Behind the Scenes of Disney/Pixar’s Brave With Producer Katherine Sarafian

The ancients spoke of it. It is the heart of this fierce land. it is carried in the wind. Born of our legends and when we are put to the test, it is the one thing that we must always be – King Fergus, Disney/Pixar Brave

As I walked into the expansive atrium in the main building,  I couldn’t help but notice how open and spacious it felt.  Many a brilliant mind have dreamed and created at Pixar Animation Studios, including producer Katherine Sarafian, who’s latest film  Brave is set to be released on June 22nd. Sarafian has worked at the computer animation film studio for 18 years and appreciates the supportive, collaborative working environment that has led to the completion of such iconic films as the Toy Story trilogy.

Sarafian began working on Brave right as the team started the production phase of the film, and spent 10 days in Scotland as part of a research-focused trip with the team.  During the trip, the team spent some time at the  Highland Games, researching and observing various sports including archery, hammer throw, tug-of-war, and caber tossing, to accurately depict this part of Scottish culture in the film. In fact, when they returned to San Francisco, they organized an archery lesson for the crew at Golden Gate Park in order to learn the proper form and technique necessary to animate Merida.

At the heart of Brave is a story about the relationship between Merida and her mother Queen Elinor.  According to Sarafian,”trying to tell a great story to the Pixar level of quality” is a challenge.  The film took nearly 6 years to complete, and much of that time was spent on the story.  According to John Lasseter, “our films are never finished, they’re just released,” and Sarafian explained that story is a continual process that doesn’t stop because they constantly want to make it better. Their goal is to create a film with characters that are relatable and a story that resonates with audiences.

Having lived in Scotland for nearly a year as a newly married woman, I found Sarafian’s tidbits of information about Scottish history and Celtic mythology intriguing. For example, in the film, the Will-o’-the-wisp will play a prominent role as it is believed that the “wisps” have the power to “change your fate.” The Will-o’-the-wisp is actually inspired by a true Scottish phenomenon that bog gases light up blue and as you get close to them, they disappear.

One other little known fact about the film is that it went through a series of name changes, and interestingly enough the original title is what ended up sticking. Brave was the “working title” and during the film-making process, the team trialed the name “The Bear and the Bow.”  Ultimately, the team settled on the working title because The Bear and the Bow didn’t have the strength, simplicity, and meaning they wanted.

I love the contrast of her hair against the backdrop of Scotland

A few days ago, my son and I were talking about the film.  His preschool teacher had received a new book (based on the film) and was telling them a story about the girl with the red hair. Despite the fact that the film has not opened in theaters yet, Merida’s hair is already “making waves.”  According to Sarafian, hair is integral to Merida’s character and therefore the team wanted to “get it right.”  From the beginning, “this character was conceived of somebody who was going to be fiery and passionate, strong-willed, and a bit of a wild-child, athletic and out-doorsy.”  “She has an untamed spirit,” said Sarafian, “which equates to untamed hair.” Visually, Merida’s hair is important to the film and “perfect and majestic against the Scottish backdrop, the colors, the greenery, [and] the landscapes.” Merida is the first female protagonist depicted in a Pixar film and her hair is one of the defining characteristics that set her apart from everyone else in the film…and in the world.

Change your fate this June!  Brave debuts in theaters June 22nd, 2012.

Disclosure: Travel expenses associated with the event were provided by Disney.

Photos Disney/Pixar.

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Caryn Bailey

Caryn is a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night and mom 24/7. She savors the warm Southern California sun and loves to travel, shopping, baking, reading and frequenting her local tea room. Caryn created the column Lavishly Green for Peekaboo Picks Magazine to share her best tips for going green in style, she is the Former editor for Family Review Network, former OC Family Magazine online contributor, former Orange County Moms Blog contributor, former Evenflo Savvy Parent contributor, former member of the Totsy Advisory Board and former freelance writer for CBS Los Angeles.

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