Aaron Blaise: From Disney Animation to Documentary Filmmaking
Aaron Blaise, a veteran animator and director known for his work at Walt Disney Animation Studios, is making waves in the documentary world with his latest film, currently premiering at the Sundance Film Festival. His journey, marked by a playful rebellion against his brother’s path and a return to his roots, showcases a unique creative vision and a dedication to authentic storytelling.
Early Influences and a Shift to Animation
Blaise’s initial foray into filmmaking was inspired by his older brother’s work in documentary filmmaking. However, seeking to forge his own path, he deliberately shifted his focus to animation and narrative work. “While I enjoyed filmmaking, I did not want to follow my brother’s exact footsteps,” Blaise explained. “So, as an act of rebellion, I quit documentaries and moved into animation and narrative work. Twenty-five years later, this road led me directly back into documentaries. The irony!”
The Power of Film as Storytelling
Blaise’s passion for film stems from its unique ability to evoke emotional responses and alter perspectives. He discovered that the combination of audio and visual elements offered a powerful medium for storytelling, surpassing the impact of his earlier pursuits in drawing and painting. “When I first started art school, I was really into drawing and painting…I realized that there was nothing quite like the language of film. That storytelling, through both audio and visual together, could provoke instant deep, emotional responses, alter perspectives and even change behavior,” he stated. He believes filmmakers are essential for providing diverse perspectives and fostering understanding.
A Childhood Imagination and Empathy
Blaise attributes much of his success as a storyteller to his enduring childlike imagination and emotional intuition. These qualities allow him to push creative boundaries visually while forging authentic connections with his subjects and audience. “My childlike imagination and emotional intuition and empathy allow me to push the story visually while connecting with my subjects and audience on an authentic level,” he shared.
Sundance Premiere and Inspiration
This year marks Blaise’s first submission to and attendance at the Sundance Film Festival. He approached the opportunity with a playful attitude, acknowledging the competitive nature of the selection process. “Somebody had told me that you have a better chance of winning the lottery than getting a feature documentary accepted, and since I was born in Reno, Nevada, I figured let’s roll the dice!”
He cites American Movie (1999), which premiered at Sundance, as a significant source of inspiration. The film’s blend of comedy and tragedy, and its portrayal of an artist struggling to create, resonated deeply with Blaise. “It was one of the first documentaries that had me laughing out loud…It was eye-opening. Also, seeing Mark Borchardt struggle to make his art made me realize that I was not the only one out there trying to make films with a ragtag group of friends armed with nothing but a dream, a camera, hot glue, and duct tape.”
Disney Legacy and Beyond
Aaron Blaise is credited as a director, alongside Robert Walker, of the 2003 Disney animated film, Brother Bear. Brother Bear grossed $250.4 million worldwide against a $46 million budget. Disney’s Brother Bear features music by Academy Award winner Phil Collins. Blaise previously worked as an animator on several Disney classics, including The Rescuers Down Under, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, The Lion King, Pocahontas, and Mulan. Brother Bear was the last animated film completed at Disney’s animation studio in Florida before it was shut down in 2004.
Blaise’s journey exemplifies a willingness to embrace unexpected turns and a commitment to storytelling in all its forms. His presence at Sundance signals a promising novel chapter in his career, blending his animation expertise with a newfound passion for documentary filmmaking.
Keep reading