Walt Disney Animation Studios’ all-new short film ‘Once Upon a Studio’ gathers 543 iconic characters as part of Disney’s epic 100-year anniversary celebration.
Mickey Mouse leads the emotional and joyful reunion of iconic Disney characters posing together for a group photo to mark Disney’s 100th anniversary and fans just can’t get enough of the magical memories.
‘Once Upon a Studio’ celebrates Disney’s 100th anniversary
On October 16, 2023, the Walt Disney Company celebrated its 100th anniversary.
To celebrate 10 decades of storytelling, artistry and technological achievements, a short film titled ‘Once Upon a Studio’ made its debut on Disney Plus and Hulu as part of Disney’s epic anniversary celebrations.
In honor of the milestone, Disney Animation’s ‘Once Upon a Studio’ pays spectacular tribute to Disney’s legacy with a short film showing 100 years of stories and magic.
Directed by Dan Abraham and Trent Correy and produced by Yvett Merino and Bradford Simonsen, ‘Once Upon a Studio’ made its broadcast debut on ABC on October 15, 2023.
The short film has also aired on Disney Channel, Freeform, FX, and other Disney networks. It will also play in front of the Disney100 special engagement of Moana, in select theaters through October 26.
Iconic group photo gathers 543 Disney characters
The original short film follows Mickey Mouse gathering Disney characters from the past 100 years for a group photo.
An ensemble of beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios comes together for a joyful, entertaining, and emotional reunion as they assemble to mark the special occasion.
Featuring 543 Disney characters from more than 85 feature-length and short films, ‘Once Upon a Studio’ welcomes heroes and villains, princes and princesses, sidekicks and sorcerers in the all-new hand-drawn and CG animation.
Head of hand-drawn animation Eric Goldberg, and head of CG animation Andrew Feliciano worked in concert with Abraham and Correy to ensure they honored each character’s style and that interactions looked seamless.
The filmmakers recount the process of shooting live-action plates in the Roy E. Disney Animation Building, recording with more than 40 original voice actors.
Disney 100 celebrations spark magical memories
A fan named @GoofyMovieDir took to Twitter after watching the celebratory short film, admitting they got emotional:
“I just watched Disney’s Once Upon a Studio and blubbered through the whole thing – from Burny Mattinson to the finale group photo. I’m sure it won’t hit others as it affected me, but I’ve believed in the magic of animation for a lifetime.”
I'm going to admit it full out here… I just watched #Disney's Once Upon a Studio and blubbered through the whole thing – from Burny Mattinson to the finale group photo. I'm sure it won't hit others as it affected me, but I've believed in the magic of #animation for a lifetime.
— Kevin Lima (@GoofyMovieDir) October 16, 2023
Another Twitter user used a funny meme to represent the many Disney fans who will be scanning the iconic group photo in search of their favorite animated faces.
@FazbearFanverse admired the “2D drawn animation and 3D animation” coming together in the “amazing short film”, by then proceeding to thank the creators for the group photo:
Well I Watched Once Upon a Studio on ABC
I Really Loved It’s 2D Drawn Animation and 3D Animation Being Together in This Amazing Short Film and Having All Characters Come Together For a Group Photo
Thank You Disney and Its Animators of Hard Work and Giving us This#Disney100
— Fanverse Nerd is Excited For FNAF Movie 🎃 (@FazbearFanverse) October 16, 2023
