Jim and Drew break down the animation world frame by frame, until you get the singular picture. If you love Disney animation, Pixar, and the classics that were hand sketched, or built out of 1's and 0's in a computer, this is the podcast that draws you in.
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Jim and Drew break down the animation world frame by frame, until you get the singular picture. If you love Disney animation, Pixar, and the classics that were hand sketched, or built out of 1's and 0's in a computer, this is the podcast that draws you in.
When “Chicken Little” Took Flight: Disney’s First CGI Gamble and What Came Next (Ep. 331)
Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor
51 minutes
3 weeks ago
When “Chicken Little” Took Flight: Disney’s First CGI Gamble and What Came Next (Ep. 331)
This week on Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor, Jim Hill and Drew Taylor mark the 20th anniversary of Chicken Little — Disney’s first fully computer-animated feature — and trace how the film’s rocky launch reshaped the studio’s animation strategy in the mid-2000s. Recorded the morning after Daylight Savings Time kicked in, this episode mixes history, humor, and behind-the-scenes insight as the guys unpack what really happened inside Disney Animation during one of its most volatile eras.
HIGHLIGHTS
Drew and Jim revisit the creative chaos that followed The Emperor’s New Groove and how Mark Dindal & Randy Fullmer’s next project evolved into Chicken Little.
Why Bob Iger’s early plans to buy Pixar cast a shadow over the film’s release.
How Chicken Little became both a casualty and catalyst in Disney’s CGI transformation.
Updates on the new Zootopia Zoobetter Together 4-D show at Animal Kingdom and why fans may want to wait for the Merrie Menagerie’s return.
Studio Ghibli Fest’s finale screenings of The Boy and the Heron, plus news on Laika’s upcoming Wildwood and ESPN’s animated Monsters Funday Football event.
Hosts
Drew Taylor — X/Twitter: @DrewTailored | Instagram: @drewtailored | Website: drewtaylor.work
Jim Hill — X/Twitter: @JimHillMedia | Instagram: @JimHillMedia | Website: jimhillmedia.com
Patreon
Support Fine Tooning and the Jim Hill Media Podcast Network on Patreon: patreon.com/jimhillmedia
Follow Us
Facebook: @JimHillMediaNews | YouTube: @jimhillmedia | TikTok: @jimhillmedia
Producer Credits
Edited by Dave Grey
Produced by Eric Hersey — Strong Minded Agency
Sponsor
This episode is brought to you by UnlockedMagic.com — where you can save up to 12% on Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando tickets, including hard-ticket events like Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Jollywood Nights.
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Fine Tooning with Drew Taylor
Jim and Drew break down the animation world frame by frame, until you get the singular picture. If you love Disney animation, Pixar, and the classics that were hand sketched, or built out of 1's and 0's in a computer, this is the podcast that draws you in.