IGN takes a look at the creation of Tim Burton's White Rabbit
by Scott Collura
Here's the official take on the character, who is voiced by Michael Sheen in the film:
"TMCTWISP, THE WHITE RABBIT is always late, always in a hurry, always rushing about. Charged with finding Alice and bringing her back to Underland so that she can fulfill her destiny, he shows up at her garden party in an effort to lure her back down the rabbit hole. 'He's a warm character,' says Sheen, 'but, at the same time, he can be quite fussy and quite strict with Alice as well. He has an edge to him, a nervous energy, always feeling like he's behind time. Time is very important to him, but he's quite brave when called upon.'"
And here is the progression of the White Rabbit's visual look (click on each image to make them bigger):
- Disney
The first animated character Alice encounters is the White Rabbit. Here, a storyboard sketch is done as the first step in creating the scene in the film.
- Disney
The artists at Imageworks create a low-resolution version of the CG character and place it in the CG environment -- low-res allows the animators speed and flexibility while working on the scene.
- Disney
Once the character animation is completed, a high-res version of White Rabbit's performance is checked on a more detailed model called a pit render.
- Disney
The performance approved, the Rabbit gets his fur and clothing. There are complex programs designed to make hair, fur and fabric move and behave as realistically as possible.
- Disney
The final scene, which has all of the high-resolution elements including a furry and clothed Rabbit, his computer-generated surroundings, the matte painting background, the effects of moving leaves -- all lit and textured. Elements are combined by a compositor.
Alice in Wonderland will be released on March 5, 2010. Don't be late..
