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Michael Eisner's Memo To Cast Members on Lilo & Stitch

Dear Fellow Cast Members:

One of the beauties of Disney animation is that, while there is definitely a consistent Disney "feel" to these films, each one has a distinct character all its own. Today, we're opening the latest Disney animated film, and it most definitely has a character all its own... and his name is Stitch. He's a mutant alien from the planet Turo and we certainly have never showcased a star quite like him. He's blue, has six legs, two antennae, is programmed to destroy everything he encounters and is tamed by a little Hawaiian girl who loves Elvis Presley music. As I said, this movie is quite distinct from all the others.

However, in keeping with the Disney animation legacy, it features breathtaking artwork and a story about core values that should resonate with audiences of all ages. I wish I could recognize every one of the hundreds of people who made "Lilo & Stitch" possible, but this would no doubt cripple the company's e-mail system, so let me just single out the film's producer, Clark Spencer, who coordinated the entire production at our fantastic Florida animation studio (this is their second feature, after the wonderful "Mulan"), and Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, the writing/directing team who first conceived this spectacularly original story that uses the unlikely settings of outer space and Hawaii to convey a message that is truly universal. They have created an incredibly lovable odd couple who live in an amazingly lush watercolor world, compliments of our unmatched team at Walt Disney Feature Animation.

Of course, the significance of this film goes far beyond its theatrical release. Guests will get to meet Lilo and Stitch at our theme parks, consumers are already collecting innovative merchandise and interactive games related to the movie, down the road there will be the video/DVD release, a TV series and, as always, the opportunities for still more outstanding entertainment will ripple throughout the company. But, it all starts with the movie. This summer, you and your family may want to pay Lilo and her pet alien a visit.

Michael

--Posted June 24, 2002
Source: Company Email via Bloomberg