In the early days of American animation, few partnerships were as foundational and as complicated as that of Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney. Their creative synergy laid the groundwork for some of the most iconic characters and techniques in the industry. While Walt Disney is widely celebrated as the father of modern animation, the genius of Ub Iwerks remains a quieter but equally essential force in the history of animation. The relationship between Iwerks and Disney was one of collaboration, innovation, betrayal, reconciliation, and ultimately, legacy. This partnership not only shaped the trajectory of the Disney empire but also helped to define the animation industry in the 20th century.
The Origins of a Creative Partnership
Meeting at Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio
Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney first met in Kansas City in the early 1920s while working at the Pesmen-Rubin Commercial Art Studio. Both were young and eager to break into the world of animation. Iwerks, known for his extraordinary technical skills, was meticulous and deeply artistic. Disney, on the other hand, had a visionary mindset and strong entrepreneurial instincts. The two quickly bonded over their shared interests in drawing and animation.
Founding of Laugh-O-Gram Studios
After their initial collaboration, the duo co-founded Laugh-O-Gram Studios in 1922. Although the studio eventually went bankrupt, it served as an early training ground for their creative ambitions. Despite the financial failure, the experience solidified their working relationship and highlighted their complementary talents: Disney’s leadership and Iwerks’s animation prowess.
The Creation of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit
Work at Universal and the Rise of Oswald
In 1927, Disney and Iwerks were contracted by Universal Pictures to create a new character: Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. Iwerks played a pivotal role in designing and animating Oswald, bringing the character to life with fluid movements and expressive emotions. Oswald quickly became a hit, but the rights to the character belonged to Universal.
Loss of Oswald and a Turning Point
When Disney attempted to renegotiate his contract, he discovered that Universal had hired away most of his staff and retained ownership of Oswald. This betrayal marked a major setback, but it also led to a moment of reinvention. Returning to Los Angeles with only Iwerks by his side, Disney was determined to create a character he could own.
Birth of Mickey Mouse and the Peak of Collaboration
Designing an Icon
In 1928, Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney collaborated to create Mickey Mouse, a character who would eventually become the face of an entertainment empire. While the exact origins are debated, most historical accounts agree that Iwerks was primarily responsible for drawing Mickey, while Disney contributed to the character’s personality and storylines.
Steamboat Willie and Innovation in Sound
Their first successful cartoon featuring Mickey wasSteamboat Willie, which integrated synchronized sound and became a sensation. Iwerks animated nearly the entire short by himself, producing over 700 drawings a day. This remarkable feat showcased not only his talent but also the power of their combined vision.
The Rift Between Iwerks and Disney
Creative Tensions and Departure
Despite their early successes, tensions began to mount. Disney’s growing control over the studio and Iwerks’s desire for creative autonomy led to conflict. In 1930, Iwerks left the Disney Studio to start his own company, Iwerks Studio, backed by financial support from Pat Powers, a former Disney distributor.
The Iwerks Studio and Its Challenges
Although Iwerks was a brilliant animator, his studio struggled to compete with the polished storytelling and production values of Disney’s expanding empire. Characters like Flip the Frog and Willie Whopper failed to gain significant popularity. The venture ultimately folded, and Iwerks worked briefly with other studios before returning to Disney.
Reunion and Later Contributions
Return to Disney Studios
In 1940, Iwerks rejoined Disney, this time focusing more on technical innovations than character animation. The reconciliation marked a new chapter in their relationship one built on mutual respect rather than creative control. Though they were no longer the inseparable partners of the past, their collaboration continued in meaningful ways.
Technical Innovations and Legacy
During his second tenure at Disney, Iwerks contributed to several groundbreaking technical advancements. He developed the multi-head optical printer, which allowed for special effects like the underwater sequences in20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. His work on the xerographic process revolutionized animation by streamlining the inking process, first used in101 Dalmatians.
The Complex Dynamic of Friendship and Creativity
Complementary Strengths
The relationship between Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney illustrates how different talents can come together to build something extraordinary. Disney was the storyteller and businessman, while Iwerks was the craftsman and innovator. Their combined skills created the foundation for modern animation and entertainment.
Recognition and Posthumous Appreciation
For many years, Iwerks’s contributions were overshadowed by Disney’s fame. However, recent efforts by historians and filmmakers, including documentaries by Iwerks’s descendants, have brought greater recognition to his role in shaping the animation industry. He was posthumously honored with a Disney Legends Award in 1989.
Impact on the Animation Industry
Defining the Golden Age of Animation
The early partnership between Iwerks and Disney was instrumental in defining the Golden Age of American animation. Their innovations in both art and technology laid the groundwork for future animators. Mickey Mouse became a global icon not just because of marketing, but because of the combined efforts of two visionaries.
Lessons from Their Relationship
The story of Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney offers valuable lessons about creativity, ambition, and collaboration. It demonstrates how artistic vision can flourish through teamwork but also how personal differences can drive a wedge between even the closest collaborators. Ultimately, their reunion suggests that mutual respect can heal old wounds and lead to continued innovation.
Ub Iwerks and Walt Disney shared a partnership that was both productive and strained, filled with highs and lows. Their relationship was central to the birth of iconic characters and groundbreaking animation techniques. While Disney became a household name, Iwerks’s technical brilliance quietly shaped much of what made the early Disney magic possible. Their intertwined legacies continue to influence animators and storytellers around the world, proving that behind every visionary is often an equally brilliant collaborator.