Character Question

[DznyChick]

So I just got finished watching the Full House episode where they are located at Disney, and I just had a couple of questions regarding any of the several sitcoms that "vacation" at WDW or any of the Disney parks.

1. Are the character performers CMs, or are they actors? If they are CMs, how are they selected to be on the show?

2. Are the characters in costume through the entire taping of the show? If not, how do they deal with the children on set and the characters?

3. Between takes, are the characters performing as their character, or do they just put on their "Disney face" for the cameras?

4. How does the director go about directing a character? Do they treat them as if they were the character, or just another actor?

I know that's asking a lot, I'm just curious. I know Disney takes a lot of pride in their privacy and preserving the magic, but I'm sure it's quite a challenge to put it on screen. Thanks ahead for your responses!

 

[WDWKat26]

Answers are below your questions.

So I just got finished watching the Full House episode where they are located at Disney, and I just had a couple of questions regarding any of the several sitcoms that "vacation" at WDW or any of the Disney parks.

1. Are the character performers CMs, or are they actors? If they are CMs, how are they selected to be on the show?
They're definitely CM's.

2. Are the characters in costume through the entire taping of the show? If not, how do they deal with the children on set and the characters?
No, they hang out in a separate area away from the actors.

3. Between takes, are the characters performing as their character, or do they just put on their "Disney face" for the cameras?
What do you think?

4. How does the director go about directing a character? Do they treat them as if they were the character, or just another actor?
They treat them definitely as the character.

I know that's asking a lot, I'm just curious. I know Disney takes a lot of pride in their privacy and preserving the magic, but I'm sure it's quite a challenge to put it on screen. Thanks ahead for your responses!

 

[DznyChick]

Thank you so much for your speedy reply. That answered a lot! :wave:

 

[danzingcutie12]

I beileve the Snow White in the full house episodes was an actress and not a WDW Performer.

 

[progroupie]

Disney has a group of CM's who are considered special event characters. Whenever you see a Disney character in a commercial, on a billboard, in a tv show, that's what department they're coming from.

 

[WDWKat26]

I beileve the Snow White in the full house episodes was an actress and not a WDW Performer.

No, they're all CM's.

 

[Green Lantern]

Kat, just curious, your quote, did you perform as Pluto? Or work for Disney involving Pluto, or just a big Pluto fan?

(Hope it's OK I asked!)

 

[nickeymouse]

Thnks for the information. It's really cool and magical that the actors and characters were in different rooms!:sohappy:

 

[mkt]

No, they're all CM's.

That got paid a bit more for that day's worth of work and had to sign a contract waiver for the appropriate union, likely AFTRA.