THE LION KING

The Lion King is one Disney’s greatest masterpieces in the fascinating domain of animation.

As this historic story is being reproduced in 3D and shown in theatres, it is only worthwhile to reflect on the rich texture and the amazing sounds that enhance the beautiful story of life and learning through the touching growth of Simba, the Lion King.

Animation in general is a difficult process as the artists struggle to bring a touch of life to man made drawings. It is a process that involves a lot of effort on the part of the artists as they work day and night to bring a breath of life to their characters.

This process is no less daunting in companies and studios that take these productions seriously like the Disney Studios.

The Lion King; the eye catching tale of Mustapha and Simba; the story of a father and son or rather a parent and child is universal. So how did the talented Disney animators capture the heart of millions through this simple story? 

Here is a little summary of the huge task that was involved in this highly rewarding scripted story.

The late Roy Disney describes the Lion King as ‘animal allegories to tell human stories’.

This is exactly what the Disney animators have succeeded in producing through the use of scenes and gags shown through the useful techinque of storyboarding.

The artists imagined and reimagined the story to discover what would make it unique.

There is a hint of humour in the Lion King that adds to the touching tale that seeks to show the ‘emotional relationship between us and our parents’

The actors inspired and inspire the characters in animated productions. Its easy to see why this story is so humurous with the likes of Whoopi Goldberg and Jeremy Irons acting as Shenzi-one of the funny hyenas- and Scar respectively.

The actors are taken through the story with the use of storyboards.

Here’s a piece of news for animation ethusiasts, did you know that the sounds of the lions and other animals in Disney animated productions in particular are made by ventriliquists? I found that quite interesting as I always thought..frankly I dont know what I always thought  but to think that humans make those realistic sounds o flions roaring is truly fascinating. I think it helps one to understand the huge effort that goes into these masterpieces. 

Disney artists also get to travel to the locations that inspire the vibrant landscapes of these aniamted productions. For example, in the Lion King, the troop travelled to East Africa to help them visualise a background that would best describe the African landscape for the Lion King. 

The Music of the Lion King was undertaken by Elton John and Tim Rice and muscially directed by Hans Zimmer. I must say the Disney artists went all the way getting the South African composer Lebohang Morake ‘Lebo M’ to lead the African choir. Remember the African chant that leads to the opening sequence? Well that’s Lebo M. 

Here’s another piece of information for animation enthusiasts, the Disney animators get to study the animals up close to be able to draw and duplicate evry movement, every reaction made by these creatures. And in the case of the Lion King, that meant studying lions and cubs full frontal! Not an easy task I must imagine but it did produce amazing results as shown through the believability of the creatures.

The Lion King is undoubtedly one of Disney’s most successful productions and reminds one of an age when we were all able to experience and enjoy the full potential of imaginative animation. 

Here’s to the Lion King’s successful reapperance in theatres; acting as a window to an imaginative past and a hopeful future.

Tolu Falode.