Edwards AFB News

Walt Disney animators draw inspiration from Edwards aircraft

  • Published
  • By Kate Blais
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Here amid the number-crunching, data-streaming, hard-science world of flight test, nine artists from Walt Disney Studios in Burbank came in search of inspiration.

They found it.

"There is nothing cooler than these planes," said Mike Gabriel, art director at Walt Disney Studios. "Research is what fuels our creativity. We came to the source of what's real. We're here to be inspired. It's amazing how ideas pop into your head once you dig into research."

The artists, a group of Disney animators, visited the base Nov. 18 for developmental research on a feature film idea.

They were treated to a flightline tour, an inside look at both the C-130 and C-17 and a planeside briefing about the F-22 Raptor on the flightline.

Driven by research, the Disney animators paid close attention to the shape and design of the F-22 in order to help them produce an authentic aircraft with "militaristic sensibilities," should they pursue their film idea.

Mr. Gabriel, who directed Disney favorites such as "The Rescuers Down Under" and "Pocahontas", understands the necessity of authenticity.

On the flight line, the animators had to stay at arm's length, but at the museum they were able to get up close and personal with a full 360 degree view of the YF-22, the Lockheed Martin prototype developed in the 1980s.

The animators were able to take pictures in the museum and get a better idea for the shape of the aircraft.

"They wanted to get the essence of what a modern jet fighter looks like," said Fred Johnson, AFFTC Museum curator. "They were eager to see the aircraft up-close and were able to make good observations."

According to Lt. Col. Francisco Hamm, director of the Air Force Entertainment Liaison Office in Los Angeles, Edwards is an opportune location for movie studios due to its one-of-a-kind mission and location.

"I think this experience was unique and rewarding," said Colonel Hamm. "Most had never spoken to Airmen or been on an Air Force base, so I think they got a lot out of it. Industry professionals got to meet with Airmen and learn from each other. It was great to see."

"I felt like an 8-year-old boy walking around base," said Andy Harkness, Disney animation artist, who has worked on projects like "Mulan", "Lilo and Stitch" and "Brother Bear". "I think a lot of us may be switching careers after this visit."