The Hand Behind The Mouse The Ub Iwerks Story
When we think of Disney and its iconic characters such as Mickey Mouse, we often forget the man behind the scenes who brought these characters to life. Ub Iwerks, a legendary animator and special effects creator, was the man responsible for the creation of Mickey Mouse and many other beloved characters that have become household names around the world.
Early Life and Career
Ub Iwerks was born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1901. He showed an interest in art and animation at an early age and began drawing cartoons for his high school yearbook. After completing high school, Iwerks started working at an art studio in Kansas City where he learned the art of animation.
In 1920, Iwerks met a young man named Walt Disney, who was also interested in animation. The two men quickly became friends and began working together on various animation projects. In 1923, they formed their own animation studio called Laugh-O-Gram Studio.
The Creation of Mickey Mouse
In 1928, Walt Disney approached Iwerks with an idea for a new character, a mouse named Mickey. Iwerks took on the task of creating the character and spent several weeks sketching and perfecting the design. The final design was a simple, yet iconic image that has since become one of the most recognizable characters in the world.
Iwerks was responsible for animating the first Mickey Mouse cartoon, "Steamboat Willie," which premiered in 1928. The cartoon was an instant success and helped establish Disney as a major player in the animation industry.
Leaving Disney
Despite the success of "Steamboat Willie" and other Disney productions, Iwerks grew dissatisfied with his role at the company. He felt that he was not receiving the recognition and compensation he deserved for his contributions to the studio.
In 1930, Iwerks left Disney and formed his own animation studio, which produced several successful cartoons and characters. However, the studio eventually went bankrupt and Iwerks returned to Disney in 1940.
Later Career and Legacy
After returning to Disney, Iwerks continued to work on various animation projects and special effects. He was responsible for many technical innovations in the industry, including the use of the multiplane camera and the creation of the first practical optical printer.
Iwerks passed away in 1971, but his legacy lives on through his contributions to the animation industry. He was posthumously inducted into the Disney Legends Hall of Fame in 1989 and his work continues to inspire and influence animators and filmmakers around the world.
Conclusion
Ub Iwerks was a true pioneer in the animation industry and his contributions to the field cannot be overstated. Without his talent and creative vision, we would not have the beloved characters and films that have brought joy to so many people over the years. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of artists and animators for years to come.