The studio contributed 259 shots across multiple sequences, including breathing life into iconic characters Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle – staying faithful to their original characters while integrating actual animal behavior.
Disney’s live-action feature The Little Mermaid presented some unique challenges for VFX studio Rodeo FX, which was tapped to turn a crab, fish, and bird into scene-stealers. The VFX team met the challenge head-on, or more aptly – with pincers, scales, and feathers.
The studio delivered 259 shots across multiple sequences involving iconic characters Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle, and created environments such as Prince Eric's castle, the iconic golden carpet, and the final sequence with the entire Merfolk community as Ariel and Eric depart on their honeymoon. Nearly 500 people worked for a year and a half on the project.
The stakes were high working on such an iconic movie, so Rodeo FX did what they know best – they embraced the challenge, rendered the dialogue, and brought personality to the characters while being faithful to both the original characters and staying true to actual animal behaviors.
Check out: “Disney's The Little Mermaid - VFX Breakdown by Rodeo FX” for a behind-the-scenes look at the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into bringing Sebastian, Flounder, and Scuttle to life in this under(above)water adventure.
The Little Mermaid is now streaming on Disney+.
Source: Rodeo FX
Debbie Diamond Sarto is news editor at Animation World Network.
