Disney’s latest animated short, Once Upon a Studio, has taken the world by storm, offering a nostalgic journey through the annals of Disney’s rich animation history. But like any great work of art, it underwent a series of revisions and edits before reaching its final form. The creators recently shed light on the moments and characters that didn’t make the final cut, providing a fascinating glimpse into the creative process.
The Art of Selection
Every artist knows that creation often involves making tough choices. For the team behind Once Upon a Studio, this meant deciding which moments and characters would feature in the final product. As Trent Correy explained, This initial version was a treasure trove of ideas, but not all of them could make the final cut.
“We knew from the get-go we wanted to represent everything from Snow White to The Outcoming Wish and shorts in between. That first pass might have been about 12 or 13 minutes.”
-Dan Abraham, Director & Writer-
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Dan Abraham delved deeper into the process, showcasing how the best ideas shine through even if it means leaving some beloved moments behind.
“Yeah, when Jennifer Lee said we need to make this then Trent and I threw every idea we had into a big thing and we edited it all together. We knew we were going to have to cut some stuff so we were hoping that the best things kind of rose to the top and stayed on the screen.”
-Trent Correy, Director & Writer-
A Tease for the Future?
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While the creators were tight-lipped about specific moments that were left on the cutting room floor, Trent Correy hinted at the possibility of revisiting them in the future. He playfully teases what may come next.
“Yeah, I don’t think we want to spoil what was cut out but we did manage to represent all the characters in there at some point, whether in the background or anything. Yeah, that’s true.”
-Trent Correy, Director & Writer-
Once Upon a Studio is a testament to the dedication and passion of its creators. The choices they made in crafting the final product showcase their deep respect for Disney’s legacy and their commitment to delivering a piece that resonates with audiences. While some moments didn’t make the final cut, they remain a cherished part of the creative journey.
About Once Upon a Studio
Premiere Date: October 15, 2023
Directors: Trent Correy, Dan Abraham
Writers: Trent Correy, Dan Abraham
Producers: Yvett Merino, Bradford, Simonsen
Cinematography: John Hasbrook, Daniel Rice
Music By: Dave Metzger
Production: Walt Disney Pictures, Walt Disney Animation Studios
Distribution: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Runtime: 9 Minutes
Synopsis
An all-star ensemble of beloved characters from Walt Disney Animation Studios come together
in “Once Upon a Studio” for a joyful, entertaining and emotional reunion as they assemble for a
spectacular group photo to mark Disney’s 100th anniversary. Featuring 543 characters from
more than 85 Disney feature-length and short films, “Once Upon a Studio” welcomes heroes
and villains, princes and princesses, sidekicks and sorcerers—in all-new hand-drawn and CG
animation—to celebrate 10 decades of storytelling, artistry and technological achievements.
Written and directed by Dan Abraham and Trent Correy and produced by Yvett Merino and
Bradford Simonsen, “Once Upon a Studio” makes it broadcast debut on ABC on Oct. 15, 2023.
What moments or characters would you have loved to see in Once Upon a Studio? Do you think the creators should release a director’s cut with the omitted scenes? Share your thoughts and join the conversation on social media!
KEEP READING: ONCE UPON A STUDIO Creatives Share Their Goals and Inspirations for The Magical Short
