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John Musker recalls his time with Howard Ashman and his influence on Disney's animated films with great detail. A fascinating read.

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Wow, this is really great. Thanks Sotiris. Every time I read about Ashman, I'm left feeling genuinely sad that he's gone. He sounds like he was truly an amazing person.

Thanks very much for posting these! They're amazing! I've been sitting here reading for the past 40 minutes. Can't wait for the next questions.

I agree with Howard 100%. "Daughters Of Triton" is an irritating song and the whole concept of the daughters putting on that little display for the kingdom is a strange one at that. An Atlantean version of a masque would've made more sense.

Disney's Divinity wrote:Thanks very much for posting these! They're amazing! I've been sitting here reading for the past 40 minutes. Can't wait for the next questions.

Me too. I was actually just going to skip them, as I feel I've read enough on Ashman already, but then I decided to give them a peak anyway. Glad I did. They're so open and honest that it's simply engrossing.

I thought this would be appropriate to post here, but it's a lengthy interview with John Musker that goes into some interesting information like his brief stint directing The Black Cauldron, the confrontations with Katzenberg and his writing process.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DVBhf3vdGXQ" frameborder="0"></iframe>

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Mu6wujQvxDs" frameborder="0"></iframe>

The most interesting bit that was really fascinating to hear was that Musker and Ron Clements wanted to adapt "We're Back!", but Spielberg had the rights at the time and eventually it would turn into an animated film in 1993. I personally think Musker and Clements would have done a much better job.

jpanimation wrote:I agree with Howard 100%. "Daughters Of Triton" is an irritating song and the whole concept of the daughters putting on that little display for the kingdom is a strange one at that. An Atlantean version of a masque would've made more sense.

First, he said the concert for the king was fine, but that it should be more regal, like a renaissance mask, but still a concert. Ariel missing her very own concert debut is a much bigger deal than her missing ball. I also think a concert does make sense what with Sebastian being a court composer, and I do know that in real life courts they did have the royal family members that could sing do so before all the people.

estefan wrote:I thought this would be appropriate to post here, but it's a lengthy interview with John Musker that goes into some interesting information like his brief stint directing The Black Cauldron, the confrontations with Katzenberg and his writing process.

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DVBhf3vdGXQ" frameborder="0"></iframe>

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Mu6wujQvxDs" frameborder="0"></iframe>

The most interesting bit that was really fascinating to hear was that Musker and Ron Clements wanted to adapt "We're Back!", but Spielberg had the rights at the time and eventually it would turn into an animated film in 1993. I personally think Musker and Clements would have done a much better job.

I'd love to hear what's he says in the video but I have hard time hearing. Can someone willing to write out a typed transcript of the videos or if there is one out there?

Reading about the various people who tried out for several roles was interesting. I especially like the back story for casting Ursula. I really would have liked to have heard Arthur's take, though I think Carroll worked out just fine.

awesome read....

so unfortunate he ashman passed away so soon...I wonder if without him and the iconic songs Mermaid would have still been Disney's "rescue" and I also wonder what would have happened to future movies had he not passed away.

I do wonder something else though...how long did Ashman know he was HIV-positive? Because in one of the answers John says he and his partner Bill were building a house on the country? Is Bill still alive? Is he, as well, HIV-positive? I hope no one minds me asking these questions, just popped in my head, while reading those answers.

Khonnor wrote:I do wonder something else though...how long did Ashman know he was HIV-positive? Because in one of the answers John says he and his partner Bill were building a house on the country? Is Bill still alive?

I've read somewhere that Ashman was aware by the time he started working on Beauty and the Beast and was scared to tell Disney in fear of how they would react but when he did they were very supportive and moved some of the production to New York to accomodate him and his treatment. I'm sure Bill is one of those interviewed in the 'making of' documentary on the BATB Diamond edition so I'm pretty sure he's still alive.

thank you for the reminder...

love reading these...

I noticed there aren't that many replies, so I just wanted to let you know I appreciate your keeping us updated, they're very interesting reads.

Same! I truly appreciate you updating this! I enjoy reading them!

^No problem, everyone!

Here's number 3.

The last one: Number 1!