A Look Back at 2013

Here we are, once again at the end of yet another year. While not without its fair share of saddening tragedies in the Pixar realm, this year has nonetheless seen the release of not one, not two, but three fantastic new works from the folks down in Emeryville.

Unfortunately, this hasn't quite been the best year for Pixar. We saw the removal of Bob Peterson as director from The Good Dinosaur - making this the fourth time a director at the studio has gotten the boot. This eventually lead to nearly 5% of the staff being laid off.

Then in October came the headline that probably devastated me most of all - Pixar Canada was shut down. It's a real shame; the Vancouver-based satellite studio had made some remarkable shorts since opening in April 2010, and the studio itself was filled to the brim with talented artists. Those who have followed this blog for a while now may know that I was fortunate enough to visit Pixar Canada this January and tour the studio (you can read about my visit here). I'm more thankful for that once-in-a-lifetime opportunity now than ever before, so a big thank-you is due to Amir Nasrabadi (general manager and vice-president of Pixar Canada at the time of its closure) for allowing this dream of mine to become a reality. The studio itself may have closed, but it built quite the legacy in the short three years that it was operational. So long live Pixar Canada!

Now let's talk about some of the more exciting things that happened this year.

Of course, Monsters University, the studio's fourteenth feature-length film and prequel to fan-favorite Monsters, Inc., hit theaters in June and its reception was generally quite warm, despite a select stubborn few still riding that old bothersome 'Pixar is losing it' bandwagon. Oh well, you can't please everybody. Let them keep riding that bandwagon while we look forward to the studio's future wildly ambitious projects.

The latest short film to be pumped out by Pixar, The Blue Umbrella, also made its debut this year alongside MU. While perhaps not as groundbreaking as, say, Day & Night or La Luna, it's arguably still a splendid and very creative work of art, accompanied by an irresistibly catchy soundtrack, not to mention its gorgeous photo-realistic visuals.

More recently, in October Pixar released its first ever television special! Toy Story of Terror saw the return of Woody, Buzz, Jessie and co. and delighted audiences across the globe, proving that the folks at Pixar are more than capable in handling the half-hour special format. Needless to say, Toy Story of Terror left audiences hungry for more Pixar TV specials, so here's hoping they're cooking up some more for us to enjoy in the near future.

All in all, it's been another great year. 2014 will likely be quite a quiet year in terms of Pixar news, what with no new feature film until 2015, but who knows, maybe the studio will surprise us with another television special later in the year. Whether that happens or not, let's make 2014 another memorable year.

Happy New Year, everyone!

Three Mini 'Cars' Shorts to Premiere Tonight on Disney Channel

Pixar Canada has just announced via Twitter that not one, not two, but three new "shorty shorts" (titled Hiccups, Bugged, and Spinning) starring your favorite characters from Cars and Cars 2 will be debuting tonight at 8:21, 8:50, and 9:13 pm on the Disney Channel. The shorts are all directed by Jeremy Lasky and are just under 90 seconds long, but nonetheless it's always quite exciting to see more of the characters from the Cars universe.

For those who don't have access to the Disney Channel, the shorts will be posted onto Disney.com and the official Cars website on Sunday so you'll be able to catch them sooner or later.

Don't miss Hiccups, Bugged, and Spinning tonight on Disney Channel, and see them online this Sunday!

To Pixar Canada, and Beyond

The majority of the world was probably feeling elated yesterday afternoon; it was, after all, Friday. But I was feeling particularly gleeful - it's not everyday that you get to visit the satellite studio of one of the world's most beloved filmmaking companies.

Yesterday I had the absolutely incredible opportunity to visit the Pixar Canada studio in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia, and it was a visit I'll never forget. The general manager and vice president of the studio, the wonderful Amir Nasrabadi, was kind enough to invite me for a tour around the facility, which has grown significantly since it opened in 2010. 

Let me start by saying that although it is a whole lot smaller than the central studio in Emeryville, it is in no way whatsoever less impressive. Complete with a staircase that connects the three floors, a spacious kitchen for employees to grab a bite or two, a screening room (which Amir describes as "the ultimate home theater"), a fitness center to keep Pixarians nice and healthy, a library with a gorgeous view of some of the local mountains, and a large outdoor deck fit to host some wicked parties, Pixar Canada has it all. However, as you may have guessed, quite a bit of construction had to be completed before the building could have any of these sweet features.

Much like its larger counterpart in California, at Pixar Canada "there is very little we don't allow" says Amir. Throughout the studio you'll find of all sorts Nerf guns on the employees' desks, waiting to be picked up and carried into battle, and I was even warned to keep my head up, for you never know when you might unexpectedly cross paths with a dart flying at 35 miles per hour. I even caught a glimpse of a single forgotten dart lying next to Sulley by the staircase (pictured above). Employees are also permitted to bring their dogs to work, and one even has a fish tank.

As you might expect, the Pixarians can decorate their work spaces in pretty much any way they like, much like in Emeryville. There were some insanely cool cubicles, it amazed me how creative these folks were, but I guess I shouldn't be surprised - they're Pixarians for crying out loud.

Photo credit: Evoke International Design

The library is one place that really stood out for me. It's extremely colorful, has some really comfy-looking spots to sit in, and a bookshelf containing pretty much every Pixar 'Art of' book there is, which the filmmakers can flip through at any time if they're in need of inspiration. Amir said that this was meant to be a space where a group of employees could sit down and have a small meeting about an issue they've had on their minds. And of course, you can't have a Pixar studio without some sort of hidden passageway somewhere (now that was awesome). The wallpaper behind the bookshelf (pictured above) has a really awesome pattern designed by the studio's creative director Dylan Brown, which has hidden silhouettes of various Pixar characters - you can spend quite a bit of time trying to find and name them all.

Pixar Canada as it appears from the outside

The architecture in the building is sensational. From the outside, it just looks like an everyday Vancouver office building, and at first glance there's nothing really remarkable or extraordinary about it. Once you step inside, however, your whole perception of the building changes instantly; that is, if you weren't already aware that the building is home to some of the most talented filmmakers in the world. In the interior, the studio is beautifully decorated with all sorts of indigenous wood from different parts of the province, and it makes for a truly gorgeous workplace bursting with inspiration. It might interest you to know that the building is also one of Vancouver's oldest buildings; the third or fourth one ever built, in fact, making it a heritage building. Several parts of the building, including brick walls and the industrial ceiling, remained untouched even while renovating. Why? They give the building such great character, and isn't that what Pixar is all about?

What made my day is when Amir told me I could draw something on Pixar Canada's own doodle wall, where employees and guests can come at any time and, well, doodle. I ended up doing a not-that-good little drawing of Buzz Lightyear, but I was overwhelmed to leave my own mark at the very place where artists and visionaries create such beloved works.

So far, Pixar Canada have worked on four different short films; Air Mater, Small Fry, Time Travel Mater, and Partysaurus Rex. While I obviously cannot say what the studio is currently working on, I can tell you that it is absolute brilliance and typical Pixar greatness, and when people see it they are going to be blown away. People of all ages will be able to take something out of it.

Bruce hangs out by the staircase, keeping an eye on the kitchen.

I was given an awesome little Pixar Canada goody bag filled with all sorts of cool items (a Partysaurus Rex t-shirt and the Pixar Shorts Collection - Volume 2 on Blu-ray to name a few) and left the studio, head swarming with feelings of awe and astonishment. Visiting a film studio is a great experience, but visiting a Pixar studio...well, it's something that can't really be put into words.

A huge thank you to Amir Nasrabadi for inviting me! Be sure to follow him on Twitter (@AmirNasrabadi)!

What's Next for Toy Story?

Back in 2010, Pixar delivered the third entry of what is probably their most beloved franchise; the phenomenal Toy Story 3. With a finale that touched the hearts of millions across the globe, many assumed that 3 was also the end of the Toy Story series. After all, it was a pretty beautiful ending.

But a couple of months back, rumors started popping up about a Toy Story 4. Tom Hanks, the voice behind Sheriff Woody, stated in an interview that he believed Pixar was currently working on TS4. Later on, John Lasseter also teased about a fourth installment. Then there's also this video of Tim Allen, AKA Buzz Lightyear, talking about the possibility of a fourth Toy Story film:

So will there be a Toy Story 4? We can't be sure for now, but I'd say the chances of it happening aren't very big. Lee Unkrich (director of TS3) himself stated that they tried to end the series the best they could with the third film, but that they are keeping the characters alive with a series of Toy Story short films; the Toy Story Toons.

So far, two Toy Story Toons have been released; Hawaiian Vacation and Small Fry. Both have been well-received by audiences, and have left fans hungry for more.

Some pretty big news has been dropped this week. Yes folks, we are getting more Toy Story. No, not another feature film, but rather, three new Toons will join the library, along with two original 22-minute long TV specials!

These are likely being worked on at Pixar's satellite studio in Vancouver, which has thus far worked on Air Mater and Small Fry. The TV specials are scheduled for October 2013 and Spring 2014, and will probably air on either ABC or the Disney Channel. Aside from that, we don't know much about these half-hour specials, but expect them to bring the Toy Story characters to life in a remarkable and unique way.

As for the three new shorts, there have been a few rumors flying around about one called Partysaurus Rex. You can tell by the title that Rex would likely be one of the central characters in this short. Also, some tiny bits of plot details regarding this short were spilled by electronic artist BT a while ago. He said:

"I’m in the middle of scoring a film for Pixar right now. It’s a short for Toy Story, and I’m not allowed to say the whole story, but quite literally, it’s like a Toy Story rave, and I’m actually not kidding either. Like, the toys get into all these shenanigans and it’s like pounding club music, this thing. So it’s really not very Pixar, but in like a really hysterical way, everyone laughs so hard when they see it. It’s really exciting to work with those guys."

After reading BT's comments on the short film, I am quite intrigued and eager to see it. While Wikipedia claims that Partysaurus Rex will debut this fall, nothing has been offcially announced by Pixar or Disney. Chances are, however, that this short and possibly the other two will show up on either the Pixar Short Films Collection - Volume 2 or on the Brave DVD and Blu-ray.

So there you have it. If you were worried that we wouldn't be seeing much of the Toy Story characters in the future, hopefully your anxieties have been eliminated, because it seems to me that Woody and Buzz aren't going anywhere anytime soon.

(via BigScreen Animation)

Pixar Website Updated with 'Small Fry'

Pixar's official website has recently been updated with a file on the latest short film to come out of the studio, Small Fry.

Click on the 'Short Films' heading and you'll be taken to a gallery of all of Pixar's shorts, and at the top you will see the same image seen above. Clicking on the image will take you to a short page with the film's plot.

I also just found out that Small Fry was the second project to be animated at the Pixar Canada studio, the first one having been Air Mater. I wonder what else they are cooking up for us right now...

I really like this new promotional image for the short. I just love the concept of Mini Buzz looking up at the actual Buzz (whose only visible body parts are his legs). Again, we have pure genius coming from Pixar, as always.

Small Fry is playing in theaters now with Disney's The Muppets! Don't miss it!

A Look Inside Pixar Canada

The satellite animation studio that Pixar set up in beautiful Vancouver, British Columbia in April of last year has been kept under wraps for a pretty long time. No one except those talented enough to work at the studio have seen the inside of Pixar Canada...that is, until now.

A few images of the Vancouver studio's interior have surfaced on the web. It definitely looks like it's living up to the look and feel of the main studio in Emeryville!

Here are a few of my favorite images:

 Some comfy sofas right next to a colorful display of colorscripts.

 Mike Wazowski greets people who pass this wall infested with artwork from the films.

An awesome spot for settling down and having a nice conversation, reading a book, or simply relaxing.

 Yet another place for grabbing a seat and sipping down a warm cup of coffee, with marvelous Ratatouille art of display.

 Some Pixar Canada employees at an important-looking meeting. I think that's Amir Nasrabadi, general manager of Pixar Canada (the one closest to the Sulley statue).



That's about all we can see of the Vancouver Pixar studio right now, but hopefully we'll get another inside scoop on Pixar Canada sometime in the future!

Pixar Canada Reveals Studio and Current Project!

Until today, Pixar's studio in Vancouver, BC, Canada, remained quite mysterious. Now, the Vancouver Sun has given us an inside scoop on what the studio has been up to for the last year and a half.

First of all, it has been confirmed that Air Mater is in fact being produced at the Vancouver studio, as previously speculated. But after seeing the concept art which was revealed when the studio first opened, it was almost certain that something involving Mater flying was being worked on at Pixar Canada. Don't forget to catch Air Mater, the first ever Pixar project to come from the Canadian studio, on the home video release of Cars 2 on November 1!

Also, the location of Pixar Canada has now been revealed to the public; Gastown in Downtown Vancouver, where the famous steam clock can also be found. Having have visited this street several times before, I can tell you that it is quite the sight with countless flowers everywhere you look, and fancy lamp posts lined along the the street. I'm almost certain that Pixar is very happy with the place they chose to put their second animation studio.

As seen in the picture above, the replicas (or at least copies of the replicas) of McQueen and Mater that have been touring the United States and Canada for the past few months are now on display right in front of the Pixar Canada studios, to mark the location of where dozens of talented artists and animators go to work everyday. These two cars may stay there only temporarily, but there is a chance that they could stay as permanent decor, or at least be moved slightly.

We are prone to find out what else Pixar Canada is cooking up for us soon, but for now, just enjoy Air Mater on the Cars 2 Blu-ray and DVD!

Cars 2 Coming to Home Video Nov. 1st

After having recently heard some of the Blu-ray and DVD details about Cars 2, we now have an actual release date! The film is set to hit store shelves on November 1st, and will feature an all new Cars Toon, entitled Air Mater. A clip from the Toon has been posted onto YouTube by Disney/Pixar (watch below). I've heard rumours that this Air Mater is being produced at Pixar Canada. Just take a look at this picture that was posted on the web when the Vancouver studio first opened.

The Cars 2 Blu-ray and DVD will also include Hawaiian Vacation, which premiered alongside Cars 2 in theaters in June.

Here is the clip for Air Mater:

Pretty good stuff, don't you think?

Stay tuned as we will probably soon see a list of bonus features that will be included on the Blu-ray.

Cars 2 arrives in stores November 1st, 2011!

EXCLUSIVE: Pixar Canada Discovered!

Well, after some research and looking closely at the "Pixar Animation Studios Opens Office In Vancouver" video I was able to locate Pixar Canada's temporary office! It was amazing to find myself right in front of Pixar's new studio in Vancouver! Of course, I didn't go inside the studio but I took some pictures from the outside. For some reason Pixar Canada has not announced their location to the public, so because of this I have not written it in this post. I hope you guys enjoy the picture.