The Walt Disney Family Museum, located in the Presidio of San Francisco, is home to a wealth of rare artifacts and memorabilia from the life and career of Walt Disney. One of the most significant pieces on display is the Multiplane Camera, a revolutionary piece of film technology that played a crucial role in animation history.
The Multiplane Camera was invented by Bill Garity in 1937, and it allowed animators to separate elements of a scene into background, mid-ground, and foreground layers. This groundbreaking technology created a more dynamic and immersive visual experience for viewers.
Chris Mullen, Marketing and Editorial Specialist at The Walt Disney Family Museum, describes the Multiplane Camera as a unique device of great importance. Its invention revolutionized animation by allowing animators to achieve more complex shots and movements than were possible before.
The Multiplane Camera was used in every Disney feature film up until the release of “The Little Mermaid” in 1989, showcasing its longevity and impact on the industry. One of its most notable sequences was found in the 1940 film “Pinocchio,” where intricate shots and dynamic movement were achieved through its innovative technology.
Operating the multiplane camera required a team of individuals working together to manipulate it from above or below depending on what they wanted to achieve. The museum had to be strategically arranged to accommodate this massive camera, with it spanning across multiple floors to showcase its grandeur and significance in Disney’s history of innovation.
If you have an interest in Disney animation or want to learn more about how filmmaking has evolved over time, The Walt Disney Family Museum is an excellent destination for you. Visit today to immerse yourself in the legacy of Walt Disney and discover how groundbreaking technologies like the Multiplane Camera transformed the world of entertainment.
