Honoring the Animated Classic: Designing Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration

To recreate the timeless enchantment of “Beauty and the Beast” for ABC’s special event, “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration,” a team of talented individuals was assembled to breathe new life into the beloved tale. Presented by The Wonderful World of Disney, this unique blend of animation and live-action will premiere on Thursday, December 15, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with streaming available on Disney+ starting Friday.

At the helm of the production’s magnificent set design is Emmy® Award-nominated production designer Julio Himede. Himede, the founder of Yellow Studio, embarked on a mission to pay tribute to the 30th anniversary of the groundbreaking achievement when Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Beauty and the Beast” became the first animated film ever to be nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards®. Employing cutting-edge technology, the team sought to celebrate the original art while exploring a fresh and inventive creative approach.

Over the course of approximately 15 months, Himede and his team dedicated themselves to perfecting the production design. They delved into an initial romantic period of three to four months, during which they explored various concepts. Afterward, they began designing set pieces that would bring the different scenes to life. Collaborating closely with lead choreographer and executive producer Jamal Sims and costume designer Marina Toybina, Himede ensured a cohesive narrative that seamlessly intertwined set design, costumes, and movement.

As an ardent fan of the original film, Himede took extra care to honor its legacy. The team drew inspiration from the thousands of sketches created by the animators, gaining exclusive access to the Walt Disney Archives in Burbank. There, they immersed themselves in the rich history, immersing themselves in the tangible evidence of the film’s artistic journey. Moreover, they had the privilege of meeting Mark Henn, the lead character animator for Belle, paying homage to his contributions to the film’s enduring magic. Himede expressed his gratitude to Henn, acknowledging that every art piece, doodle, and sketch, even those that didn’t make it into the final film, influenced the set design and visual identity of the 30th celebration production.

Throughout the special, the animated and live-action worlds converge, emphasizing the connection between the two iterations of the story. For instance, black and white storybook sketches are featured in the “Belle” scene, symbolizing the harmonious blend between the animated and live-action elements. Himede explains that presenting Belle’s emergence from her house within a sketch world was a way to celebrate the art form of the film, signaling a commemoration of that pivotal moment. The performance culminates in a captivating transformation, as the black and white sketch blossoms into vivid color.

Original sketches serve as breathtaking backdrops, seamlessly weaving together the past and present versions of the story. Himede and his team utilized video projection and cutting-edge technology to ensure a smooth transition for the audience, as they witness the original animation evolve into live-action splendor. Overcoming the challenge, the production design successfully merges the two worlds, offering a seamless and immersive experience.

Undoubtedly, one of the most dazzling highlights of the celebration is the iconic musical number, “Be Our Guest.” Himede describes it as the film’s most exuberant and energetic song, posing a significant creative challenge for the team. Through six months of meticulous craftsmanship, they managed to reinterpret the number in their own unique way. The special rendition incorporates puppetry, beginning on a smaller scale and gradually expanding into a grand spectacle befitting the song’s exuberance and magnitude.

Directed by Hamish Hamilton, “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” boasts a star-studded cast. H.E.R. takes on the role of Belle, joined by Josh Groban as The Beast, Joshua Henry as Gaston, Martin Short as Lumière, David Alan Grier as Cogsworth, Shania Twain as Mrs. Potts, Leo Abelo Perry as Chip, Rizwan Manji as LeFou, and Jon Jon Briones as Maurice. The special is narrated by the legendary Rita Moreno.

With meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for the source material, the production design of “Beauty and the Beast: A 30th Celebration” brings forth an enchanting world that pays homage to the original while infusing it with new life and creativity. Viewers of all ages can immerse themselves in this magical experience, reliving the timeless tale and celebrating three decades of its enduring impact.

We bring out some of the most well-known Disney collection, all of which are available at reasonable costs. Visit our link now if you are interested in the Disney collection

Terk, Kala, Aladdin, Genie, Jafar