The 3rd edition of the Sharjah Animation Conference; organised by the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA); crackled with laughter and nostalgia during a talk with twin animation legends Tom and Tony Bancroft, titled, “Disney’s Golden Age: Creating Animation That Lives for Generations.” The duo, known for their witty sense of humour, and more importantly for their work on Disney classics such as The Lion King, Mulan, and Aladdin, blended sharp industry insights with sibling banter, proving that even after 30+ years in animation, their chemistry remains as lively as the characters they are famous for.

From Snoopy sketches to Disney dreams

The brothers began the talk with a childhood anecdote, saying, “According to our mother we started drawing at the very young age of three-years-old, and she still has these sketches to this day,” Tom grinned, projecting side-by-side sketches of Snoopy. “Mine was technically accurate… but stiff as a board. Tony’s looked like a clumsy dog mid-sprint.” Tony shot back, “Hey, I was just preparing for my future animating warthogs and candlesticks!”

Their early rivalry-turned-collaboration eventually led them to enrol in CalArts, the Disney-funded arts school Walt himself envisioned, but finances nearly derailed their dreams. “Our parents told us unfortunately we would only have one year left, and we had to make a plan to somehow find employment,” Tony recalled.

Undeterred, the twins crashed a Disney recruiter’s portfolio review meant for seniors. “We sweet-talked our professor with puppy eyes and a lot of caffeine,” Tom quipped. The gamble paid off, and both landed internships at Disney’s studio in 1988. By 21, they became full time animators and were promoted to more senior positions by the age of 25.

Creating beloved Disney icons

Tony’s breakout moment came with Beauty and the Beast, where he animated the neurotic clock Cogsworth. “I related to him being constantly stressed, always ticking!” he joked. But it was his role as character designer and supervising animator for Pumbaa in The Lion King that cemented his legacy. “Pumbaa’s voice actor, Ernie Sabella, ad-libbed so much, we had to animate around his chaos. That warthog’s flatulence? Pure improv genius.” 

Tom, meanwhile, became Disney’s “character whisperer,” designing the fiery dragon Mushu for Mulan. “Mushu’s sass was 90% me, 10% Eddie Murphy,” he deadpanned. The character’s popularity stunned even him, saying “I’ve even seen Mushu tattoos. Tattoos!.”

Iron sharpens iron

The brothers’ chemistry shone as they debated their workflows. “Tom’s a perfectionist; he’d tweak an eyelash for days,” Tony teased. Tom fired back, “Tony’s ‘done’ when he’s bored. That’s why Pumbaa’s tail end is half-finished!” Yet their rivalry fueled creativity.

Tom stated a proverb they live by, quoting, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” to which Tony added, “Translation: We roast each other until the work sparkles.”

Post-Disney, the twins pivoted to mentoring, and Tom founded Lipscomb University’s animation programme in Nashville, with Tony joining him in 2021. Their most recent success is through hosting ‘The Bancroft Brothers Animation Podcast’, a #1 iTunes hit where they interview legends from the industry. “It’s like therapy, but with more doodling,” Tony said. 

They also continue to be pioneers in family-friendly animation, with Tony co-directing an ambitious faith-driven biopic, Light of the World, which was released this year; while Tom’s Pencilish Animation Studios champions stories for younger audiences. “We’re still making art that lasts,” Tom said, “But now with less deadline-induced panic.”

Closing the talk, the twins advised aspiring animators to embrace terrible drawings, and keep on practicing. “My first Snoopy looked like roadkill, and look at me now!” Tom added.