Rooftop students will picture new ways to use new media.  Students will create their own works and learn about the evolving art of animation by studying the films of Walt Disney and Pixar.

WALT DISNEY

WALT DISNEY and his brother Roy founded the Disney Brothers studio in 1923 with $200 in startup money from Roy’s disability pension, $500 borrowed from their Uncle Robert, and $2,500 that their parents, Elias & Flora, contributed after mortgaging their home. With the purchase of a used camera for $200, Disney began experimenting with storytelling through the art of film animation.   Walt Disney’s legacy, a company dedicated to creating quality family entertainment experiences, is still evolving today.

PIXAR

PIXAR was created in 1986, when Steven Jobs purchased the computer graphic division of Lucasfilm for $10 million, with the idea to explore how advancing computer technologies could continue to create “memorable characters and heartwarming stories that appeal to audiences of all ages”.  Pixar became Disney/Pixar when Disney purchased Pixar in 2006.

From Mickey and Minnie’s first cinematic appearance in “Plane Crazy” to Pixar’s latest feature film, “Up,” the Disney spirit is about tackling challenges with optimism, with the hope of creating something new.  DIsney said this about Disneyland, the theme park that he designed, built and operated, also known as the Happiest Place on Earth.  “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”

THE MUSEUM: THE WALT DISNEY FAMILY MUSEUM

The fascinating and inspiring story of Walt Disney, whose artistry, creations, and vision helped define 20th century American culture, will be brought to life at The Walt Disney Family Museum, which opens in San Francisco’s Presidio in the fall of 2009. The Museum will illuminate Walt Disney’s tremendous successes, disappointments, and unyielding optimism as he pursued innovation and excellence while entertaining and enchanting generations worldwide through his pioneering ventures.

OPENING DAY: OCTOBER 1, 2009 IN THE PRESIDIO

Plane Crazy (1928) was the first animated cartoon to feature Mickey and Minnie Mouse.  The soundtrack by Carl Stalling for this movie was added later, after the success of the first cartoon with sound, “Steamboat Willie.”