Creating the Wind Spirit

In Walt Disney Animation Studios' Frozen 2, the wind spirit Gale appears in multiple forms throughout the film. Gale can only be seen in its effects on other objects in the world. This includes interactions with leaves, debris and other environmental elements, as well as its effect on the cloth and hair of the characters: creating moments where the character is present, but not visible. Having to animate, simulate, and understand the character's emotional intent, all without true visual characteristics, posed many challenges. This talk addresses the solutions developed and the process we took to get there.