Don Hahn is working on a new documentary about Howard Ashman.
Hahn, whose documentary Waking Sleeping Beauty also spoke extensively about Ashman, told us, “I haven’t talked about this a lot, but I’m working right now on a documentary about Howard… he’s one of the great songwriters of our generation and of the 20th century, and his life was cut short, and there’s so much of him in this film.” He added, “To be able to pay tribute through a documentary or through a film like Beauty and the Beast is terrific, and most of the audience will know Howard or his name, but to you and me he means a lot and he means so much of a huge part of the kind of Disney legacy that’s what our generation grew up with as filmmakers or as audience members.”
In the interview, Hahn first explains why he was so interested in telling Ashman's story, which is both triumphant and tragic. Hahn notes the incredible impact Ashman had on some classic Disney films, saying, "Howard's the one who taught us how to tell stories in musicals, Howard's the one who brought Alan Menken in." He later added, "Howard was responsible for so much of what we think of as 'Disney' now — not just in terms of the 90s but in terms of today." The Waking Sleeping Beauty director also says he currently has a rough cut of the documentary completed and plans on finishing it by the year's end. From there, he hopes to take it to film festivals before it will be available to everyone.
Looking forward to it. I imagine his sister is involved?
Listening to most often lately:
Ariana Grande ~ "we can't be friends (wait for your love)"
Ariana Grande ~ "imperfect for you"
Kacey Musgraves ~ "The Architect"
Disney's Divinity wrote:I imagine his sister is involved?
Yes, she is.
Sarah Ashman-Gillespie wrote:Don Hahn’s new documentary is, if not in the can, damn near the can. It’s been an extraordinary three years watching Don research the film, answering his questions, pulling out photos and home movies, suggesting other people he might want to interview.
Don and his producer, Lori Korngiebel found some long-forgotten talks – one at the 92nd Street Y and one during a round robin interview session publicizing Mermaid. They also discovered a tape of a phone call between John Musker, Ron Clements and Howard shortly before Howard died. It just about did me in when I first heard it. Not because of what Howard says but how he sounds.
I recently had the opportunity to see the film at a private screening – the first time I’d seen it with any kind of audience. It wasn’t quite finished but close enough. Don Hahn reminded me of Howard at previews of his shows, pacing in the back and looking slightly nauseated. Unlike Howard, Don was not gnawing at a pencil or chewing a piece of paper (a habit since childhood) but other than that I couldn’t help thinking back to so many previews and opening nights – good and bad ones.
blackcauldron85 wrote:^ Thank you! Still hope it comes to DVD!
Is there a reason it might not have a physical release? I didn't even think about that. I definitely plan to get it, too, just like Waking Sleeping Beauty.
Really sweet that Menken came back to do the music for this.
Listening to most often lately:
Ariana Grande ~ "we can't be friends (wait for your love)"
Ariana Grande ~ "imperfect for you"
Kacey Musgraves ~ "The Architect"
Love the poster. Looking forward to this and I also hope it gets a physical release.
We’re a dyad in the Force. Two that are one. "I offered you my hand once. You wanted to take it." - Kylo Ren "I did want to take your hand. Ben's hand." - Rey
I completely understand why Benson would be invited to have a part in this.
It's just really sad she holds such an awful view towards gays because Howard is gay too. I pity her. For Howard who gave her so much and yet she still holds this awful belief....I pity her.
It's fine. I tell myself Glen and Howard were the vital parts of that film anyway.
I have never understood how Jodi's view on gays didn't conflict with her being in The Little Mermaid. I would have thought she wouldn't do The Little Mermaid knowing Howard was gay and he was practically inventing Ariel and other parts of the film and they worked soooo closely together and she seemed to love him.
It's possible that she doesn't have a problem with other people identifying as gay, but she just doesn't approve of it in her own life. I know some Christians like that who don't really have an issue with it if it doesn't affect them. Which is somewhat hypocritical imo.
We’re a dyad in the Force. Two that are one. "I offered you my hand once. You wanted to take it." - Kylo Ren "I did want to take your hand. Ben's hand." - Rey