Former Disney studio chief screens new documentary at Purdue
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — A former Disney studio chief and Purdue alumnus will present two screenings of his new documentary, "Waking Sleeping Beauty," on April 15 in Stewart Center's Fowler Hall.
Peter Schneider, the film's producer and also a former president of Disney Animation, will host the screenings and participate in question-and-answer sessions after each showing. The screenings, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., are free and open to the public.
The documentary, which is rated PG, follows the Disney animation department from 1984-1994. It’s the true story of how Disney regained its magic with a staggering output of hits including "The Little Mermaid," "Beauty and the Beast," "Aladdin," "The Lion King" and more during a 10-year period.
The Los Angeles Times called the documentary fascinating in a March 26 review. "This tale of artistic reincarnation is a classic show business story, not lacking in temper tantrums and clashing egos, and as told in 'Waking Sleeping Beauty' it's got a terrific inside Hollywood sensibility plus an unblinking candor that lets the chips fall where they should. Which, given who made it, is something of a pleasant surprise," the newspaper wrote.
"Waking Sleeping Beauty" received multiple honors in 2009, including being named an Official Selection at the Telluride Film Festival and the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as a Truly Moving Picture Award from the Heartland Film Festival and an Audience Award at the Hamptons International Film Festival.
The film opened in limited release in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco on March 26.
Schneider has had a wide-ranging movie and theatrical career. His directing credits include the current West End Production of "Sister Act, The Musical." His Broadway producing credits include the Tony-awarding winning "The Lion King," and "Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida."
During a 17-year tenure at the Walt Disney Co., Schneider was responsible for creating and distributing more than 50 movies including "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," "Remember the Titans" and "The Princess Diaries."
Schneider received his bachelor's degree in theatre and an honorary doctorate in fine arts from Purdue.
Writer: Natalie Palmer, 765-496-3006, ncfox@purdue.edu
Media contact: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
Source: Chris Sharp, 765-494-7884, ctsharp@purdue.edu
A publication-quality photograph of Peter Schneider is available at https://www.box.net/shared/4a4fffg94b
Note to Journalists: Chris Sharp, director of alumni relations and special events for the College of Liberal Arts, will coordinate interviews. 765-494-7884, ctsharp@purdue.edu