Moana: Foundation of a Lava Monster

Abstract

For Disney's Moana, the challenges presented by our story's fiery foe, Te Kā, required cross-departmental collaboration and the creation of new pipeline technology. From raging fires and erupting molten lava to churning pyroclastic plumes of steam and smoke, Te Kā was comprised of a large number of layered environmental elements. Effects artists composed heavily art-directed simulations alongside reusable effects assets. This hybrid approach allowed artists to quickly block in and visualize large portions of their shot prior to simulation or rendering. This Foundation Effects (or FFX) workflow became a core strategy for delivering Te Kā's complex effects across multiple sequences.