“The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.” ~ Walt Disney
This quote from Walt Disney could be the theme of the new documentary Walt Disney: Behind the Magic, which I am proud to be part of. Connecting with Walt listeners know I have been critical of some biographies and documentaries about Walt Disney. Frequently, they include hearsay, statements taken out of context, urban legends, and suppositions rather than facts.
Walt Disney: Behind the Magic focuses on Walt Disney, the obstacles he encountered, how they contributed to who he was, and his perseverance that made his visions a reality.
The documentary serves as primer to the life of Walt Disney from starting The Disney Brothers Studio with his brother Roy, to creating the first full-length animated feature film when cartoons were losing popularity, the highs and lows of running an animation studio with his brother, the challenges of the 1941 Animators’ Strike, to the chaotic opening day of Disneyland. Along the way, we learn of his bond with his brother, the tragic loss of his mother, his relationship with Lillian and their daughters, and the effect this all had on Walt and the entertainment he created.
Sharing stories about Walt Disney are:
- Imagineer and Disney Legend Bob Gurr
- Original Mouseketeer Cubby O’Brien
- Associate Professor of Film & Television Studios at University of Vermont Sarah Nilsen
- Disney Historian and Host of Connecting with Walt Podcast Michael Bowling
So, how did I become involved with the documentary? I was contacted by the production manager of AMS Pictures who makes documentaries for Reelz TV in May 2023. Someone on her team is a listener of Connecting with Walt and recommended that she reach out to me about a documentary they were planning to make about Walt Disney.
We set up a time for a phone call and talked for about an hour or so about Walt Disney, his legacy, and the documentary. At the end, she asked if I would like to be a part of the production. Since I had already done my research on the company and felt we had a good rapport over the phone, I was very honored to be asked and accepted.
A few weeks later, arrangements had been made to fly me down to Southern California where a driver transported me to Bob Gurr’s studio where he films his videos. Whilst Bob was finishing up his filming for the documentary, I was treated to lunch with some of the team.
After chatting with Bob for a few minutes, it was my turn to be filmed. I had been given most of the questions in advance for review and research along with links to a few other documentaries they created so I would know what to expect. After the team set up the lights, camera, recording, etc., I was interviewed for about four hours.
With the documentary being 44 minutes, I am impressed with the editing that went into the creation of the show and with how much must have been left over from all the guest interviews. I can’t imagine the time it took to go through all the interviews, determine what to use, and intertwine our statements together to tell the story of Walt.
Everyone associated with the making of the documentary was friendly and professional and always put me at ease and made sure I was comfortable.
As the months progressed, I sort of forgot about the documentary and assumed I would not “make the cut.” However, a year later I was once again contacted by the production manager and told the documentary would debut on Reelz TV and Peacock in June 2024. I later received a very nice handwritten note thanking me for my participation in the documentary and for making it special. And, yes, I did receive a stipend for my involvement.
Nervously, I made the decision to watch it alone in case I made a fool of myself. Friends and family had seen the trailer in which I appeared and offered positive comments. I settled into my armchair and prepared for the worst. At its conclusion, not only was I pleased with my performance, I was delighted with the whole production. Walt Disney: Behind the Magic offers a well-balanced and fair view of Walt Disney and his career highlights. It would be a wonderful introduction for someone just learning about Walt or for someone who would like to spend 44 minutes celebrating Walt and his legacy. It is sure to spark conversation.
Walt Disney: Behind the Magic may currently be viewed on Reelz TV and Peacock.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed being a part of it.
Michael Bowling is the Disney Historian for The DIS Unlimited and host of the Connecting with Walt Podcast. He lives in Northern California. With his late wife Carol he has two adult children and one granddaughter who shares her grandfather's love of all things Disney. Michael's passion for Disney began during his first visit to Disneyland as a one-year old when some Pixie Dust got into his bloodstream during Tinker Bell's flight over Sleeping Beauty Castle. Since then he has learned all he could about the Disney magic and shares it freely with his students, family, neighbors, co-workers and pretty much anyone who will listen. Michael is a Disneyland and Walt Disney World annual passholder, D23 Gold Charter Member, DVC owner and The Walt Disney Family Museum Charter Member. With his family he has spent time at Disneyland and Walt Disney World, has traveled with Adventures by Disney and Disney Cruise Line, and relaxed at Aulani. Michael has been been able to visit all the Disney Parks with friends he has met through The DIS Unlimited. When Michael is not at the parks or spending time with his family or in his garden, which is filled with Disney topiaries and statues, you can find him at The Walt Disney Family Museum in San Francisco or at the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary where he is a docent. Michael enjoys reading about Disney history and learning all he can about Walt Disney and those who make the magic happen for all of us.
