Disney today revealed a new photo series reimagining iconic scenes from Disney Princess movies ahead of New York International Toy Fair. The photos created by toy photographer Brian McCarty recreate pivotal moments from the epic adventures of Merida (Brave), Tiana (The Princess and the Frog) and Rapunzel (Tangled).
The selection of animated film frames was painstakingly brought to life in exacting detail by a team of set designers using toys, custom-created sets, props and lighting. The photos mirror the film scenes in doll-size detail, from hurtling through a lush forest, to wishing on the night sky, to a boat ride set against a horizon filled with tiny twinkling lanterns.
“Disney Princess characters have been cherished for generations. Their incredible stories and unique qualities, whether it’s Merida’s bravery, Tiana’s determination, or Rapunzel’s courage have always resonated with people all over the world.” said Leslie Ferraro, Co-Chair Disney Consumer Products and Interactive Media, and President, Disney Consumer Products. “Toys play a key role in extending these stories and sparking kids’ imaginations, and this photo series celebrates the importance of play, creativity and great storytelling.”
McCarty and team recreated three celebrated scenes through one-of-a-kind doll-size environments. Standing in for the animated heroines are Disney Princess dolls from Hasbro, Inc. (Rapunzel and Tiana) and Disney Store (Merida, Flynn), styled to appear just as they did on screen.
“The Disney princess characters inspire children to consider new possibilities. The photography seeks to capture some of that imagined world, in between the movies and the play room, to inspire fans everywhere,” said toy photographer, Brian McCarty. “I felt a tremendous responsibility in capturing these important moments in the characters’ stories. These moments, even in doll size, make a big impression and carry so much meaning for people all around the world.”
About Merida Image
For the photo, Angus was custom modeled by an original Brave crewmember with 3D sculpting and printing technology and flocked by hand to closely resemble real horse hair. The scenery was created and placed by hand to lend depth to the forest, and incorporates a mix of natural elements like sticks, Manzanita branches, moss, lichen and stone, along with prop magic. Here, Merida comes from Disney Store’s line of Disney Princess dolls.
About Tiana Image
To give proper scale to this shot for the photo series, the balcony and building frame were recreated to stand at about six feet tall and five feet wide, incorporating detailing from the film and New Orleans style elements. The handcrafted set includes laser cut wood railings on the balcony detailed to look like iron, floating doors and extensive wood detailing. In this photo, Tiana is from the new Hasbro line of Disney Princess dolls and wears a dress that is available exclusively at Walmart, which will be available this fall (*Set recreation Photo: Tiana’s arms were repositioned for her photo; actual product varies).
About Rapunzel Image
This doll-sized set took more than eight hours to stage for the shot, incorporating 250 lights, 40 hand-crafted lanterns stenciled with sumi ink on rice paper and hand-wired with incandescent pinball machine bulbs, and a wooden boat handcrafted in the style of the film. Rapunzel’s hair was styled as in the film, with floral embellishments cascading through her long locks.