Ottawa animator makes mark on latest Disney film Zootopia

Disney's latest animated feature Zootopia features the work of an Ottawa artistwho says he always dreamed of working for the Magic Kingdom.

Trent Correy's mother was also an artist, so hebegan practicing his craft at an early age, attending summer art camps and participating in an animation course.

A graduate of Algonquin College, Correyhas won two Oscars, most recently for his work on the movieBig Hero 6.

Set sights on Disney

Correy told Ottawa Morningworking for Walt Disney Animation Studioswas a goal he set for himself early in life a goal he finally fulfilledin2012.

"I really just wanted to work in the industry and get paid for drawing. That was kind of my originalgoal," he said. "As Istarted working, I just set my mind to Disney and I can't believe it actually happened. Istill kind of pinch myself every time I walk inthe door."

Top movie companies such as Pixar, Sony and Dreamworksalso attract top artistictalent.ButCorreysays Disney was the only place he ever wanted to be.

"It was just always Disney for me. It has something to do with growing on great Disney films of the 90s," he said. "I grew up on Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast andLittle Mermaid. These were all big parts of my childhood."

Canadian content

Correy wasn't the only Canadian whose work is featured in Zootopia.

The film also includes the voice of CBC-TV's The National hostPeter Mansbridge,cast as animal anchor"Peter Moosebridge" in the film.

Correysaid he would haveloved to animate Mansbridge's character, "just to say that two Canadians contributed in the same scene."

The next film to feature Correy's animation will be Moana, set to be released in November.