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Just a Little Pixie Dust
Raymond and screenwriter Jeff Howard worked together to create an engaging story that would win Lasseter’s approval. “Jeff and I thought, ‘what would be the best way to set up that world with a story that would be entertaining?’ It just felt natural to tell Tinker Bell’s origin story, to take a character we know and love and follow her through her world.” J. M. Barrie’s original Peter Pan story was used canonically for fairy lore (as everyone knows, a fairy is born from a baby’s first laugh). “We pitched the story to John a number of times, and at each pitch he added to it and made it better,” asserts Raymond.
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A few of Lasseter’s tricks-of-the-trade found their way into the Tinker Bell movie. “He really understands the importance of relate-ability and how the audience’s world connects to the world you’re showing,” says Raymond. “There’s the magic of nature like snowflakes and the leaves changing, and it was John who said, ‘what if fairies are the ones that bring that to our world?’ He also helps us understand that everything – the story, the costumes, the props – all has to connect with that world.” Raymond points out that something as simple as a fairy vehicle, a miniature wooden cart was redesigned out of a hollow gourd, with acorns for wheels. “He really knows Disney magic, and he’s the most artist-friendly boss I’ve ever worked for,” says Raymond. “John loved the final film – he’s seen it every step of the way.”
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Brad Raymond |
