The Creation of the Disney Princess, Snow White

The story of Snow White was artfully brought to lifeThe creation of the seven dwarfs was also a time
by Walt Disney and his staff of 600 people. It tookconsuming project. Each dwarf needed to be a
over two years to perfect the first feature lengthcharacter with their own peculiarities and distinct
animation. The film was recognized as a turning point inpersonalities. Months were spent on names, what
animation.people each dwarf would be based on and what
Walt Disney, an extraordinary human being, an avidvoices they would have.
cartoonist and storyteller constantly worked forThe film was completed and shown for the first time
perfection in every way imaginable. He hired the bestto a private group. The audience's reaction was highly
artists in the country, often recruiting talent from wellfavorable. Walt Disney's four year-old daughter Diane,
known art schools and provided in house training forhad to be escorted out of the movie because she
them. His working environment was more like a collegestarted crying in reaction to some of the scenes.
campus, complete with guest artists as instructors.Others cheered, laughed and cried during parts of the
One night, he gathered his team together andmovie. Those who attended the first showing of Walt
enchanted them by telling the story of Snow White, aDisney's film, Snow White, knew they had witnessed a
three hour ordeal. He acted out each and everyfilm that would become a milestone in animation.
character. Although it was a long evening, he wasAnimation had reach an artistic level that was
beginning to prepare them psychologically for the twopreviously unknown.
long years ahead of them. Creating the image ofThe love for Snow White's feature film had journalists
Snow White took months of discussions and meetings.writing things like, "It was among the genuine artistic
Everything about the production took longer thanachievements of this country." It was the story of
expected. There were over 150 women interviewedyoung people overcoming hurdles in an adult world and
to be the voice of Snow White. Walt would never seebecoming responsible and mature. It was the story of
the person before her voice was heard so that helife and its challenges. It is no wonder that so many
would not be influenced in any way with herpeople loved Snow White, the first Disney Princess.
appearance.