Everything Everywhere Daily · Wednesday, September 9, 2026
In 1928, Walt Disney's 'Steamboat Willie' revolutionized animation with synchronized sound, prompting competitor Warner Brothers to enter the animation market. Warner Brothers, through Leon Slesinger, founded Leon Slesinger Studios, hiring former Disney animators to produce shorts, starting with 'Sinkin' in the Bathtub' in 1930, which proved Warner Brothers could compete with Disney.
“In 1928, Walt Disney released a cartoon called Steamboat Willie, which debuted the character of Mickey Mouse. The cartoon's release was revolutionary for the animation industry as it introduced fully synchronized sound to animation.”
“Warner Brothers made a deal in 1929 with a film producer named Leon Slesinger, who had a family connection to the Warner Brothers.”
“The short called Sinkin' in the Bathtub was released in 1930. When the short was released, it was seen as a technical triumph and a box office hit.”