Disney+ To Debut ‘Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language’
In celebration of National Deaf History Month, Disney+ will debut Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language.
The upcoming special will feature three animated musical sequences from recent Walt Disney Animation Studios films reimagined and animated in American Sign Language.
Directed by veteran animator and director Hyrum Osmond, Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language will include “The Next Right Thing” from Frozen 2, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto, and “Beyond” from Moana 2.
The Team Behind the Project
Osmond, along with producers Heather Blodget and Christina Chen, worked with artistic director DJ Kurns and the team at Deaf West Theatre to create the new versions of the songs.
Photo: Disney+
“When Hyrum approached me with a potential collaboration involving the integration of ASL into the fabric of Disney storytelling, it was an immediate ‘yes’ for us. Disney stories are the universal language of childhood. The chance to bring our language into that world was a historic opportunity to reach a global audience,” Kurns said.
“Working on this project was very emotional. For so long, we have known and loved the artistic medium of Disney Animation. Here, the art form was adapting to us. I hope this unlocks possibilities in the minds and hearts of Deaf children, and that this all leads to more down the road.”
Working With Deaf West Theatre
In total, Osmond’s team consisted of more than 20 animators who worked with a sign language reference created specifically for Disney Animation’s Songs in Sign Language.
DJ Kurns, sign language reference choreographer Caalene Sacchetti, and a group of eight performers from Deaf West Theatre reimagined and choreographed the lyrics into ASL.
Photo: Time
“In the majority of cases, we created entirely new animation,” Osmond said. “There were a lot of adjustments that we had to do within the animation to be true to the original intention.”
A Special Project
For Osmond, whose father is Deaf, the project was particularly meaningful.
“One, sign language is one of the most beautiful ways of communication on Earth. If ever there was a medium to showcase sign language, it was animation,” Osmond said.
Songs in Sign Language. Photo: Also Disney+
“The other big reason for doing this project is to connect with the Deaf community. Growing up, I never learned sign language, and that barrier prevented me from really connecting with my dad. This reimagining of Disney Animation musical numbers helps bring down barriers. It allows us to connect in a special way with our audiences in the Deaf community. I’m grateful that the Studio got behind making something so impactful.”
Photo: MickeyBlog
