Disney's Tony Bancroft reveals animated comedy secrets at SAC

Held in SAC’s ‘Mecha Lab’, the session provided an invaluable masterclass, blending comedic precision with the timeless practice of classic animation, and drawing a diverse crowd of students, professionals, and enthusiasts eager to decode the alchemy of humor in motion.

Comedy, an art and a science

Bancroft, an animator and film director whose accomplished 35-year career spans Disney classics like Mulan (which he co-directed) and The Emperor’s New Groove, opened the workshop with a showreel and history of his work. Noting that comedy is both an art and a science. “Every laugh starts with a pose,” he declared, sketching a stretched and surprised scene of Pumbaa in real time. “A character’s form and traits are a punchline waiting to happen.” He demonstrated how Pumbaa’s rounded, lumbering form inherently communicates warmth and clumsiness, contrasting how Iago’s sharp angles and exaggerated eyebrows instil the feeling of mischief. “Your line of action is the backbone of the joke,” he explained with a pun.

Bancroft framed the animated gag as a mini-story; quite often posed in a three-part format, including the setup, problem, and punchline. Clarity of poses and timing were paramount, but contrast; shifts in speed, scale, or attitude; fueled surprise, and surprise fueled laughter. He outlined gag varieties, from the escalating tension of a running gag; like Kronk’s recurring shoulder-angel bit; to callbacks that reward attentive audiences. Action gags thrived on physical absurdity; think Pumbaa’s warthog charge; while freeze-frames such as Mushu’s petrified grin stretched a beat for comic effect. “A gag that builds,” he added, “is like a snowball; start small, add twists, and let momentum deliver the payoff.”

The UAE’s growing animation scene

Cultural connection anchored the discussion, with Bancroft applauding the UAE’s growing animation scene. He highlighted how regional comedic flavors and the wit of Arabic wordplay could universalise stories. As SAC 2025 continues through May 4th, Bancroft’s masterclass delivered exclusive insight into the inner workings of animation, positioning the conference as a major component for animation’s future in the region.

For more insights about guests and further information about the SAC 2025 agenda; featuring over 35 workshops and 16 panel discussions from global luminaries, alongside world-class concerts of your favourite animated soundtracks.