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In the Mid 1930s, Walt Disney had established himself as
a well off Hollywood animated-short producer. Mickey
Mouse's cartoon career was established, along with his
new friends; Goofy, Pluto, and the popular Donald Duck.
Because of the depression, Theater owners had to provide
more entertainment for viewers, adding double features.
Even though Disney shorts drew crowds into theaters,
theater owners weren't booking cartoons. At the same
time, costs began to rise on animated production. Walt
knew that animated features would come eventually, all
his planning had been pointed in that direction; with
quality animators, sound, and color. Walt Disney's
"Silly Symphonies" were providing tests for new mediums
and techniques in animation.
In 1934, Walt declared it was time to move forward
and create an animated feature-length film. Roy (Walt's
brother, and financial officer) was alarmed at Walt's
decision. Fiscal returns from previous films came in
slow. Profits were down. Walt wanted to spend at least
$50,000 to make this film. Lilly (Walt's wife) and Roy
were both appalled at Walt's decision. Walt's choice
could not be changed.
Disney animators were first told of this new film by
Walt himself. After returning from the cafe across from
the studio Walt called a few of them into the sound
stage. "C'mon in the sound stage. I've got something to
tell you guys." Walt preceded to tell the story of
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The story took two
hours to tell, the animators sat teary eyed from the
wonderful tale. "That's going to be our first Feature!"
Walt proudly announced.
By late 1934, Walt had created a special unit of men to
work on developing a better story. The plot had been
transformed from Walt's story, and characters were
forming. Walt established the "seven dwarfs"
characterization, by giving each character the name.
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