Disney's "Illusion of Life" in The Animation Library

The original animation bible

Escape Studios Animation Library has acquired a new copy of the original "animation bible": The Illusion of Life by Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnstone, two of Walt Disney's legendary "Nine Old Men" - his top team of animators.

The Illusion of Life was first published in the 1970s, and was the first book to reveal in print the secrets of the Disney studio.   

The 1970s were a lean time for animation; Walt Disney was dead and the revival that would come with Who Framed Roger Rabbit and The Little Mermaid (and, later, 3D animation) was still far in the future.

The Illusion of Life remains just as relevant today. The technology has changed, but the principles remain the same. 

Eric Goldberg Created a "Disney Legend"

Animation legend Eric Goldberg has been officially created a "Disney Legend" by the Walt Disney Company.

Becoming a Disney Legend means receiving the highest honor that The Walt Disney Company can give to an individual.

The award started in 1987. It celebrates people who have made a significant and lasting impact on the history and legacy of Disney animation. 

I worked under Eric's direction both on the feature film Pocahontas and later on the cartoony "Looney Tunes - Back in Action", animated in the snappy Warner Bros style.  

Why Disney Always Rejected 1st Time Applicants

Back in the 1980s when I was starting my animation career, it was said by the old-timers in the animation business that anyone wanting to be an animator at Disney had to apply twice —because the first application would be rejected by default. This wasn’t an official policy, but rather an unspoken test of determination.

Disney, at the time, was the global animation leader (arguably it still is), and competition for jobs was very fierce.  The idea was that only those with true passion and perseverance would push through rejection, refine their portfolios, and reapply. It separated the dreamers from the truly committed.