Working with Walt: Interviews with Disney Artists

by Don Peri

Includes interviews with Ken Anderson, Les Clark, Larry Clemmons, Jack Cutting, Don Duckwall, Marcellite Garner, Harper Goff, Floyd Gottfredson, Dick Huemer, Wilfred Jackson, Eric Larson, Clarence Nash, Ken O'Connor, Herb Ryman, Ben Sharpsteen. Walt Disney created or supervised the creation of live-action films, television specials, documentaries, toys, merchandise, comic books, and theme parks. His vision, however, manifested itself first and foremost in his animated shorts and feature-length cartoons, which are loved by millions around the world. Working with Interviews with Disney Artists collects revealing conversations with animators, voice actors, and designers who worked extensively with Disney during the heyday of his animation studio. The book includes fifteen interviews with artists who directed segments of such classic animated features as Dumbo and Fantasia . Some interviewed were part of Disney's famed team dubbed The Nine Old Men of Animation, and some worked closely with Disney on Steamboat Willie, his first cartoon with sound. Among the subjects the interviewees discuss are the studio's working environment, the high-water mark of animation during Hollywood's Golden Age, and Disney's mixture of childlike charm and hard-nosed business drive. Through these voices, Don Peri preserves an account of the Disney magic from those who worked closely with him. Don Peri of Davis, California, first gained the confidence of Disney insiders through his work with animator, director, and producer Ben Sharpsteen. He has written and published extensively on Walt Disney's productions.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 25, 2008

Reviews

[Tom Hinkle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. I like how it pretty much was a transcription of the conversation between the author and the imagineers. I feel that this help get a better understanding of the imagineers opinions about Walt Disney.

[Pamela Leming · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing and fascinating stories from the artists who worked with Walt Disney and were there from the beginning of Disneyland and everything Disney. Lots of history and behind-the-scenes. Easy to read, hard to put down! LOVED IT!!!

[Gijs Grob · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this book Don Peri has gathered interviews with fifteen Disney employees, conducted between 1976 and 1980. Except for the first one, with Ben Sharpsteen, all are presented in Q&A fashion. Peri seemed mainly interested in who Walt Disney was, how he was like. Thus we get a multi-faceted portrait of the man. It's a pity Peri's focus wasn't a bit more on Disney history, for about what happened when and why we learn much less. Nevertheless, the book is a goldmine of stories behind several films including the True Life Adventures, and of course the Theme Parks. The interviews with Ben Sharpsteen, Dick Huemer, Wilfred Jackson, Les Clark and Floyd Gottfredson are particularly insightful in Disney's golden age, with first-hand accounts on the origins of Steamboat Willie, the Silly Symphonies and assorted films. Practically all interviewees speak with love and gratitude about Walt Disney and their time at his studio. The Disney strike is mentioned several times, as is 'Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs' and its impact. The postwar period is less well covered, although Ken Anderson and Don Duckwell provide some welcome insights on Disney's silver age.

Because of its raw design (a series of interviews) 'Working with Walt' is not a very easy read, but it's a goldmine for Disney enthusiasts and historians alike.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some of the best interviews of the lesser known Disney artists, story men, directors, voice actors, and imagineers are in this book. The writer, Don Peri, was able to sit down and talk one-on-one with these fifteen amazing people who once worked with the infamous legend of a man, Walt Disney. They share their many different experiences and relationships with Walt which shows how complex of a person he was. (Example: While some saw him as a stern and demanding boss, while other saw him as a awe-inspiring father figure.)
In conclusion I'd like to share a quote from Walt mentioned by artist Herb Ryman: "I would rather entertain them (students) and hope that they will learn than to teach them and hope that they will be entertained." I recommend this book to any hard core fan who likes to read about the early years of the Walt Disney Company.

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interviews of people who worked with Walt Disney over the years. It's interesting to me because of a family connection with Disney Studios, and in fact, the volume I am reading was given to me by my cousin.

[Dianne Lipe · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a huge Disney fan, I enjoyed reading the stories told by the individual artists. I must say, however, that the interviews started sounding alike--pictures of the artists might have helped.

[Theodore Kinni · Rating 5 out of 5]

One-on-one interviews with Disney artists who were there in the Golden Age of Animation--great stories about Walt and the company.