It's A Small World: Planning The Total Scene

   One of my favorite things is the It's A Small World (A Disneyland Pictorial Souvenir) which I received last year as a birthday gift.  Towards the end of the book, after our whimsical tour of the attraction has ended, there are a few behind the scenes pages describing the making of the famous ride.  These pages are full of terrific colorful photos, including some of our favorite Imagineers! Lets take a look at one of those pages...

PLANNING THE TOTAL SCENE

 Individual animated scenes must be carefully planned in relationship to one another in a particular area. On the opposite page, two designers "direct" the action in a miniature set of Africa, planned exactly as guests will view it from the boats. 

Color plays one of the most important parts in creating the mood for each area. A wide variety of color was used to provide a "big splash" for the opening section, Europe. The sensation of brilliant sunshine, a visual expression of Middle Eastern and Asian "hot countries," was achieved with a one color scheme basically yel- low. The cool blues and greens of Africa give an impres- sion of night. Against the jungle-like background, the children and animals are contrasted through the use of yellows, oranges, reds, and other warm colors. Color arrangement is checked on an African model. 

Meanwhile, one of the figures, a hyena, is sculpted in plastilene clay, later to be painted by artist-craftsmen using photographs as their guide.