076: Hair and Cloth Simulation (Pixar Visit #3)

Pixar Simulation Supervisor Claudia Chung demonstrates one the ways digital filmmakers at Pixar ensure accurate movement of digital objects: they create the objects first in real life. Pixar computer artists used real wigs and costumes as reference for developing algorithms that mimic hair and cloth within a computer. Photo by Deborah Coleman / Pixar. All rights reserved.

Four images of Merida that show how simulation artists receive a character's 3D model with no hair, and place individual "key" hairs on the character to determine hair length and direction, based on the character art design. Image by Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.

An image illustrating how simulation artists place "key" hairs on the body of an animal, such as Angus, to determine the direction and length of hair, based on the character's art design. Image by Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.

An artist's drawing of Merida in her formal restrictive dress created to define what the character will look like. Image by Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.

An image of the flattened dress pattern for Merida's dress created by a simulation artist to determine fabric grain direction, dress cut and seams to "sew" together on the 3D model. Image by Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.

Shading Art Director Tia Kratter created this packet about Merida's formal dress hem to help shading artists replicate the look and design in the computer. Image by Disney/Pixar. All rights reserved.