Treasure Planet!

Welcome to a SPECIAL EDITION of the Piece of Advice Newsletter!

Good afternoon! Today we are looking into the history of a much overlooked Disney film; Treasure Planet! I was even lucky enough to ask a development artist for the film; Dennis Greco, a couple questions!

“Treasure Planet” (2002) remains one of Disney’s most daring and visually imaginative animated films; a bold reimagining of Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island” set among the stars. The idea came from directors Ron Clements and John Musker, who had already made their mark with classics like “The Little Mermaid” and “Aladdin”. For years, they dreamed of telling the familiar pirate tale as a space adventure, where galleons sailed across galaxies and the spirit of 18th-century exploration collided with futuristic wonder. After nearly a decade of persistence, Disney finally green-lit the project in the late 1990s. The result was a sweeping, heartfelt film that combined hand-drawn animation with state-of-the-art CGI to create one of the most ambitious visual worlds in the studio’s history.

At the heart of the film’s magic was its visual design; a striking blend of old-world charm and science fiction spectacle. The creative team worked under a “70/30 rule,” keeping seventy percent of the designs traditional and thirty percent futuristic. This gave “Treasure Planet” its distinct atmosphere, where brass and wood met holograms and nebulae. Among the artists who helped shape this look was Dennis Greco, a talented concept and visual development artist whose work helped define the film’s tone and environments. Greco’s designs infused warmth and texture into the futuristic settings, grounding the cosmic adventure in a sense of familiarity and wonder. His contributions to the ship designs and planetary landscapes were key in achieving the seamless balance between classical and cutting-edge.

When “Treasure Planet” was released in November 2002, critics praised its artistry and emotional storytelling, particularly the bond between young Jim Hawkins and the cyborg Long John Silver. The film’s mix of traditional animation and CGI was seen as technically groundbreaking, and its world-building was admired for its depth and originality. Yet, despite strong reviews, the movie struggled at the box office, overshadowed by major releases like “Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets” and “The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”. Its commercial disappointment was disheartening for the studio, but over time, audiences began to recognize its unique charm and craftsmanship.

Today, “Treasure Planet” is celebrated as a hidden gem within Disney’s catalog; a film that was perhaps too ahead of its time. Its heartfelt story, rich visuals, and imaginative world continue to inspire both fans and animators alike. The artistry of Dennis Greco and the vision of Clements and Musker brought to life a universe where adventure truly knew no bounds. Two decades later, “Treasure Planet” still shines as a testament to creative ambition and the enduring power of stories that dare to dream beyond the horizon.

Bonus Question:

Giancarlo: What was it like working on “Treasure Planet”?

Dennis: It was a lot of fun. I just wish my part lasted longer but as a development artist my role ends at the very beginning of production. That’s why a lot of what I did was changed quite a bit.

Piece Of Advice:

Giancarlo: What is this best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?

Dennis: As it pertains to animation; take your time and get it right, learn as much as you can about perspective and all of the other jobs around you that you can. Take criticism seriously and don’t take it personally. It is never personal, it’s help.

Thank you for reading! Have an amazing day and we will catch you again soon!

-Giancarlo