Alumni bask in success of Disney's "Frozen"

Disney's latest animated feature, Frozen, is on fire and three CCAD alumni are basking in its success.

The film nabbed a Golden Globe for Best Animated Film and is nominated for two Academy Awards, Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.

"The Golden Globe win has us all excited," said Alex Alvarado, 2011 Illustration alumnus and look development artist for Disney.

Media Studies Time-Based alumni Fawn Veerasunthorn (CCAD 2005) and Darren Simpson (CCAD 2011) also worked on the film.

Alvarado started at Disney in 2011 and, though he didn't have much time under his belt when Frozen went into production, had the opportunity to work on it with some of the best in the business.

"My favorite memories are from working with the art director, Michael Giaimo," Alvarado said. "He came out of retirement for Frozen, having previously [worked as the art director of] Pocahontas. He had the sweetest, Mr. Rogers-esque personality and always made you feel good about your work."

As a look development artist, Alvarado prepared models for the final film by painting them, giving them hair, and controlling how they responded to light. He worked on several of the film's main characters including sisters Elsa and Anna, Hans, and Oaken the snowman.

Alvarado's work on Elsa was also nominated for Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture by the Visual Effects Society.

"It feels great," Alvarado said of Frozen's success. "Now we look forward to the Oscars with contained optimism."

Alvarado is from Vandalia, OH (Butler High School), Veerasunthorn is from Chonburi, Thailand, and Simpson is from Glendale, CA.

Update 2/18/14: Alvarado won the award for Outstanding Animated Character in an Animated Feature Motion Picture from the Visual Effects Society on Feb. 12 for his work on Elsa. Congrats, Alex!