some will always be Pixar haters, others Pixar lovers, and then people like me Disney lovers.  So far, everything I've seen Lassiter do with the parks, Disneyland in particular, and animation has been positive (Disney  Animation doing CGI and getting 2d back!).  The only questionable thing he has done in my OPINION is that Chris Sanders left the studio.  I loved L&S so this was a big blow to me, but again we don't have the details and for many it's easier to say it's all Lassiters fault.

"You really think that's the whole truth? Of course he isn't going to crack down on his BOSS!"

Exactly. You don't see people going around in public telling everyone what a pain it is to work with your boss. They'd get fired.

As for suggestions from Lasseter, sure, he makes some suggestions. I'm sure one of them went something like, "Chris Sanders, I suggest you get off this film." :) I don't know about anyone else, but from everything I've seen so far, he doesn't want WDFA back, he wants Pixar: Traditional Unit. What else could explain not putting Alan Menken on FP? And isn't Lasseter the one always saying 'let the movie decide how to make it' (in terms of CGI/traditional)? Then why is he so keen on making WDFA purely traditional?

"And isn't Lasseter the one always saying 'let the movie decide how to make it' (in terms of CGI/traditional)? Then why is he so keen on making WDFA purely traditional?"

Yes, which is why I've never seen Lasseter state that he wants WDFA to do just 2d anywhere.  In fact, the only place I've read this is here at JHM during a story that Jim got a few facts wrong including the stating that American Dog was being scrapped and no more CGI would come out of WDFA.  However, the WDFA's upcoming movies would say differently with Meet the Robinsons coming out this month, American Dog, and Rapunzel being worked on for upcoming releases.  The truth is sadly only ONE 2d film is in the works now.  I want to know how that makes him so keen on making WDFA purely traditional?  Catmull stated in a variety interview recently that they had no intentions on locking anyone into one form or the other.  BUT wait let me already write for a couple of others on this board, "you can't believe anything they say because we don't want too and really have something against Lasseter/Pixar."  Hopefully, that was close enough :)

Story, Story, Story ..... Walt Disney and his clone John Lassiter have always said that without the story flowing correctly the animation does not matter.  This has been the Studio tradition.  Glen Keane needs to realize that his group can make all the beautiful tests they want, but if the story does not flow then the animation will not matter in the long run.  I hope the Studio does get this one right and resolves the story problems.  Bringing in a second on the story to re-read and help with a re-write may be the solution.  The problem is not direction, but the director is always held accountable when the parts do not mesh.  Where is ghost of Walt when you need him .......  

Nitemuze2 said:  'Jeanine Tesori is no slouch when it comes to writing muiscals. She is the award-winning composer of "Caroline or Change", the stage version of "Thoroughly Modern MIllie", and the off-broadway musical, "Violet".'

I've actually never heard of Jeanine Tesori's Broadway works so I can't comment on how well she "holds her own."  The reason why I listed the 3 animated films she's done so far is because "Rapunzel" is an animated film and I can only predict her future work as a composer for an animated film based on her track record.  The reason why I'd pick Alan Menken over Jeanine Tesori is because although she creates ok songs, they're not the type of songs you'll be humming over and over after the movie is over.  They're not memorable.  They're ok while you're watching the film but they're quickly forgotten.

Personally, if I couldn't get Alan Menken or Stephen Schwartz, my next pick would be Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens, the composers for "Anastasia."  Overall, I think they did a superb job on the songs for that film, and "Once Upon A December" and "Journey To The Past" remain part of my all-time favorite songs from a musical.  Does anyone know what these duo are up to these days?

oh no, i was wondering what rapunel had got to!  i hope that glen can get it together... i'd hate for him to walk out too!  the art tests look so wonderful, he's gonna need a great script to match!

Hey, Playfulprince, I quite agree on Ahrens and Flaherty! They're outstanding theatre composers who did an incredible job on the Anastasia score.

I think it was Derek Janssen who said, on these boards, that the Disney movies would be better off with Broadway composers with a sense of musical theater timing, rather than the more pop style that they'd been going with in later years.

So even though I haven't heard the Caroline or Millie scores, the fact that Tesori is a Tony-winning stage composer gives me some heart.

Or...what about Lucy Simon? She wrote the most exquisite score for Broadway's The Secret Garden and aside from this workshop version of a Dr. Zhivago musical, I haven't heard from her since.

After seeing the images of Rapunzel i must say that it will be a dead sin not finish this movie.

About Chris Sanders: he likes ugly characters: Lilo is ugly, his sister is ugly too... and the american dog is the ugliest dog i'd ever seen

About story: Disney's classics not always had perfect plots, but were full of magic moments, and a lot of fantastic supporting characters and perfect acting.... Modern classics, since Little Mermaid, had best constructed plots... but, are they really better?

About story 2:Really modern audiences need problematic characters?

About Pixar/Disney: Today´s leadership is in Lasseter's hands, and i'm very happy with the return of Musker and Clements

In response to my having broken a story at LaughingPlace.com about Dean Wellins coming on board to direct "Rapunzel" alongside Glen Keane, and my having commented both here and at LP as well as a call I recorded for their PodCast – in which I raised questions about Jim’s speculation on the trouble Rapunzel could be in – it is only fair to Jim that I stay transparent in this matter and post a reply here.

I can't blame Jim for taking issue with my questions in light of this development, as I'd most likely do the same, frankly.   Nevertheless, I stand by what I have reported and here's why:  At question is the speculation of a second director being ordered up by Lasseter as a result of the recent screening.  I'm told and have confirmed that Dean Wellins arrival on "Rapunzel" is not related to the recent screening, nor was it ordered by Lasseter.   I'm told that Glen Keane had wanted Dean Wellins on the project in some capacity but that Wellins was not avaiable because he was then the Head of Story on "American Dog" (I’m told Dean had been helpful to Glen during various stages of development on "Rapunzel") When Chris Sanders was removed from "American Dog"  -  and this was prior to the "Rapunzel" screening - it allowed Keane an opportunity to ask Dean to once again join the "Rapunzel" story team.  Dean asked for a larger role - equal directing responsibility alongside Glen.  After some thought Keane approached Lasseter for his approval on this decision and got a thumbs up.    I first heard of this pairing last week, and got official confirmation of it on April 11.   I asked and was told that this was not brought about because of the screening, nor did Lasseter suggest this pairing or even Wellins' role as a director. It was repeated to me that John Lasseter is and always has been very happy with the progress of the film, with Keane, and with the rest of the team and the production.  It was underscored to me that the project and its artists are in no way under any cloud of doubt, any looming deadline out of the ordinary, or any pressure from the leadership of WDFA.  This is what I have been told, and both Jim and I can only report what each of us individually are told and can confirm.

I respect Jim for allowing me to comment freely and openly about any disagreement I have with what he reports or with his editorials.  

r.w.