Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats: Behind the Stop-Motion Magic

September 30, 2023

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On a wooden worktable topped with black fabric sits a group of the stop-motion puppets from the Halloween special Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats. The puppets include Witch Hazel and five Disney characters in Halloween costumes: Mickey Mouse as a blue monster, Minnie Mouse as a spider, Daisy Duck as a princess, Donald Duck as a frog prince, and Goofy as a ghost. Behind the puppet display is a poster for the show and an enlarged print of a still image from the special, depicting the Disney characters trick-or-treating on a street.

In a quiet studio near Burbank, California, a Halloween transformation is taking place. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck, Goofy, and Daisy Duck are all on set—as puppets. This is the world of Stoopid Buddy Stoodios, the stop-motion powerhouse behind Mickey Saves Christmas and the all-new Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats, now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu.

The show, which premiered October 1 on Disney Channel, Disney Junior, and Disney XD, begins as the friends embark on a Halloween night full of costumes and candy. However, when they knock on the door of Witch Hazel’s haunted mansion, she casts a spell that transforms them into their costumes. From princesses to ghostly Goofys, the results are as hilarious as they are heartfelt.

The stop-motion puppet representing Minnie Mouse, in the form of the six-legged Spider Minnie, is suspended in the air in front of an elaborate camera setup. Behind her is the miniature set for Witch Hazel’s attic.

Meet the Puppets and the People Behind Them

The animation process is just as magical as the story itself. Each character, including a hovering “Spider Minnie,” is a handcrafted puppet brought to life by talented animators. To create just a few seconds of footage, animators spend days adjusting movements millimeter by millimeter. Because 12 frames are captured per second, the process requires exceptional patience and precision.

To highlight the artistry involved, Director David Brooks explains, “There is an intangible, magical quality to stop-motion. You see the artists’ fingerprints—not literally, but in every detail.”

Ethan Marak, the animation director for Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats, holds a Spider Minnie puppet in his right hand and a replacement face for the puppet in his left hand. He is wearing glasses and a blue denim shirt and is looking down at the puppet. A computer, monitors, lighting, and other studio equipment can be seen behind him.

Inside the Puppet Hospital

Meanwhile, Jenny Hogan oversees the Puppet Hospital, a small room where backup puppets wait to be called to set. Puppet wrangler Baylee Wallace is always ready with a quick repair, ensuring each performance continues without interruption. Every puppet includes a magnetic “face kit” with replaceable parts that express emotion and deliver lines with clarity.

And yes, even Ghost Goofy is a real puppet. His glow is achieved with UV-reactive paint and layered post-production effects—yet all within the realm of traditional stop-motion.

Music and Magic

Adding to the Halloween charm are original songs by Beau Black, including “Fright Night,” “Alone on Halloween,” and “Friends Like You Make Halloween.” These catchy tunes bring extra energy and fun to an already spirited adventure.

From Daisy’s sparkling princess gown to Donald’s frog prince costume, every inch of the show is hand-built, painted, and animated. As a result, the finished product radiates heart, humor, and holiday spirit.

Why Stop-Motion?

It’s not the fastest way to tell a story—but it might be the most enchanting. “It all comes down to the story and finding the best way—not the most efficient way—to tell it,” Brooks says.

Catch Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats on Disney+ and Hulu and enjoy a new Halloween tradition crafted one magical frame at a time.

You can find more details and the full interview here Source link

Mickey and Friends Trick or Treats: Behind the Stop-Motion Magic