Yesterday we posted the first part of a Question and Answer session with the the “Tinker Bell And The Lost Treasure” Director Klay Hall and Producer Sean Lurie.

Below is the second section of that session:

Q: How long did the production for the movie overall take?

Sean Lurie: It took about two and a half years.

Q: Is it all computer-generated?

Sean Lurie: Yes. We start with “flat” designs and storyboards drawn with a stylist in the computer (they resemble pencil drawings). We then construct those characters, environments and props as models in a 3d digital environment. Even though the shots are computer generated there are many talented animators animating each shot and character.

Q: What are the differences you can see comparing the new Tinker Bell and the older one, being a co-star of Peter Pan?

Sean Lurie: The biggest difference has to be that she can talk in these movies. Even though she couldn’t talk in the Peter Pan movie she was very expressive. You always knew what she was trying to communicate. We tried to keep her very expressive, and maintain her key personality traits. Translating her from 2D drawings to a fully 3 dimensional character is also a visual difference. We tried to be as accurate in her appearance as possible. It was important that people recognize and accept her as the Tink they know and love.

Q: Can you describe Tinker Bell’s new costume and how you arrived at its design?

Klay Hall: Tinker Bell and the Lost Treasure is set in the autumn. So it seemed proper to update Tinker Bell’s outfit. In the earlier films, she wears her iconic little green dress. However, it being fall and there being crispness in the air, in addition to this being an adventure movie, her dress just wouldn’t work. So I, John Lasseter, Ellen Jin, the Art Director, and the costume designers from the parks all weighed in on an approach to a new design. We landed on her wearing leggings, a long-sleeve shirt, a shawl, a hat and high boots with her iconic pom-poms still attached. The costume also had to feel as if a fairy made it, so all the materials, textures and elements are organic and easily found in nature.

Q: Tink has come a long way since her first incarnation as a spot of light on stage and since her voiceless sidekick role in “Peter Pan.” What is the source of her enduring appeal and what essential parts of her remain unchanged?

Sean Lurie: I think it’s because Tink is very relatable. She has emotions like we do, and is very expressive. She has a temper, she gets jealous in the Peter Pan movie. She’s very feisty. We have tried to maintain these personality traits in Tink, and think that part of what people love about her.

Q: Please, would you share some memories of Ward Kimball and Milt Kahl as persons and the way they inspired you in your work?

Klay Hall: It was an honor to meet Ward Kimball, which I had the pleasure on several occasions. I spoke with him while a student at Cal Arts and then was able to correspond with him in the later years about animation and technique. He was a warm, friendly guy who had me out to his house and even invited me to his last steam-up at Grizzly Flats Railroad. Unfortunately, I never met Milt personally, but was also able to correspond with him through the mail. He was very friendly and encouraging in his advice about acting for animation and being sure to do your research before you begin to draw. I still look back and read the letters from these guys, watch the scenes they worked on and I’m truly inspired to this day.

Don’t forget that “Tinker Bell And The Lost Treasure” is releasing to Disney Blu-ray and DVD on October 27th!

Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment