A Brief History:
Walter Elias Disney was born on December 5th, 1901 in Chicago Illinois. He was one of five children. Everyone who knew Walt knew that he was engrossed in art. In order to make money while young, he would sell his different creations to his neighbors, friends and family. He knew that he had a knack for the arts and followed those talents into professional art and photography classes. In the fall of 1918 Walt enlisted in the military. Being only 16 years old he was rejected. Motivated and determined, he joined the Red Cross and was transferred to France as an ambulance driver. Although it started well, he was mocked because his vehicle was covered with drawings instead of camouflage.
Once Walt got home, he started a small company called "Laugh-O-Grams". Although extremely popular within Kansas, the company could not pay for his employees salaries, and went bankrupt. Frustrated, he and his brother Roy packed one suitcase put their money together and headed for Hollywood California.
Once Walt got home, he started a small company called "Laugh-O-Grams". Although extremely popular within Kansas, the company could not pay for his employees salaries, and went bankrupt. Frustrated, he and his brother Roy packed one suitcase put their money together and headed for Hollywood California.
With their 200 collective dollars, they started what would become Disney Brother's Studios. They debuted with a live-action series Alice's Wonderland. Walt remembered back to his days with Laugh-O-Gram and remembered an undeveloped character, Mickey Mouse. Walt and Roy featured Mickey Mouse in two animated shorts Plane Crazy, and The Gallopin' Gaucho. Still overall unsuccessful, they made one more attempt of a short featuring Mickey called Steamboat Willie. This time there was music and an audio track. Steamboat Willie was an immediate success. Walt and Roy went back and added soundtracks to the other Mickey Mouse cartoons and as expected, they were instantly accepted.
December of 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released as the first full length animated musical. Over the next 5 years, Walt Disney Studios produced Pinocchio, Bambi, Fantasia, Dumbo and the rest is history.
December of 1937, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs was released as the first full length animated musical. Over the next 5 years, Walt Disney Studios produced Pinocchio, Bambi, Fantasia, Dumbo and the rest is history.