Thank you to Disney for providing an all-expenses paid trip in exchange for this coverage. While talking points were suggested, all opinions are my own.
We had the wonderful opportunity to meet and interview Frozen directors Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee and producer Peter Del Vecho. (You may recognize these three from their acceptance speech at the Oscars® last weekend.)
The trio were extremely passionate as they spoke about Frozen, as if they were talking about their child. It was amazing to hear all of the little details behind some of our favorite moments of the film. I’d love to share the entire interview with you, but you’d be here for a long time. Instead, here are a few of my favorite highlights from the time we spent together (and an answer to a reader question!)
Originally, Frozen was slated to feature Elsa as an evil snow queen: a villain. Buck and Lee told us that it just didn’t feel right. They didn’t want to create another typical princess/villain/love story and went back to the drawing board. Instead, fear would be the enemy of the film and they’d redefine the meaning of “true love”. This wasn’t as easy as it sounds. It took about two and a half years to get to the version of Frozen we know today. “Let it Go”, of course, is Elsa’s defining moment. The one where we learn she’s not a villain. The viewer connects to her in a way they’d never be able to without the song.
One of Heather’s readers asked about Kristoff, and Jennifer Lee was excited to tell his story. Kristoff was an orphan and wild child that just couldn’t be tied down to the orphanage. He loved sneaking out and exploring the woods and following the ice teams and befriended Sven in the process. On the night Sven and Kristoff follow Ana and Elsa’s parents into the woods, Kristoff finds his family. In a way, Ana gave Kristoff his family and it goes full circle with Kristoff helping Ana find love with her own family (Elsa) in the end. If you own a copy of the Deluxe Edition of the Frozen Soundtrack, you’ll notice a deleted song featuring Kristoff. They felt the song didn’t fit Kristoff’s personality. They couldn’t see him bursting into song about love. Kristoff sings when he’s alone with Sven, and even then, it’s silly and not about love.
Olaf was another fun topic of conversation. Olaf, originally, was going to be a “reject” from Queen Elsa’s snowman army (see: the marshmallow giant she creates to scare Ana and Kristoff away.) It’s very poignant that the very first thing Elsa creates is Olaf, as he’s the last thing Elsa created for Ana before Elsa was locked away. When Ana and Kristoff run into Olaf in the woods for the first time, his appearance gives Ana a glimmer of hope. If Elsa could still create Olaf, maybe the loving sister she once knew is still there. He represents a child-like innocent love and animators gave him toddler-like qualities (outstretched arms and the way he moves) to enhance the theme.
Our time with the producers and directors was short, but it was amazing to get a little inside look into how our favorite characters went from ideas to the screen. Did you learn anything new from our interview? Be sure to check out the #FrozenBluRay hashtag on Twitter for even more interview coverage.
You can see even more about the making of Frozen in the special features on the Blu-ray combo pack, hitting stores on March 18th!
This movie interests me even more after winning awards. I think my daughter will love it.
I could never envision Elsa as a villain 🙂
I think this is one of the first princess type films without a villain, right?! Very interesting that they decided to make the queen’s character like that. I like it!
Did you notice they are always in that “order?” With us, sitting at the Oscars, and then even at the mic – SO CUTE!
WE haven’t yet seen Frozen, but I really want to. I’m thinking it will make a perfect movie night with my family- and I’ll bet I can even get the teen to watch it!
Frozen is my all-time favorite Disney movie, ever! In fact, imho, I think it IS the best Disney movie ever. I truly love every single thing about this movie!
I am SO jealous of you and excited for you! Frozen is the best Disney movie EVER! What a great look into the characters.
Can you believe I haven’t seen this yet?! I haven’t been able to get out and go, but my kids have, and they rave about it! I neeeeeed to see it!
We are counting down the days til 3/18 so we can get Frozen! I haven’t seen it yet. What a great opportunity you had!!
I can’t wait to see this movie! Everyone says it’s the best!
We love this movie! My kids have already watched it 5 times! haha
So crazy cool! Some days I am so in awe of the things we get to do as Bloggers. This post is one of those things. I mean WOW so much fun to be able to get a behind the scenes look at Frozen.
Always enjoy Disney movies. We want to see Frozen next. Everyone is looking forward to it.
What a fun interview! We just watched Frozen as a family last weekend and really loved it. I am planning to add the DVD to our collection too.
I love the things you learned from your interview with the filmmakers. It is interesting to read about all the changes that were made in order to create this animated movie.
That woman in the middle has fantastic hair!