DVDizzy Forum

Carolyn Gair wrote:Director

The Walt Disney Company

May 2006 – January 2009 (2 years 9 months)

I developed and directed the art direction, pre-vis and story for the third TinkerBell movie for two years and saw it through four screenings. I also directed the development of a TV series "Princess Playdate" that became a green lit project until it was shelved due to runway congestion.

Carolyn Gair wrote:2005-2007

Director of Development

PRINCESS PLAYDATE

Disney Special Projects DVD Series

Frank Montagna wrote:Art Director

DisneyToon Studios

October 2005 – May 2006 (8 months)

Princess Playdate Pilot.

Created development art work including all character design, background, and color styling. Collaborated with Director and Producers to build series overview, story line, and overall look of the show. Supervised freelance artists.

After several years of success as an Illustrator, Frank [Montagna] returned to television animation in 2004 to work as a Layout Designer for the show, Hi Hi Puffy Ami Yumi on Cartoon Network. At the end of the third season, he was approached by DisneyToon Studios to supervise Art Direction for a development project called Princess Playdate.

Frank Montagna wrote:About four years ago [posted on May 2009], I was hired to develop a project about the Disney Princesses as little girls. Based on the extremely popular line of toddler dolls, the straight to DVD was supposed to teach little girls social behaviors using the princesses at an age they could relate to instead of aspire to. I have to say that this idea struck fear into the hearts of creative execs but after each pitch the idea would get a great response. Unfortunately just as the show was nearing a greenlight there was a huge management change at Disney and the project was shut down. Here are some images that I created for the show based on story panels by the fantastic Carolyn Gair.