A mom of two, Cheryl Hansen works for Disney as a writer, covering films like Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Frozen.” She spent a day with the directors of the film during production and wrote about her adventures in a series of guest blogs this week. (Yesterday’s story appeared on MomLuck.com and Monday was on JustStopScreaming.com)
Oh what I would do with superhero powers. I’d fly over LA traffic. Sprint off 10 … or 20 pounds. And I’d have the ability to become invisible in high-pressure situations—like whenever someone reviews something I’ve sweated over for days.
However, within the walls of Walt Disney Animation Studios, where I spent a day following the directors of “Frozen,” becoming invisible is not an option. Instead, the animators responsible for bringing Elsa, Anna, Olaf and the whole chilly crew to life on the big screen presented their work to the directors from a bright red chair called the hot seat.
Really.
Animation dailies happened—well … daily—often twice daily in a big, dark room filled with black directors’ chairs, and a lot of incredibly creative people, including head of animation Lino DiSalvo. Directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee sat down in front and within seconds, the first animator was beckoned to the hot seat, where he or she sat and reviewed with the directors a shot that likely had been considered and reconsidered hundreds of times in its making. Sometimes the directors were seeing the shot for the first time, sometimes it was something they’d already critiqued and was up again for review. Either way, I was nervous.
But I was the only one.
The critiques were specific. Buck, Lee and DiSalvo considered every detail: Is his mouth moving like it should, considering how he’s feeling? Could we add some movement in her eyebrows to reflect the emotion? Let’s show some breathing there since the character’s been running around.
And when everyone was pleased, when the shot was just as it should be—the directors would ring a bell. Seriously. A tiny bell (the tech animation team used a cow bell) that triggered applause, hoo-hahs (a technical term) and some figurative and literal pats-on-the-back from the team. It was so kind and celebratory that I wanted a bell in my world. I wanted to hear that gentle jingle each time I made a healthy meal for my family or wrote a good caption at work. We all like to hear “Atta boy!” every now and then, and the people at WDAS have—not surprisingly—turned it into an art form—the very best superhero power ever, if you will. Ding!
My adventures with the “Frozen” directors continue tomorrow with a little insider look at the music in “Frozen.” (Hint: it takes some cool people to write those songs.) Check it out at AdventuresOfACouponista.com
Did you notice the attention to detail in “Frozen”? Or did the quality just allow you to get wrapped up in the story? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Colorado Mom says
I’m ringing my tiny bell (heck, I’m pulling out the cowbell!) for the official Disney mom. Having lots of fun reading this series and getting the inside on Frozen. Keep ’em coming!!!
Robert Kabela says
That is awesome!! Keep up the good work!
Nicole B says
It’s amazing how detail oriented the creator are – and good for us to sit back and enjoy it! I haven’t seen Frozen yet but will be doing so over the holiday break with my kids.
Ellen Christian says
That must have been so much fun. I cannot wait to see this movie.
Pam says
I haven’t seen Frozen yet, but I’m sure I’ll love the attention to detail!
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
I love this little inside peek into Disney! I haven’t seen Frozen yet so I am going to keep an eye out for those little details!
Janel says
hahah, that’s really funny that they rang a bell!!
Tara says
This is another example of Disney perfection. I am looking forward to FINALLY seeing this over the holidays with my family.
Kayla @ TheEclecticElement says
These animated movies are so much fun to watch because you can tell just how much love, attention, and care went into making them! How exciting you got to go ‘behind the scenes’ in the making of this movie 🙂
brett says
well gosh, i want an attaboy bell now too!!
and…
we haven’t seen frozen yet. i have plans to go to a matinee monday with the kiddos since its not the holiday yet but we are off school 🙂
Amanda says
We have yet to see Frozen also but it looks like an exciting movie!
Angela says
I haven’t seen Frozen yet, but I am looking forward to it all the more now.
Jodi @ A Mom Having Fun says
Those animators have such amazing talent! We LOVED Frozen – my kids are begging for the movie for Christmas, although they don’t quite understand that it is not out on Blu-Ray or DVD yet. I think their attention to detail allowed me to get totally wrapped up in the movie. Although next now I will pay more attention to the detail, or try to at least! 😉
Dawn says
This looks like a good movie for the kids.
Jennifer Soltys says
What an amazing experience!!! I can’t wait to see this movie. Looks so good!
Melissa says
I loved loved loved this movie!
Stefani says
I haven’t seen this yet but it looks super cute! I can’t wait until I can own it and add it to my Disney collection.