The Walt Disney Archives' new exhibition, 'Capturing Life, Creating Character', offers a captivating behind-the-scenes look at the art of live-action reference in animation. This limited-time exhibit, hosted by the Muzeo Museum in Anaheim, California, showcases 60 images and 18 original artifacts, costumes, documents, and art from the archive. It provides an intimate window into the creative process behind some of Disney's most beloved animated films, highlighting the essential role of live-action reference in bringing characters to life.
The exhibition is structured around key themes, including costume, movement, animal studies, setting the scene, and final animation. Each section offers a unique perspective on the intricate process of creating realistic and believable animations. From studying human babies to create Bambi's expressions to using live-action references for intricate movements and interactions, the exhibit showcases the meticulous attention to detail that goes into every Disney animation.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the exhibit is the exploration of live-action reference in costume design. The display features costumes from classic Disney films, such as Snow White's yellow-and-brown dress bodice and Pinocchio's yellow-and-tan costume. The exhibit also includes interactive elements, such as spinning platforms with dolls dressed in various gowns, allowing visitors to experience the fluidity and movement of the costumes.
The movement section showcases the challenges of animating simple actions like walking and the use of live-action references to capture the weight, balance, and timing of movements. The exhibit features photographs of live performers demonstrating specific movements for different films, such as Kathryn Beaumont and Roland Dupree balancing on boxes to demonstrate 'flying' in Peter Pan.
The animal studies section highlights the complexity of animating animal characters and the use of live-action references to understand their behavior and movement. The exhibit includes photos of animators studying real animals, such as ostriches and elephants, to create accurate animal shapes and movements. The section also features interactive elements, such as wooden models of a horse and two dogs, allowing visitors to move the models into the shown poses.
The setting the scene section focuses on the use of set pieces and props for scale and composition. The exhibit includes a larger-than-life display from Peter Pan, with Tinker Bell attempting to escape a drawer using a pair of scissors. The section also features concept art and photographs of live performers, showcasing the intricate details and interactions that bring the scenes to life.
Finally, the final animation section showcases the final stage of development, where animators draw the action frame by frame and refine the drawings from rough sketches to clean-up. The exhibit includes an interactive diorama of the Mad Tea Party from Alice in Wonderland, allowing visitors to experience the scene as if they were part of it. The section also explores the evolution of live-action reference, showcasing how it has become more intuitive and accessible for today's animators.
'Capturing Life, Creating Character' is a must-see for Disney fans and animation enthusiasts, offering a unique insight into the creative process behind some of the most beloved animated films in history. The exhibit runs from August 8, 2026, to November 1, 2026, and is the first-ever Walt Disney Archives domestic traveling photography exhibit. D23 members can enjoy discounted admission and access to accompanying programs and events.
