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Let’s dive deep into the Framestore’s VFX breakdown reel for The Little Mermaid! Do you know that Framestore crew? Well, they’ve done it again!
This award-winning visual effects (VFX) studio played a major role in making Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” a dazzling spectacle.
With more than 550 shots on their plate, Framestore took us on a wild ride into the underwater kingdom, making sure Ariel and her sea pals had the best hair days of their lives.
Framestore’s VFX Breakdown Reel for The Little Mermaid
Alright, let’s take a deep dive into Framestore’s VFX breakdown reel for The Little Mermaid! We’re about to uncover the secrets and magic behind the scenes.
The Backstage of a Cinematic Underwater World
Before the cameras started rolling, Framestore was already hard at work. Their visual effects artists teamed up with virtual production supervisors, forming a group called Framestore Pre-Production Services (FPS).
Together, they laid the groundwork for what would become a stunning underwater world that’d have us all hooked.
>>>Read more: Behind the Scenes: The Little Mermaid Underwater Filming Process
Tackling the Underwater Challenges
Now, let’s talk about challenges. Andy Kind, the VFX bigshot who worked on “Gravity,” “Paddington,” and “Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them,” took charge of the underwater scenes.
Imagine creating a whole ocean floor with intricate dance sequences like “Under the Sea.” Framestore had to figure out how to bring this world to life.
One cool thing they did was teaming up with The Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation. These talented dancers put on costumes and did their thing on a big set.
Framestore’s animators then turned them into a whole bunch of sea creatures, each one full of life and personality.
Andy Kind said, “It was such an interesting process. How do I take this beautiful dancer and turn them into a seahorse or a starfish, and make it look real?”
>>>Read more: The Little Mermaid Box Office: What Are Its Impacts On Kids?
Light Tricks and Hair Mastery
Let’s talk lighting. Underwater scenes needed a whole different set of rules. Real-life physics wouldn’t work here because light from the surface wouldn’t reach the ocean floor.
So, Framestore had to create their make-believe physics to get that magical underwater lighting just right. And they nailed it!
But that’s not all. Remember the characters’ hair? Well, it’s not as simple as it looks. Framestore used their secret weapon, ‘Fibre,’ a fancy groom tool they cooked up. They tackled the hair simulation like pros, and the result was hair that moved just like you’d expect underwater: natural and beautiful.
Animation supervisor Pablo Grillo spilled the beans, “The hair was like its own character. We had to figure out how it would move in different conditions, and boy, it was a challenge.”
Animating Ariel’s Best Friends
Framestore also adapted Ariel’s three best friends – characters Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle – from the 1989 animation to deliver a performance without their previous humanized expressions.
Sebastian was a particularly challenging character to animate. The artists had to find a way to create a character that was both expressive and realistic, while also maintaining his crab-like features.
They also had to make sure that Sebastian’s movements were synchronized with his voice actor, Daveed Diggs.
Scuttle was the most challenging character to animate. The artists had to create a bird that looked realistic, moved naturally, and had a unique personality. They also had to ensure that Scuttle’s movements were synchronized with his voice actor, Awkwafina.
Watch full Framestore’s VFX breakdown reel for The Little Mermaid here:
Conclusion
Above is an exploration of Framestore’s VFX breakdown reel for The Little Mermaid. As we sit back and enjoy “The Little Mermaid” on the big screen, let’s give a shoutout to Framestore for making it all possible.
As you can see, these guys don’t just do VFX; they do movie magic. From creating a mesmerizing underwater world to turning dancers into sea creatures, Framestore’s dedication and creativity shine through.
Source: Animation World Network
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