Disney Animates Songs in American Sign Language with Deaf Actors
Disney Animation Studios has unveiled 'Songs in Sign Language,' which reinterprets three popular tracks in American Sign Language (ASL): 'Beyond' from Moana 2, 'The Next Right Thing' from Frozen 2, and 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' from Encanto. Directed by Hyrum Osmond, who has a Deaf father, this initiative showcases performances by Deaf actors from Deaf West Theatre. The creative team, led by animation director Joel Reid, utilized reference footage of the actors' sign language. These songs will be accessible on Disney+ starting Monday in honor of National Deaf History Month. The project highlights ASL's unique grammar and character traits, featuring Deaf Colombian and Samoan actors. DJ Kurs noted ASL's significance as an art form.
Key facts
- Disney Animation Studios launched 'Songs in Sign Language' reimagining three songs in ASL.
- Songs include 'Beyond' from Moana 2, 'The Next Right Thing' from Frozen 2, and 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' from Encanto.
- Deaf actors from Deaf West Theatre in Los Angeles interpreted and choreographed the songs.
- Hyrum Osmond directed the project; he grew up with a Deaf father.
- The full songs will be available on Disney+ starting Monday in celebration of National Deaf History Month in April.
- Bruno's name sign uses a flipping motion behind the head; Moana's name sign mimics ocean movement.
- Casting included deaf Colombian actors for 'We Don't Talk About Bruno' and a Deaf Samoan actor for 'Beyond'.
- The team used reference footage of Deaf West Theatre actors' sign language as a basis for animation.
Entities
Artists
- Hyrum Osmond
- Joel Reid
- DJ Kurs
Institutions
- Disney Animation Studios
- Disney+
- Deaf West Theatre
- PBS Kids
Locations
- Los Angeles
- United States