Disney Revolutionizes Princess Hair Animation with Pixar's Groundbreaking Software

Article Summary

Pixar developed a new software to animate Merida's hair in Brave, creating a realistic and iconic look for the character.

The animation team meticulously studied actual curly hair to accurately simulate the hair movements based on physics. Merida's hair holds great thematic importance in the story as it symbolizes her independence and defiance of societal norms. It visually reflects her personality and internal struggles.

Pixar's Brave, released in 2012, broke new ground for the company in both technical and narrative aspects. Notably, the film introduced Merida as Pixar's first female protagonist, earning praise for her courageous and independent nature. This made her shine as one of the most self-reliant and empowering princesses in a major animated production. On the technical front, Pixar demonstrated bravery by retiring their previous in-house animation system (Menv) and employing a new proprietary software called Presto. Furthermore, Brave became the first Pixar film to utilize Dolby/Atmos Audio, enhancing the immersive theater experience.

However, the most remarkable and innovative technical achievement of Brave was the creation of a computer software specifically designed to animate Merida's intricate, breathtaking, and iconic hair. The hair department faced unique challenges in bringing this animated princess's fiery ringlets to life on the big screen, free from the constraints of hairspray and wigs.

Released on June 19, 2012, Brave is an animated film directed by Mark Andrews, Brenda Chapman, and Steve Purcell. The movie features an incredible cast including Kelly Macdonald, Billy Connolly, Emma Thompson, Julie Walters, Robbie Coltrane, and Kevin McKidd. With a runtime of 100 minutes and belonging to the main genre of animation, Brave is given a rating of PG. The talented team of writers behind the film includes Mark Andrews, Steve Purcell, Brenda Chapman, and Irene Mecchi.

Pixar Developed a New Software To Animate Merida’s Hair in ‘Brave'

An article in The Wall Street Journal showcased a discussion by the production team, comprising writers and animators, who delved into the research and preparation involved in making the film. Claudia Chung, the simulation supervisor responsible for the clothing and hair in the movie, revealed that the team had developed a software program with the intention of imbuing the character's hair with a more realistic response to their movements and surroundings. The extensive time, effort, and value dedicated to the creation of Merida's hair bore fruitful results, as it became one of the most memorable and beloved aspects of the film's character design.

Even among the most iconic Disney Princesses (a group Merida officially joined in 2013), Merida's hair posed a significant challenge when it came to animation. Chung divulged that "Merida's hair consists of 1,500 individually sculpted curves, distinct points in a three-dimensional space." These curves were meticulously programmed to realistically react to movement and the surrounding environment. As a result, Merida's vibrant locks make her one of the most visually captivating characters on the screen in a Pixar film, even amid magical bears and stunning setting designs.

Pixar Animators Studied Real-Life Curls For Inspiration

Image via Pixar Animation 

To ensure the authenticity of Merida's hair in the animation, software engineers turned to practical references for an effective simulation of curly hair. Hayley Iben, a software engineer at Pixar, delves into her contribution to the hair simulator in the film. Instead of manually animating each strand of hair, the movement was programmed in the computer based on the physics of real curly hair. To achieve this, the production team extensively studied actual curly hair to establish the foundation for Merida's magnificent locks. They discovered that curly hair behaves like a spring, with locks that coil and readily regain their shape when pulled.

Though Merida's hair was intricate, the animation model can be simplified as numerous springs that respond to gravity as the character moves. Iben further explained that a key to achieving realistic bounce in Merida's curls was the addition of a central spring within the external springs in the software, which aided animators in finding the perfect balance to bring her hair to life. While there are no immediate plans for a live-action adaptation of Merida, the diligent efforts of the animation team have already ensured a seamless transition from digital to real-life hair and wardrobe for the princess's character design.

Merida's Hair Is Thematically Significant to 'Brave's Story

Merida's hair was not only a visually stunning aspect of her character, but it also held significant thematic importance in the narrative. It served as a symbol of her defining personality traits and external conflicts. Iben stated that in Brave, hair played a crucial role, representing the freedom that was essential to Merida's personality. The film explored the theme of Merida's longing for independence juxtaposed with her mother's desire for tradition. The emotional conflict between them was symbolically connected to Merida's wild curls.

When Merida is pressured to conform and hide her unruly hair under a bonnet for her impending betrothal, it doesn't stay restrained for long. In the archery contest, where the winner would marry Merida, she boldly declares, "I'll be shooting for my own hand," revealing her vibrant red hair from under a cloak. This declaration becomes even more powerful as she embraces her defiant identity and appearance, showcasing her self-sufficiency and talents. Merida embodies bravery, freedom, and untamable spirit, all exemplified by her fiery hair.

‘Brave’s Costume Designs Are Also Specially Made

Image via Pixar Animation

Not only was Merida's hair production complex, but the characters' wardrobes were also intricately designed based on extensive real-life research, pushing the boundaries of Pixar's previous work. In an article by WSJ, shading director Tia Kratter and co-director Steve Purcell discussed their trip to Scotland and how it influenced the development of the movie. Kratter studied fabrics and tartan patterns specific to Scotland, leading to the creation of a new shading program that gave the characters' clothing a textured cloth appearance, allowing for more realistic movement. While tartan patterns weren't as prevalent during the setting of Brave, Purcell justified their inclusion as a loving tribute to Scotland rather than a factual representation.

The attention given to wardrobe and the development of the new shading program were crucial, considering that Brave featured more layers of clothing than any other Pixar film. Previously, the most layers of animated clothing used were in Ratatouille (2007), where a chef's outfit had four layers. In Brave, Merida's father Fergus had a total of 16 layers, quadrupling the amount that had been animated before. It was essential for these layers of clothing to move realistically, just like Merida's hair, in order to enhance the film's aesthetics. To watch Pixar's Brave and see Merida's iconic locks, you can stream it on Disney+. If you're craving more of Merida and her adventures, check out Bravely by Maggie Stiefvater, a novel available at your local bookstore.

Brave is available to stream on Disney+ in the U.S.

Editor's P/S

Pixar's groundbreaking software revolutionized princess hair animation, bringing Merida's iconic hair to life in the enchanting world of 'Brave.' The intricate details of real-life curls inspired this memorable Disney princess, and her unruly locks play a significant role in shaping the film's captivating storyline.

The extraordinary efforts behind 'Brave's costume designs, specially crafted to complement Merida's untamed beauty, further enhance the character's appeal. Merida's hair holds great thematic importance in the story, symbolizing her independence and defiance of societal norms. It visually reflects her personality and internal struggles, making her one of the most relatable and inspiring Disney princesses.