Pixar, as a studio, has an identity. It is mostly known for its groundbreaking feature films such as Toy Story, Ratatouille, WALL-E, and Up (among others). Although there has been much discourse over the last few years about how Pixar has “lost its edge” or is “playing it safe,” Coco was an incredible example of the studio pushing itself and it delivered beautifully – director Lee Unkrich and his crew produced one of the most gorgeous, heartfelt, and imaginative stories I have ever seen on the big screen. Still, even with some new directors heading projects, there is no denying that most of the films that have been directed within Pixar have been led by a select few individuals. This is where we often overlook Pixar shorts, which is where the studio first emerged as an animation powerhouse and has long been a space for experiments for new technology and new voices. Pixar is now placing a larger emphasis on the latter. [Read more…]
‘Finding Dory’ Casts Two Actors From ‘The Wire’
Pixar is focused on producing original films next year, with Inside Out and The Good Dinosaur both slated to arrive in theaters in 2015. That does not mean that the studio has forgotten about its fan favorite characters. Woody and Buzz, along with the rest of the Toy Story gang have made the jump to the small screen, with a holiday special airing on ABC later this year. The next feature film from Pixar that is a follow-up, though, is Finding Dory, a sequel to Finding Nemo. It is scheduled to arrive in 2016, and although we do not have many details about its story, we now know that it will feature a small reunion for two actors from The Wire. [Read more…]
D23 Expo: Pete Docter, Andrew Stanton, Others Reflect On Pixar Films And Source Of Their Inspiration
John Lasseter kicked off Disney’s massive D23 Expo with a look at what is coming next in the world of Disney and Pixar animation. The packed arena presentation was easily the highlight of Day 1 and offered fans a first look at the company’s upcoming slate of animated offerings. Pixar’s highly anticipated roster included next year’s The Good Dinosaur and 2015’s Inside Out. However, it wasn’t all forward thinking taking place on Friday. Late in the afternoon, a handful of Pixar creatives took some time to look back.