Disney's Secret Behind Bringing Characters to Life Revealed in Anaheim Exhibit

The Walt Disney Archives has brought its first traveling photography exhibit to the Muzeo Museum and Cultural Center in Anaheim, California. The exhibition, titled 'Capturing Life, Creating Character: The Art of Live-Action Reference,' showcases how animators studied actors, animals, and props to accurately represent their movements in early Disney cartoons.

The exhibit includes archival photographs of live-action reference actors and their animated counterparts, highlighting the meticulous process of recreating iconic moments. Visitors can see the ballet shoes worn by Margaret Kerry, who served as the live-action reference model for Tinker Bell in 'Peter Pan,' and images of actors simulating flight using crates.

The exhibition also explores the use of realistic animal painter Rico LeBrun's work to study animal movements. Muzeo has assembled two companion exhibits: 'The Happiest Place: SHAG Imagines Disneyland' features artwork by Shag, while 'Anaheimland' showcases the historical connection between Disneyland and the city that hosts it.

The exhibit runs through November 1 at the Muzeo Museum in Anaheim. Disney exhibition manager Kelsey Williams noted that this is a unique opportunity for visitors to see the behind-the-scenes process of bringing beloved characters to life.