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

Posted by Caryn Bailey 17 Comments

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 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.
Caryn Bailey
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posted in Disney, featured, Film, Latest Posts

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

  1. Desiree Eaglin says

    June 4, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    I cannot wait to see this film! I just know it’s going to be amazing!!

    Reply
  2. Jennifer says

    June 4, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    There isn’t a single Pixar movie I haven’t loved, so of course I’m sure this one will be wonderful too. What’s funny is that for about 5 years I’ve been grousing that all the Pixar movies have the main heroes/characters be male, but Brave has been in the works for six years. 🙂

    Reply
  3. Jenn Willey says

    June 4, 2012 at 2:51 pm

    I can’t wait for this movie to come out! I also love everything Pixar!!!

    Reply
  4. The Woman Formerly Known As Beautiful says

    June 4, 2012 at 3:19 pm

    This film’s going to be massive.

    Reply
  5. Julie O. aka Skinny Jeans Mom says

    June 4, 2012 at 4:15 pm

    It’s great to see a strong female lead… hooray!

    Reply
  6. Debi@ The Spring Mount 6 Pack says

    June 4, 2012 at 4:50 pm

    I can’t wait to go see this movie, and I love the info you wrote.

    Reply
  7. Shelby Barone says

    June 4, 2012 at 8:11 pm

    I can’t wait to see this movie!! Do you think that my boys will enjoy it too? Or is it more of a girl movie?

    Reply
  8. Sharlene says

    June 4, 2012 at 8:12 pm

    I am very excited for Brave to come out. I agree with Jen- there isn’t a Pixar movie I haven’t loved.

    Reply
  9. Lisa says

    June 4, 2012 at 8:26 pm

    I think this movie looks so good!

    Reply
  10. Ciaran says

    June 4, 2012 at 8:48 pm

    Looking forward to seeing this film!

    Reply
  11. Wendy says

    June 4, 2012 at 10:10 pm

    I’m so looking forward to taking my little girl to see this movie!

    Reply
  12. Elle @ SeeMomWorkBlog says

    June 5, 2012 at 12:14 am

    So cool! I’m more excited than ever to see Brave now! My chickadees will certainly love it too! I can’t wait!

    Reply
  13. Ellen Christian says

    June 5, 2012 at 5:22 am

    I cannot wait to see this. Definitely one of the hottest movies around this summer.

    Reply
  14. Beth Larrabee says

    June 5, 2012 at 5:37 am

    This movie looks great! Can’t wait to see it!

    Reply
  15. Tiffany Cruz says

    June 5, 2012 at 5:55 am

    I’m patiently waiting for this movie to come out. I know we will all love it. Looks so cute.

    Reply
  16. Stacey R. says

    June 7, 2012 at 12:45 pm

    I have a press pass to see this movie on the 14th. I am so excited!

    Reply
  17. Kim Tracy Prince says

    June 19, 2012 at 5:30 pm

    Nice angle on the film, Caryn. I worked with Sarafian many years ago when she was in publicity at Pixar. It’s nice to see that she has advanced through her work with the company.

    Reply

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What started out as a way to chronicle my son’s first year of life has evolved into Rockin’ Mama. I am a babywearing, breastfeeding mama, a NICU nurse by day, blogger by night.

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