“I know the way I will go. “I know the way. I am Moana!”
The reason Walt Disney Animation Studio (hereinafter referred to as Disney) is called an animation masterpiece is not simply because it has endured for over 100 years since its establishment in 1923. The core of Disney art is the ‘power of empathy’ that transcends generations, genders, and cultures. At the center of it all is the ‘creative destruction’ of characters.
Moana, the daughter of the chieftain of Motunui Island, is a representative example. Moana presents a female hero narrative that breaks the ‘princess cliche’ of waiting for a prince who will one day save her, or submitting to fate and giving up life for love. Instead of white skin and fair hair, even the dark skin and curly hair of the Polynesian culture that jumps into rough waves under the strong sun is interesting.
For the first time in 8 years since 2016, Moana goes on another adventure to the sea. It recorded a global pre-order volume that exceeded that of ‘Inside Out 2’, the highest-grossing film in the global film industry this year. The domestic release date is the 27th. We recently interviewed Korean animator Na-ra Yoon, who is known as the K-creator of the ‘Moana 2’ production site. He is a hidden cornerstone of Disney who participated in everything from the first Moana to the ‘Frozen’ series and ‘Zootopia’.
▷’Moana’ received a lot of love for its ‘Moana-like thinking’ that does not discourage even if it fails.
“Moana 2 deals with family, adventure, and heroism similar to the previous film. However, in this film, it is not the story of 16-year-old girl Moana, but the story of ‘Chief Motunui’ Moana, who explores new paths in the Pacific Ocean and confronts monsters as a brave leader. I mainly focused on creating the characters Moana and Maui. I also took on some new characters.”
▷In Disney, the most important thing that encapsulates ‘storytelling that everyone can relate to’ is characters. What characters have you created so far?
“We created dream-like characters such as Elsa, Anna, Olaf (from Frozen), Nick and Judy (from Zootopia), and Mirabell (from Encanto). Before coming to Disney, I animated characters like Po (Kung Fu Panda) and Shrek at DreamWorks. If I had to choose my favorite character, it would be Elsa. “He may be arrogant on the outside, but he is a caring character who suppresses himself for the sake of those around him.”
▷I’m also curious about the story of the Korean who designed the main characters at ‘Animation House’.
“I worked at DreamWorks for six years and then took a leave of absence to serve in the military. Before the end of 2013, I saw Disney’s short film ‘Paperman’ win an Oscar. The 3D animation that reflected the beauty of traditional 2D animation was so cool, and my passion for animation came alive. In fact, when I heard that I would be working on a movie called ‘Frozen,’ I remember thinking that the name was too old-fashioned at first.” (Laughs)
▷Does Disney have unique technological capabilities?
“We constantly strive to develop technology to create unique and diverse characters. In ‘Moana’, we had to animate even the muscles to create Maui, a muscular character who can transform into various animals. In ‘Frozen 2’, there is a character called Gale, who is an invisible spirit, and we had to develop technology to create a transparent character that can be felt only by a few leaves and surrounding objects. “There are always new challenges, but collaboration with the technical team is what makes Disney magic a reality.”
▷It seems that animation is no longer just content for children.
“Although Disney is known for its unique artistry and high quality animation, for me it has always served as a moral compass of ‘right and wrong.’ When I was young, I moved abroad often and always had difficult experiences in new environments. I remember my parents allowing me to rent Disney cartoons at a video rental store every week. “At first glance, it may be nothing more than a simple cartoon, but I believe that the memories and lessons gained through beautiful adventures are something special that will touch hearts across generations.”
Reporter Seungmok Yoo [email protected]
How has the animation technology used to portray Maui’s transformations in “Moana 2” advanced since the first film, and what new possibilities does this unlock for animators?
## The Making of Moana 2: An Interview with Animator Nara Yoon
**Introduction**
Welcome back to World Today News. Today, we have the honor of speaking with Nara Yoon, a prominent Korean animator who’s been a key player in bringing beloved Disney characters to life. He’s worked on box-office hits like “Frozen,” “Zootopia,” and countless others. Today, we’ll be diving deep into his work on “Moana 2,” discussing the evolution of Moana’s character, the technological innovations behind Disney’s animation, and the enduring power of storytelling.
**Section 1: The Evolution of Moana:**
* **Host:** Nara, ”Moana” was lauded for challenging typical princess tropes. Now, years later, Moana returns as “Chief Motunui.” How has Moana’s character evolved, and what new challenges does she face in “Moana 2”?
* **Host:** The article highlights Moana’s “Moana-like thinking” – her perseverance and refusal to give up. Do you see this characteristic becoming even more prominent in the sequel? How is it reflected in her journey as a leader?
* **Guest Response:** ————–
**Section 2: The Art of Character Creation:**
* **Host:** You’ve animated some of Disney’s most iconic characters. Which character has been the most challenging and rewarding to bring to life, and what unique hurdles did you face?
* **Host:** The article mentions the technical innovation required to animate Maui’s transformations in “Moana.” Can you elaborate on some of the technical challenges Disney animators face when creating these unique and complex characters?
* **Guest Response:** ————–
**Section 3: The Magic of Disney Storytelling:**
* **Host:** Beyond the technological wizardry, what do you believe lies at the heart of Disney’s enduring appeal across generations?
* **Host:** The article mentions your personal connection to Disney films growing up. How do you think animation can serve as a powerful storytelling medium, and what role does it play in shaping our understanding of the world?
* **Guest Response:** —————
**Section 4: Looking Ahead:**
* **Host:** What excites you most about the future of animation? Are there any emerging trends or technologies you find particularly fascinating?
* **Host:** What advice would you give to aspiring animators who dream of working on projects like “Moana 2”?
* **Guest Response:** —————
**Conclusion**
Thank you, Nara, for sharing your insights into the making of “Moana 2” and the world of Disney animation. We can’t wait to see Moana’s next adventure unfold.
This interview structure aims to encourage Nara Yoon to delve deeper into his experiences and insights, revealing the creative process behind beloved Disney films.