50 Facts About Pixar

The Birth of Pixar

Pixar has become a household name in animation. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about this iconic studio.

1. Pixar was founded on February 3, 1986, by Edwin Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith.
2. Initially, Pixar was a division of Lucasfilm's computer graphics group before becoming an independent company.
3. Steve Jobs purchased Pixar from Lucasfilm for $5 million and invested another $5 million as capital.
4. The name "Pixar" was inspired by a combination of "pixel" and "art."

Groundbreaking Technology

Pixar has always been at the forefront of animation technology, pushing boundaries with each new film.

5. Pixar created the first fully computer-animated feature film, "Toy Story," in 1995.
6. The studio developed its own rendering software called RenderMan, which has won multiple Academy Awards.
7. "Toy Story" took four years to complete, with each frame taking anywhere from 45 minutes to 30 hours to render.
8. Pixar's short film "Luxo Jr." was the first 3D computer-animated film to be nominated for an Academy Award.

Iconic Characters

Pixar's characters have become beloved by audiences worldwide. Here are some interesting tidbits about them.

9. Woody from "Toy Story" was originally conceived as a ventriloquist dummy.
10. Buzz Lightyear's original name was "Lunar Larry."
11. Sulley from "Monsters, Inc." has over 2.3 million individual hairs, each rendered separately.
12. The character of WALL-E was inspired by a pair of binoculars.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Gems

Pixar loves to hide Easter eggs in their films. These hidden gems add an extra layer of fun for keen-eyed viewers.

13. The Pizza Planet truck appears in almost every Pixar film.
14. The code "A113" is a recurring Easter egg, referencing a classroom at CalArts where many Pixar animators studied.
15. "Finding Nemo" features a cameo by Buzz Lightyear in the dentist's waiting room.
16. The ball from the short film "Luxo Jr." appears in multiple Pixar movies.

Awards and Accolades

Pixar's excellence in animation has earned them numerous awards and accolades over the years.

17. Pixar has won 23 Academy Awards.
18. "Finding Nemo" was the first Pixar film to win an Oscar for Best Animated Feature.
19. "Up" was the second animated film in history to be nominated for a Best Picture Oscar.
20. "Toy Story 3" was the first animated film to gross over $1 billion worldwide.

Memorable Music

The music in Pixar films is as iconic as the animation itself. Let's look at some musical milestones.

21. Randy Newman has composed the score for nine Pixar films.
22. "You've Got a Friend in Me" from "Toy Story" became an instant classic.
23. Michael Giacchino won an Oscar for his score in "Up."
24. The song "Remember Me" from "Coco" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Cultural Impact

Pixar's influence extends beyond the screen, impacting culture and society in various ways.

25. "Finding Nemo" led to a surge in demand for clownfish as pets, causing environmental concerns.
26. "Inside Out" is used by psychologists to help children understand their emotions.
27. "Coco" has been praised for its accurate and respectful portrayal of Mexican culture.
28. "The Incredibles" inspired a generation of superhero films with its unique take on the genre.

Behind the Scenes

A lot goes on behind the scenes to bring Pixar's magical worlds to life. Here are some behind-the-scenes facts.

29. Pixar animators often take field trips for research, such as visiting the Great Barrier Reef for "Finding Nemo."
30. The studio has a "Brain Trust" team that reviews and critiques films during development.
31. Pixar's campus in Emeryville, California, features a cereal bar with over 20 different kinds of cereal.
32. Employees are encouraged to decorate their workspaces creatively, leading to some unique office setups.

Fun Facts

Pixar is full of quirky and fun facts that make it even more interesting.

33. The lamp in Pixar's logo is named Luxo Jr., after the studio's first short film.
34. Pixar's first logo featured a hand holding a computer-generated rose.
35. "Cars" was inspired by a cross-country road trip taken by director John Lasseter.
36. "Brave" was Pixar's first film with a female protagonist.

Future of Pixar

Pixar continues to innovate and create, with many exciting projects on the horizon.

37. Pixar announced a new film titled "Luca," set in Italy, slated for release in 2021.
38. The studio is exploring new animation techniques, including virtual reality experiences.
39. Pixar's SparkShorts program allows employees to create their own short films.
40. The studio plans to release a sequel to "The Incredibles" in the near future.

Collaborations and Partnerships

Pixar has collaborated with various companies and artists to create memorable experiences.

41. Pixar partnered with Disney to create the "Toy Story" franchise.
42. The studio worked with Apple to develop the first iPhone's graphical interface.
43. Pixar collaborated with NASA to create educational content for children.
44. The studio has a long-standing partnership with composer Randy Newman.

Trivia and Tidbits

Here are some more interesting trivia and tidbits about Pixar.

45. Pixar's first feature film, "Toy Story," was almost scrapped due to creative differences with Disney.
46. "Monsters, Inc." was inspired by the childhood fear of monsters under the bed.
47. "Ratatouille" was praised by chefs for its accurate depiction of French cuisine.
48. "The Good Dinosaur" went through several rewrites and directorial changes before its release.

Legacy and Influence

Pixar's legacy continues to grow, influencing the animation industry and beyond.

49. Pixar's success led to the creation of other animation studios like DreamWorks and Blue Sky.
50. The studio's emphasis on storytelling has set a new standard for animated films.

Pixar's Magic in a Nutshell

Pixar has truly changed the animation game. From groundbreaking technology to heartfelt storytelling, they've set the bar high. Their movies aren't just for kids; they touch hearts of all ages. With iconic characters like Woody and Buzz, they've created a lasting legacy.

The studio's commitment to innovation and quality shines through in every film. They've won countless awards, but more importantly, they've won our hearts. Whether it's the emotional depth of "Up" or the adventurous spirit of "Finding Nemo," Pixar knows how to make us feel.

So next time you watch a Pixar movie, remember the hard work and creativity behind it. These 50 facts just scratch the surface of what makes Pixar special. Keep an eye out for their next masterpiece; it's sure to be another unforgettable journey.