9 all-new ‘Making Of’ vignettes showcase the design and production of the animation master’s directorial debut, a beautifully hand-drawn short film about a young Ukrainian girl who discovers an orphaned baby Siberian tiger and realizes she must either raise him or leave him to the perils of the snowy wild.
We’ve got a trove of great new Making Of vignettes shared by Andreas Deja, the celebrated Disney animator, that chronicle different aspects of the 10-year journey to bring his directorial debut, Mushka, to the screen. The Disney Legend, responsible for bringing to life some of the most beloved characters in animation history (Jafar, Scar, Gaston, Hercules, Lilo, Tigger and more), has just released the videos to showcase the production of his love letter to hand-drawn animated classics, a 29-minute film that tells the story of Sarah, a young Ukrainian girl who discovers an orphaned baby Siberian tiger and realizes she must either raise him or leave him to the perils of the snowy wild.
In addition to animating a large portion of Mushka himself, Deja enlisted a small, highly-talented team that included craftspeople from around the world, such as legendary Academy Award-winning Disney songwriter Richard M. Sherman, who created Mushka’s theme and a moving end credit song, arranged and produced by Fabrizio Mancinelli. The videos have been released on YouTube and the film’s website.
Plus, you can check them out here – along with the film’s trailer! Take a few minutes as well to read AWN’s in-depth interview with Deja, who discusses his legendary Disney career as well as the making of his beautifully hand-drawn short.
Andreas Deja – discussing his journey from 30 years at Walt Disney Animation Studios, to the idea and inspirations for Mushka.
Richard M. Sherman with Andreas Deja – the celebrated Songwriter recalling the origin of his work on Mushka and what he believes always drives the best storytelling.
Fabrizio Mancinelli – sharing his experience as Composer of the Original Score and Arranger and Producer of Mushka’s Theme Song, including working with both Andreas Deja and Richard M. Sherman.
Richard M. Sherman with Fabrizio Mancinelli – noting the origins and process of coming together with Andreas Deja, to create Mushka’s song and score.
Andreas Wessel-Therhorn – the Character Animator relating the team’s love of hand-drawn animation and joy of working on Deja’s passion project.
Courtney DiPaola – the young Character Animator sharing her delight at being selected after a ‘Tiger Test’ and joining Deja’s team.
Daniel Ernesto – reflecting his gratitude for the opportunity to add his own stamp with Deja as Effects Editor on Mushka.
Holly Sedillos – Singer of the beautiful ‘Mushka’s Lullaby’ end credit song, performs as Composer Fabrizio Mancinelli notes the creative process of bringing the song to life.
Matthieu Saghezchi – the Editor/Storyboard Artist sharing his experience working with Deja to develop the Mushka story through years of development and animation.
Mushka made its World Premiere as part of the 2023 San Francisco International Film Festival (SFFILM) before appearing as an “Official Selection’ at over a dozen film festivals across the world during the summer, including the Los Angeles premiere at the 19th HollyShorts Film Festival. The film has won multiple awards, including ‘Best Animation’ at the San Jose International Short Film Festival, a ‘Children’s Jury Award’ at UK’s Encounters Film Festival, the ‘Kids Award’ at the 41st Sulmona (Italy) International Film Festival and the ‘Shorties’ Award at Palm Springs ShortFest. In November, the end credit song was awarded ‘Best Song-Short’ by the Hollywood Music in Media Awards, for Richard M. Sherman’s ‘Mushka’s Lullaby.’
Dan Sarto is Publisher and Editor-in-Chief of Animation World Network.
