Walt Disney Biopic Coming to PBS Fall of 2015

Walter Elias Disney

In 1966, the year he died from lung cancer, Walt Disney was everywhere: 240 million people saw a Disney movie, 150 million read a Disney comic strip, 100 million tuned in weekly to a Disney television program, 80 million watched a Disney educational film, 80 million read a Disney book, 80 million bought Disney merchandise, 50 million listened to a Disney record, and close to 7 million visited Disneyland. No one before or since has held such a commanding place in American life.

Sarah Colt Productions

PBS and The American Experience  announced last year they were preparing a film on the life of Walt Disney. The film is set to debut on PBS this Fall.  The two hour film will provide viewers an in-depth look into the fascinating life and legacy of “Uncle Walt.”

The film will follow the life of Walt Disney from his humble beginnings in Marceline, MO to his most celebrated accomplishments. From the creation of one of the world’s most beloved cartoon characters, making the world’s first full length animated feature film to building Disneyland.  Disney’s greatest successes did not come without great personal sacrifices and hardships. This biopic will give viewers a look into not only the many victories but the many obstacles that shaped Disney into the man he was.

The documentary was written by Mark  Zwonitzer (“JFK and “Triangle Fire”) and will be produced and directed by Sarah Colt. (who brought us titles such as “RFK and “Henry Ford”) The film will feature scenes from Disney archives as well as the Disney Vault. It will feature interviews with artists who worked on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs along with original Imagineers who helped plan and create Disneyland alongside Walt Disney.

“No single figure shaped American culture in the 20th Century more than he.”