What would your dream job physically look like? Picture yourself working alongside people who dream, create and collaborate as far and wide as their imagination takes them. Office cubicles and walls do not exist – in fact, you are encouraged to eat lunch in a public high-ceiling NYC-style bistro as well as use the outdoor pool and basketball court. Stiff suits and ties are replaced with casual-wear. Everyone is invited to ‘come as they are’, and flourish with their unique set of talents. Welcome friends, to Pixar Animation Studios.
Last month, I was invited out to San Francisco for a press event to promote Pixar’s next summer blockbuster: Cars 3!
Isn’t the movie trailer incredible?! I cannot wait to watch the movie this summer with my family!
In addition to screening most of the exciting and mesmerizing installment in the Cars 3 saga, we were also treated to: a race-car ride around the official Sonoma Raceway and viewings of Lou (Pixar Short), The Toy Box (ABC’s new delightful toy competition tv show), Born in China (Disneynature’s new animal documentary), Puppy Dog Pals (Disney Junior’s new series), and a wonderful online educational tool: Pixar in a Box. Click here to read about the Event Details: “Join us on a trip to San Francisco, with Disney/Pixar and ABC”
Most of our San Francisco adventure, took place on-site at the official Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, CA. Due to production demands and confidentiality issues, Pixar is a closed studio and does not offer tours. Everyone in my Blogger group tried very hard to maintain complete professionalism during our experience. We take our job very seriously, and did not geek out over this rare opportunity to be surrounded by the magic of Pixar.
While on-site, we were immersed in Cars 3 artwork and inspiration:
We attended a VIP reception that included gorgeous sketches and renderings from the various stages of the movie. I cannot share any photos from that event, but here’s a peek at some of the fabulous artwork:
Pixar created another wonderful story with Cars 3. The first time I fell in love with Pixar was in 1997, with the Academy-Award Winning animated short entitled: Geri’s Game.
Geri’s Game appeared across the screen, as a visual amuse bouche for A Bug’s Life. Watching a short animation, before the main feature, felt like a cultural throw-back to the Mickey Mouse Steamboat Willie days of the late 1920’s. A heart-felt story like Geri’s Game quickly became the standard for all Pixar creations. Which short captured your heart first?
In addition to the unforgettable story-focused shorts, Pixar amp-ted up the full-length feature category as well! Audiences began raising their standards for animated movies that included entertaining stories, well-written characters and roller coaster visual adventures. Which movie is your favorite Pixar feature film?
Can you imagine being surrounded by the brilliant minds who created all these fantastic stories??? Enjoy my Insider’s Tour of the place where all the creative cool kids hang out: Pixar Animation Studios.
Throughout the campus, many characters we have adored over the years are represented.
Here are some photos with a few of my friends. Can you remember which movies they are from? I helped Rainbow Unicorn run lines for her ‘Fairy Dream Adventures’ series.
Bing-Bong greeted us at the door, while Piper peered over the railing, Bruce kept the staircase safe, and Hank crawled along the bottom of the wall. Then, we were tickled to find REAL EASTER EGGS along the floor! Watch your step!
I spotted a few more:
It was very easy to envision working on a project at Pixar: surrounded by inspiration, walking around, collaborating with brilliant minds and churning ideas over in my mind.
I will never forget my first time at Pixar, and hope you enjoyed my walk-through.
Until next time, sweet dreams.
Stay tuned, for my next Pixar and CARS 3 posts! There are many more stories to tell.
Like/Follow CARS on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube channel, and visit the official CARS 3 website.
CARS 3 opens in theaters everywhere on June 16th.
Leave a Reply