Disney historian offers bits of Walt's wisdom during BVU presentations

This week, Disney Historian Jim Korkis gave multiple business presentations at BVU for both students and area businesspeople. He is featured with his book, "Vault of Walt," which contains numerous stories about Walt Disney, his movies and his theme parks.

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During a field trip to Disneyland and Walt Disney World, led by professors Henry Hardt and Jerry Johnson, students had the opportunity to hear Korkis' unique presentation of blending storytelling with business. Since they enjoyed his presentations, they invited him to come to BVU.

Korkis is well-prepared, with over 300 Disney-themed presentations in his repertoire, but selected what was just right for individual class and business presentations.

One of Korkis' speeches includes tools for small businesses to prosper in competitive markets.

"Disney started as a 'mom and pop' company that was small and independent, and competed against bigger companies," he said. "Now it has grown beyond and survived."

Although his presentations for BVU students were during early-morning classes, he said students enjoyed them overall.

"A general reaction was surprise," he said, following his classroom presentations. "I think they were expecting me to be wearing mouse ears, but they were pleased with the strength of the content, and the way it was presented, in an entertaining Disney manner."

With a background of working as Merlin the Magician at Magic Kingdom, writing/directing shows and narrating for several Disney videos, Korkis said he presents his content through "edutainment," a combination of education and entertainment, showing in-depth research of Disney themes and details.

Johnson commented that there is more to Disney than theme parks. "Jim does a great job of exposing the 'story behind the story.'"

BVU's new digital media major, which offers a thorough combination of all different types of media, can easily utilize Korkis' storytelling theme.

"Students are using ever emerging technology to tell timeless stories," Korkis said.

Almost 50 years later, classics like the Jungle Book still remain timeless for young viewers. Korkis pointed out that the four vultures who help Mowgli were supposed to be a parody of the Beatles, with similar haircuts and Cockney accents. However, Walt Disney decided to have them sing in a barbershop quartet instead.

"I don't know if people will remember the Beatles in 20 years, but barbershop quartets will always be around," Disney said, regarding his decision.

Korkis gave a further example of timeless media. His 6-year old nephew's favorite movie is Pinocchio. "It's like it was made yesterday," Korkis said of the 71-year old film. "There's no references to date it to a particular time period.

Although Korkis' first trip to Iowa was short, he said he hopes to return again. "I loved it; Storm Lake was a hospitable community," he said. "I even had the chance to visit some local businesses, including Honey Kissed Pizza."

He said he would like to visit Meredith Wilson and Bill Baird museums on his next trip.

Missed out on Korkis' visit but want to learn more? Check out his book, "Vault of Walt," available on amazon.com, featuring Walt Disney, his movie movies, his theme parks and other miscellaneous stories.