D23 media conference call notes

Below are notes from the D23 media conference call that took place at 4:00p.m. Eastern today. We've done our best to identify everyone and paraphrase accurately what was said. The notes were taken while the call was going on so complete sentences are always used in an effort to keep up.

On this call are Steven Clark, head of D23 and Dave Smith of the Walt Disney Archives and Marty Sklar of Walt Disney Imagineering.

Steven Clark: The name D23 pays homage to the year that the Disney studios began - 1923. It celebrates the humble roots of the company, the past 85 years and the future. Important to that legacy are the fans. There have been many requests over the past few years for an official fan club. Up until now that's been handled by individual business with things like the Walt Disney Collectors Society and Annual Passports. Sharing the treasures of the vast company archives is a big part of what D23 represents but every part of the company is an important part and much more is to come. D23 goes backstage and behind-the-scenes to meet those that make magic happen. Here are the aspects:

• D23 website - http://Disney.com/D23. Open to everyone.
• Membership: One year is $74.99. Includes on year of Disney Twenty-Three quarterly. Exclusive gift from Archives Collection. Membership certificate created by Dave Pacheco. Access to exclusive merchandise and special events. Bi-weekly email D23 Fanfare. Discount on admission and early entry to the D23 Expo. Join by the end of the year to be considered a charter membership.
• Disney Twenty Three quarterly publication - Collectible, 63 pages of uninterrupted Disney. No advertising. First issue has exclusive interviews with Tim Burton Zac Efron and Vanessa Hudgens, the creators of Up with exclusive concept art, tour of Pixar. The magazine is intended to take fans far beyond that would normally get on their movies, etc. Current issue at Barnes and Noble and Disney theme parks, DisneyShopping.com and Disney Stores. Back issues only at the D23 website.
• D23 Expo: Detailed the same info that's been available elsewhere (see press release and D23Expo.com). Open to everyone but discount and early admission for members.

Marty Sklar: Looking forward to sharing stories as the only Disney Cast Member to be at the opening of all Disney theme parks around the world. This goes back to Walt's dedication "Disneyland is your land.". Has already written for both the first and second issues and is putting together a panel of Imagineers for the Expo in September.

Dave Smith: Shares a history of Disney fandom. Early 1930s - Mickey Mouse Clubs that gathered at theaters. In 1950s the TV show Mickey Mouse Club and everyone who watched was a member. After Disneyland's opening the Magic Kingdom Club but it's primary focus was the theme parks. In 1993 Walt Disney Collectors Socierty focusing on collectors. After the archives were created in the 1970s fans began directing their questions there and that's why the Archives are an important part of this. Without an official club fans created their own in 1980 with the Mouse Club and the NFFC in 1984. Dave Smith was the unofficial liaison and he began attending to advise and act as a resource. The archives are thrilled to be a part of this fan experience.

We are creating what we, as fans, also want to see so it will be exciting to see how this develops in the years to come.

Questions
Note: We've done our best to give the name and affiliation of each questioner but did not get them all and spelling may be incorrect. All answers were given by Steven Clark except where noted.

Q: Tim Calloway -  There are aspects of D23 reminiscent of Disney Magazine, the Disney Yearbook, etc. What's changed to make this viable now?t

A: This is the first time it's been operated through the Company instead of an individual business unit and in conjunction with the Archives. It's supported from the very top with Bob Iger and is focused on answering the fan's demand for something like this. First time he's seen such support all across the company for something like this.

Q: Al Lutz, MiceAge ; Considered a lower price point for entry level?

A: It's not a one-size-fits-all. Anyone can enjoy the D23 website at no cost. The D23 Expo is not member exclusive.

Q: Lou Mongello, WDW Radio: Obviously you've been watching Disney fan sites. How will it fit in or coexist with online organizations and things like the NFFC? And will there be a way for fans to interact other than the Expo and events?

A: There is such a vast world of stories, perspectives, etc and we don't pretend to be the only one. We believe there's room for everyone. As for interaction, more elements will be coming. Also, you may see others with D23 buttons or merchandise in the parks and have that interaction. Regarding travel, it will be in Anaheim for the next four years, then likely alternating with Disney World and possibly International as well.

Q: Michael Reagan, KFO radio. Will fans eventually be a part of a D23 executive team or something like that?

A: That's not something we've thought of but will consider. But also so many people currently involved within the company are very passionate about the company so a lot of what you'll be getting is exactly what we want to see as fans as well.

Q: Roger Sholey, San Diego Union: How many people are doing D23 full time?

A: It's not a lot of people, a tight core team. We work with the entire Archives team. We have a full time staff of about 5 people working on the website and publication. And a lot of writers working on specific stories.

Q Follow-up: Where does PR end and the serious, critical look at Disney begin?

A: We know our fans consume a great deal of Disney info. By the time we do a story the fans already have seen lots of info on what we're writing about. We want to move beyond the PR. For example, the first issue, the TIm Burton story, that's a picture from the set.

Q: Arthur Levine, About.com - Already touched on, how might the theme parks play into this?

A: Hard to say because we're still working on things. I have a couple of very specific events in mind. In more general terms, events with attraction openings including new DCA attractions, perhaps an advanced experience. Special evening events at the park.

Q: Follow-up - Events at Imagineering?

A: Marty Sklar -  That's pretty hard because it's a small complex. However, Adventure by Disney already is. But more likely you'll get behind-the-scenes information and knowledge that hasn't been made available anymore.

Q: Doobie Moseley, LaughingPlace.com - Will there be a way for fans to contribute content to D23 whether it be the website or magazine? And is there a way for some of these communities mentioned like NFFC or the websites to be a part of D23 or the Expo is any kind of official way?

A: 1) That's something worth looking into 2) We will continue to provide seminars and content for the NFFC annual convention. We would love for NFFC and any other organizations to have a presence and a role at the Expo. One of the events is a fan forum where fans can get tables, but more details will come at D23Expo.com

Marty - Dave and I are fans and participants of the NFFC.

Q: Jim Hill - How long has this been in the works?

A: The anecdote about the evening out at the archives was about 3 years ago. Last year was the question at the annual meeting and Iger said something was in the works and he was referring to what would eventually be called D23. As with everything things take time and they evolve but the conversations truly began 3 years ago.

Q: MousePlanet.com - Can you talk more about the members only collectibles?

A: Walt DIsney Archives Collection was created with D23 members in mind. Some of the things we're starting with are a high end production cels from Song of the South and the Mad Doctor. Figurines - Walt with Oswald. Working with Consumer Products and Theme Park Merchandise for future products. Would like to do a faithful reproduction of the snow globe from Mary Poppins, stuff from Tron, tons of ideas, could go on for hours.

Q: Howard Price - Any plans to interface with other Disney online products like Disney Rewards

A: We work closely and will have special offers for people who are members of both. The D23 community does have what we call subcommunities like Disney Rewards, Disney Vacation Club, Annual Passholders.

Q: Can fan sites participate in the Expo?

A: Yes, D23Expo.com will in the coming month or two have info on how to exhibit at the Expo.

Q: Tom Corless, WDW News Today - 1) Any plans to offer hotel or ticket discounts for out of towners going to the Expo

A: Yes, info will be at D23Expo.com. Tickets will go on sale around the beginning of May and there will be special rates both for Disney and hotels from the Anaheim Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Q: 2) Will any of the D23 merchandise be available at the parks or Disney Store?

A: Have discussed but right now only on DisneyShopping.com

Marty: It's important that this not end up being only about merchandise as Disneyana did. This is about communicating and involving our fans and getting them to be even a bigger part of the company than they are now.