Theme Parks & Themed Entertainment

The Ant Bully: ” … will draw (audiences) into the story in ways they can’t even imagine.”

In the first installment of this new JHM series about Warner Bros. upcoming animated release, Roger Colton talks with executive producer Keith Alcorn about what DNA Productions did to turn John Nickle’s charming childrens book into a major motion picture

Published

18 years ago

July 25, 2006

Roger Colton

Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Last December, I had the opportunity to visit the great state of Texas. The main reason for doing so was to visit DNA Productions, located in Irving, just outside of Dallas. At that time, the folks there were hard at work on a project for Warner Brothers and Playtone Productions.

That project? Bringing to life John Nickle’s award-winning children’s book, “The Ant Bully.” From the Amazon.com web pages for the title:

Lucas, who wears a goofy propeller cap and nerdish glasses, suffers the taunts of a tough kid named Sid. After Sid blasts him with a water hose, Lucas gets a squirt gun and does the same to a colony of ants. Alas, Lucas is no match for his would-be victims, who use a magical green potion to reduce him to their size and then sentence him to hard labor.

Once Lucas learns a lesson in community, the ants restore him to his original proportions, then devise a predictable comeuppance for his hose-toting nemesis (shrinkage, of course).

The book went on to become a favorite story, including many elementary school teachers who use it as a springboard for lessons in conflict resolution. One child of note who found the story enthralling was the son of Tom Hanks.

“My son came home from kindergarten with a book he had checked out from the library, John Nickle’s The Ant Bully,” Hanks recalled.“Reading it together, we weren’t halfway through before I thought it would make a wonderful movie. John Davis’ “Jimmy Neutron” had just come out then, and I felt the match of his talent with Nickle’s story would be perfect.”

From the film’s production notes comes more on how DNA Productions joined forces with Playtone:

“Tom sent me the The Ant Bully to see if I had a take on it,” recalls Davis, who likewise found the story full of potential for the screen.”I thought, well, if I was going to make this movie, here’s how I would approach it.”He soon met with Hanks and his producing partner Gary Goetzman, co-founders of Playtone Productions, who successfully teamed with Robert Zemeckis in 2004 on the beloved holiday film The Polar Express.

“It was obvious from our initial meeting that John’s enthusiasm, passion and vision for the material made him the perfect director for the project,” states Goetzman.”And because most children’s animated films today are branded by adult humor, it was refreshing to hear John’s take on creating an entertaining family film that would transport the audience to a unique world and take them on a fantastic adventure.”

Together the three brainstormed ideas on how to realize the action onscreen and bring out the natural wonder, humor and peril of a suddenly minuscule boy lost in the unfathomable wilds of his own yard.Everything takes on a surreal new identity when even a discarded soda can looms as large as a 3-story building to tiny Lucas; low-flying wasps rumble like turboprop engines, and hordes of unfamiliar creatures roam the tall grass all around him.

“It’s great when you’re immediately on the same page,” says Davis.”We saw the same things in it—the adventure aspect, the action, how cool it would be to have Lucas and the ants fighting giant wasps, and all the places he could go.In some ways, it’s the ultimate wish fulfillment for a kid.”

The theatrical one-sheet for the film
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

So, when the opportunity came up to visit DNA last year, I knew that it would be an interesting experience. Thanks to friends, I previously had been able to visit Pixar and Disney and see various projects in development. What I found at DNA was extremely reminiscent of those other visits, especially the days of Pixar in Point Richmond. There was a great deal of excitement and energy among the people I met. It was obvious that they were stretching the boundaries of their knowledge and experience in doing things they had done before. And that kind of atmosphere was evident from the top down.

Among the people I chatted with during my time in Irving were DNA’s founders, John Davis and Keith Alcorn. And yes, that’s how the company got its name: D and A.

In today’s installment, I want to share an interview with Keith Alcorn. But first a bit of history with his bio from the film’s production notes:

KEITH ALCORN (Executive Producer) has been involved in all facets of animation for over 25 years.In 1987, along with partner John A. Davis, he started DNA Productions, providing animation for the commercial, corporate and entertainment industries.

In 1997, Alcorn served as producer/lead character designer for the ABC animated Christmas special Santa vs. The Snowman.It was the first all-3D cartoon made for primetime.

That same year he served as director/designer for The Adventures of Fatman, an animated segment that appeared in the CBS Saturday morning series The Weird Al Show.

Alcorn provided character design on steve.oedekerk.com, which aired on NBC in 1996.

For Roseanne’s Saturday Night Special, he designed and directed a series of animated comedic short films entitled The Spooners.In 1999, he produced the Emmy Award-nominated Olive, the Other Reindeer.He has also produced and directed several direct-to-video animated episodes of Jingaroo and his Crew.

Since 1991, Alcorn has served as creator of the ongoing animated series of shorts featuring Nanna & Lil’ Puss Puss, which have appeared on Comedy Central, Showtime and MTV.All this experience eventually lead to the realization of making an animated feature film, Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius.

Alcorn recently wrapped up director/executive producer duties on the television series The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron: Boy Genius, before beginning work on his second feature film, The Ant Bully.

Roger: As the Ant Bully is such a well respected, award winning children’s book, was there ever a point in the process of bringing it to the screen where the concepts expressed in that story got in the way of how the production was heading?

Keith: Not really – we were never intending to bring the book to life, but instead, use it to inspire the movie.

Roger: With Imax and 3D, the film goes to a new level for audiences. With Polar Express, it seemed that these processes allowed the artwork and designs from that book to come to life in the same graphic style of the book. With Ant Bully was that true as well, or did the action-adventure theme of the film story allow a bit more freedom to work with?

Keith: Actually we strayed wildly from the design of the original book. Although the book is wonderfully simple children’s tale, but the intention was never to let the style set forth in the book dictate what we produced for the big screen.

Roger: I had heard how the crew was continually having to head off to your local Imax theater every week for a morning of screenings of the past weeks work. Was this what lead to DNA having its own in-house Imax screening room?

Keith: Absolutely. This came out of necessity. If we were to produce the IMAX version of the film, we had to set up our own IMAX screening room for approval purposes. It lead to more immediate feedback.

Roger: Was there anything about Imax that allowed the film to make a technological advance that you had not anticipated?

Keith: Actually, I had no idea that the depth created by our artists was achievable. This is the most immersive IMAX film I’ve ever seen. I feel like the whole IMAX experience will draw them into the story in ways they can’t even imagine. I can’t wait to watch the IMAX presentation with an audience. I think they will have a blast.

Sweet rocks! Praise the Mother!
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Roger: As Executive Producer, was there a particular point in the production that presented you with a challenge that you thought was somewhat daunting?

Keith: It was an amazing opportunity, but animation production can be incredibly daunting and wonderfully rewarding. There were times when John and I were concerned about simply finishing the film on time. But our incredible crew pulled together and made it happen as if by magic.

Zoc and Lucas get to know each other better
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Roger: The film has a great list of names in the casting of voices. Was there anyone among them who surprised you with what they brought to their characters?

Keith: Well, Bruce Campbell is Bruce Campbell. Everything he does is simply “Bruce-tastic,” so that’s a given, but two other performances stand out to me as well.

Bruce Campbell provides the voice for Fugax, the scout
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Nic Cage was fantastic. He was so focused. He would ask John questions about a scene, psych himself up and then – BAM!! He blew through his lines like a tornado and gave outstanding performances. Incredibly intense and funny.

Nicholas Cage provides the voice of Zoc, the colony’s resident wizard
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Lily Tomlin was fascinating too. There were times that she seemed insecure about her selection for the part of Mommo. She would even recommend other actors that she felt might give a better performance. In the end she gave Mommo a personality that made her an audience favorite.

The Nickel family portrait
(L to R) Mommo, Dad, Lucas, Doreen and Tiffany
Image courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures

Roger: Looking around DNA on my visit last December, I got the feeling that this was a very unique group of people working on the film. With many of them having done television animation, how big of a jump was it for them to a film that was so different from the Jimmy Neutron film? Was there a particular challenge for them that you feel they really succeeded beyond expectations?

Keith: For a lot of folks, the experience on the television series made them extremely fast and judicious artists. When they came over to the movie they actually had the opportunity to slow down a bit and spend more time tweaking and perfecting their shots. A luxury they never had on the TV show.

Audiences will have a chance to see the results of these efforts when the picture opens this coming Friday, July 28^th. While some folks will look for comparisons to other animated projects with ants as their subjects, I think that you have to go back to the story that inspired this film to appreciate what makes it different from the others.

And in the next installment of this series, I’ll be doing just that as I interview the production’s Head of Story and Director of Digital Photography, Ken Mitchroney.

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

3 months ago

February 7, 2024

Jim Hill

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?

There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.

The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland

The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.

In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.

Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.

From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown

In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.

Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions

The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.

And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.

Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life

Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.

Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.

Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.

Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions

The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.

In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.

These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.

Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal

The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.

Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today

As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.

Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story

Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!

History

Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Published

3 months ago

January 30, 2024

Jim Hill

Pixar Place Hotel, the newly unveiled 15-story tower at the Disneyland Resort, has been making waves in the Disney community. With its unique Pixar-themed design, it promises to be a favorite among visitors.

However, before we delve into this exciting addition to the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this remarkable hotel.

The Emergence of the Disneyland Hotel

To truly appreciate the story of the Pixar Place Hotel, we must turn back the clock to the early days of Disneyland. While Walt Disney had the visionary ideas and funding to create the iconic theme park, he faced a challenge when it came to providing accommodations for the park’s visitors. This is where his friend Jack Wrather enters the picture.

Jack Wrather, a fellow pioneer in the television industry, stepped in to assist Walt Disney in realizing his dream. Thanks to the success of the “Lassie” TV show produced by Wrather’s company, he had the financial means to build a hotel right across from Disneyland.

The result was the Disneyland Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1955. Interestingly, the early incarnation of this hotel had more of a motel feel than a hotel, with two-story buildings reminiscent of the roadside motels popular during the 1950s. The initial Disneyland Hotel consisted of modest structures that catered to visitors looking for affordable lodging close to the park. While the rooms were basic, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary.

The Evolution: From Emerald of Anaheim to Paradise Pier

As Disneyland’s popularity continued to soar, so did the demand for expansion and improved accommodations. In 1962, the addition of an 11-story tower transformed the Disneyland Hotel, marking a significant transition from a motel to a full-fledged hotel.

The addition of the 11-story tower elevated the Disneyland Hotel into a more prominent presence on the Anaheim skyline. At the time, it was the tallest structure in all of Orange County. The hotel’s prime location across from Disneyland made it an ideal choice for visitors. With the introduction of the monorail linking the park and the hotel, accessibility became even more convenient. Unique features like the Japanese-themed reflecting pools added to the hotel’s charm, reflecting a cultural influence that extended beyond Disney’s borders.

Japanese Tourism and Its Impact

During the 1960s and 1970s, Disneyland was attracting visitors from all corners of the world, including Japan. A significant number of Japanese tourists flocked to Anaheim to experience Walt Disney’s creation. To cater to this growing market, it wasn’t just the Disneyland Hotel that aimed to capture the attention of Japanese tourists. The Japanese Village in Buena Park, inspired by a similar attraction in Nara, Japan, was another significant spot.

These attractions sought to provide a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality, showcasing elements like tea ceremonies and beautiful ponds with rare carp and black swans. However, the Japanese Village closed its doors in 1975, likely due to the highly competitive nature of the Southern California tourist market.

The Emergence of the Emerald of Anaheim

With the surge in Japanese tourism, an opportunity arose—the construction of the Emerald of Anaheim, later known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In May 1984, this 15-story hotel opened its doors.

What made the Emerald unique was its ownership. It was built not by The Walt Disney Company or the Oriental Land Company (which operated Tokyo Disneyland) but by the Tokyu Group. This group of Japanese businessmen already had a pair of hotels in Hawaii and saw potential in Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland. Thus, they decided to embark on this new venture, specifically designed to cater to Japanese tourists looking to experience Southern California.

Financial Challenges and a Changing Landscape

The late 1980s brought about two significant financial crises in Japan—the crash of the NIKKEI stock market and the collapse of the Japanese real estate market. These crises had far-reaching effects, causing Japanese tourists to postpone or cancel their trips to the United States. As a result, reservations at the Emerald of Anaheim dwindled.

To adapt to these challenging times, the Tokyu Group merged the Emerald brand with its Pacific hotel chain, attempting to weather the storm. However, the financial turmoil took its toll on the Emerald, and changes were imminent.

The Transition to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company took a significant step by purchasing the hotel formerly known as the Emerald of Anaheim for $35 million. This acquisition marked a change in the hotel’s fortunes. With Disney now in control, the hotel underwent a name change, becoming the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

Transformation to Paradise Pier

The next phase of transformation occurred when Disney decided to rebrand the hotel as Paradise Pier Hotel. This decision aligned with Disney’s broader vision for the Disneyland Resort.

While the structural changes were limited, the hotel underwent a significant cosmetic makeover. Its exterior was painted to complement the color scheme of Paradise Pier, and wave-shaped crenellations adorned the rooftop, creating an illusion of seaside charm. This transformation was Disney’s attempt to seamlessly integrate the hotel into the Paradise Pier theme of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Looking Beyond Paradise Pier: The Shift to Pixar Place

In 2018, Disneyland Resort rebranded Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier, a thematic area dedicated to celebrating the beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. As a part of this transition, it became evident that the hotel formally known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel could no longer maintain its Paradise Pier theme.

With Pixar Pier in full swing and two successful Pixar-themed hotels (Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland), Disney decided to embark on a new venture—a hotel that would celebrate the vast world of Pixar. The result is Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story tower that embraces the characters and stories from multiple Pixar movies and shorts. This fully Pixar-themed hotel is a first of its kind in the United States.

The Future of Pixar Place and Disneyland Resort

As we look ahead to the future, the Disneyland Resort continues to evolve. The recent news of a proposed $1.9 billion expansion as part of the Disneyland Forward project indicates that the area surrounding Pixar Place is expected to see further changes. Disneyland’s rich history and innovative spirit continue to shape its destiny.

In conclusion, the history of the Pixar Place Hotel is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Disneyland Resort. From its humble beginnings as the Disneyland Hotel to its transformation into the fully Pixar-themed Pixar Place Hotel, this establishment has undergone several iterations. As Disneyland Resort continues to grow and adapt, we can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic destination.

If you want to hear more stories about the History of the Pixar Place hotel, check our special edition of Disney Unpacked over on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.

History

From Birthday Wishes to Toontown Dreams: How Toontown Came to Be

Published

3 months ago

January 14, 2024

Jim Hill

In the latest release of Episode 4 of Disney Unpacked, Len and I return, joined as always by Disney Imagineering legend, Jim Shull. This two-part episode covers all things Mickey’s Birthday Land and how it ultimately led to the inspiration behind Disneyland’s fan-favorite land, “Toontown”. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It all starts in the early days at Disneyland.

Early Challenges in Meeting Mickey

Picture this: it’s the late 1970s and early 1980s, and you’re at Disneyland. You want to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse, but there’s no clear way to make it happen. You rely on Character Guides, those daily printed sheets that point you in Mickey’s general direction. But let’s be honest, it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes, you got lucky; other times, not so much.

Mickey’s Birthdayland: A Birthday Wish that Came True

Fast forward to the late 1980s. Disney World faced a big challenge. The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park was under construction, with the company’s marketing machine in full swing, hyping up the opening of Walt Disney World’s third theme park, MGM Studios, in the Spring of 1989. This extensive marketing meant that many people were opting to postpone their family’s next trip to Walt Disney World until the following year. Walt Disney World needed something compelling to motivate guests to visit Florida in 1988, the year before Disney MGM Studios opened.

Enter stage left, Mickey’s Birthdayland. For the first time ever, an entire land was dedicated to a single character – and not just any character, but the mouse who started it all. Meeting Mickey was no longer a game of chance; it was practically guaranteed.

The Birth of Birthdayland: Creative Brilliance Meets Practicality

In this episode, we dissect the birth of Mickey’s Birthdayland, an initiative that went beyond celebrating a birthday. It was a calculated move, driven by guest feedback and a need to address issues dating back to 1971. Imagineers faced the monumental task of designing an experience that honored Mickey while efficiently managing the crowds. This required the perfect blend of creative flair and logistical prowess – a hallmark of Disney’s approach to theme park design.

Evolution: From Birthdayland to Toontown

The success of Mickey’s Birthdayland was a real game-changer, setting the stage for the birth of Toontown – an entire land that elevated character-centric areas to monumental new heights. Toontown wasn’t merely a spot to meet characters; it was an immersive experience that brought Disney animation to life. In the episode, we explore its innovative designs, playful architecture, and how every nook and cranny tells a story.

Impact on Disney Parks and Guests

Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown didn’t just reshape the physical landscape of Disney parks; they transformed the very essence of the guest experience. These lands introduced groundbreaking ways for visitors to connect with their beloved characters, making their Disney vacations even more unforgettable.

Beyond Attractions: A Cultural Influence

But the influence of these lands goes beyond mere attractions. Our episode delves into how Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown left an indelible mark on Disney’s culture, reflecting the company’s relentless dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction. It’s a journey into how a single idea can grow into a cherished cornerstone of the Disney Park experience.

Interested in learning about Jim Shull’s original idea for a Winnie the Pooh ride? Here’s concept art of the attraction proposed for the original Toontown in Disneyland. More on [Disney Unpacked].

Unwrapping the Full Story of Mickey’s Birthdayland

Our two-part episode of Disney Unpacked is available for your viewing pleasure on our Patreon page. And for those seeking a quicker Disney fix, we’ve got a condensed version waiting for you on our YouTube channel. Thank you for being a part of our Disney Unpacked community. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to “Unpack” the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.