The Story of PIXAR
Just Keep Swimming
Creative Process
Pixar's unique approach to filmkaing emphasizes significant collaboration and technological excellence. Pixar aims to create 3D animated feature films with noteworthy characters and haertwarming stories that appeal to an audience of all ages. What counts to Pixar is the story and the emotions of the characters, which affect everything they do.
"Pixar: The Universe Theory." That New Next. 02 Sept. 2013. Web. 26 Nov. 2014. <http://www.thatnewnext.com
/visual/article/pixar-the-universe-theory>.
Unlike most other animation studios, Pixar has never purchased scripts or concepts from the outside realm. The Pixar animators trust their instincts and make movies they want to see, which, in turn, creates movies that audiences want to see as well. The initial idea for the movie, called "the high concept," is merely one step in a grueling process that takes four to five years. Every single member of the 200 to 250 person production group makes suggestions for the film. The leaders then sort through the mass of ideas to find ones that fit into a coherent whole and support the story.
"Pick Your Favorite Piece of Concept Art." Fanpop. Fanpop, Inc. Web. 26 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/pixar/picks/results/463579/pick-favorite-piece-concept-art-part-5>.
"Pick Your Favorite Piece of Concept Art." Fanpop. Fanpop, Inc. Web. 26 Nov. 2014. <http://www.fanpop.com/clubs/pixar
/picks/results/463579/pick-favorite-piece-concept-art-part-5>.
To the Pixar executives, it is important to create an environment that supports great people and encourages them to support one another, so the whole is far greater than the sum of the parts. Everyone at Pixar is fully invested in helping everyone else turn out their best work. The whole animation crew works together as peers in a daily review process, giving and recieving continuous feedback in a positive way. This collaboration works because of the mutual trust and respect among the participants, who know it is better to learn about problems from their colleagues when there is still time to fix them, than from the audience after it is too late.
"The Pixar Philosophy." IGN. IGN Entertainment, Inc., 16 July 2008. Web. 26 Nov. 2014.
<http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/07/16/the-pixar-philosophy>.
When Pixar starts a project, there is something needed for the story that they do not know how to do. John Lasseter said, "Art challenges technology, and technology inspires art." In the process of making films, Pixar has pushed the technological boundaries of computer animation, securing dozens of patents along the way.
Ridly, Louise. "The Science of Pixar-25 Years." Focus Magazine. 30
Aug. 2011. Web. 26 Nov. 2014. <http://sciencefocus.com/feature/tech/science-pixar-25-years>.