February 8th, 1926, marked a momentous event in animation history with the official founding of Walt Disney Studios. Here’s what you need to know about this iconic moment and how it shaped the industry's future.
Background
Brothers Walt and Roy O. Disney originally founded Disney Brothers Cartoon Studio in 1923 as an independent distribution company specializing in cartoons. However, they soon signed contracts with distributors such as Universal Pictures and MGM before teaming up with cartoonist Ub Iwerks to create their first commercially successful cartoon character, Mickey Mouse.
Becoming Walt Disney Studios
In 1925, Walt Disney began exploring other opportunities for his studio; most notably setting his sights on a feature-length animated film titled Alice in Wonderland, which would eventually become one of his earliest successes! However, after experiencing some financial difficulties due to rising production costs associated with this project, he and Roy decided to rebrand their studio as “Walt Disney Studios” in February 1926. This decision would prove critical for their future success.
Success & Expansion
The release of Alice in Wonderland was met with an overwhelming response from audiences worldwide, selling out theaters everywhere and making it one of Hollywood’s first blockbuster hits! This allowed them enough capital to continue exploring more significant projects like Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs (1937) – which remains one of the most beloved films ever made.
How Did It Impact Animation?
Walt and Roy were responsible for revolutionizing animation with the introduction of sound, color, and synchronization between audio and visuals; all enabling them to craft stories that resonated deeply with viewers worldwide. In addition, they also set up an excellent education system at their studios (which later evolved into today's famous Animator Training Program) designed specifically for training new animators – something which has become incredibly important within Hollywood today.
Legacy
Since its founding over 90 years ago, Walt Disney Studios has produced classic after classic at remarkable rates, spreading joy worldwide through timeless stories that will last forevermore. Their legacy is present not only within each new movie released but also throughout various parks and resorts found around the globe – cementing their place amongst true innovators within the entertainment industry!