Pixar Animation Studios is a renowned American animation studio known for its groundbreaking work in computer animation, storytelling, and technological innovation in the film industry. Here is a detailed overview:
History
- Founding: Pixar was founded as The Graphics Group in 1979 by Edwin Catmull and Alvy Ray Smith. It was part of the Lucasfilm computer division before being purchased by Steve Jobs in 1986 for $5 million, renaming it Pixar.
- Early Years: Initially, Pixar focused on producing high-end computer hardware for rendering images, but they also ventured into commercials and short films, like the Academy Award-winning short "The Adventures of André & Wally B."
- Feature Films: Pixar's first feature film, Toy Story, was released in 1995, becoming the world's first completely computer-animated feature film. This success was followed by hits like A Bug's Life (1998), Finding Nemo (2003), and The Incredibles (2004).
- Acquisition by Disney: In 2006, The Walt Disney Company acquired Pixar for $7.4 billion in stock, with Pixar's CEO, Ed Catmull, and president, John Lasseter, becoming president and chief creative officer of Disney Animation, respectively.
Technological Innovations
- RenderMan: Pixar developed RenderMan, a rendering software used not only in their films but also by other studios worldwide.
- Animation Techniques: They pioneered techniques in animation, including subsurface scattering for realistic skin rendering, fur simulation, and advanced lighting systems.
Notable Films and Achievements
- Oscars: Pixar has won numerous Academy Awards, with several of their films receiving the Best Animated Feature Film award.
- Box Office Success: Films like Finding Dory, Inside Out, and Coco have been both critically acclaimed and financially successful.
- Shorts: Alongside feature films, Pixar has released numerous acclaimed short films, often preceding their feature films in theaters.
Corporate Culture and Philosophy
- Creative Environment: Pixar is known for fostering a creative and open work environment, encapsulated in their philosophy of "failing fast to succeed sooner," encouraging experimentation and innovation.
- Braintrust: Pixar's unique peer-review system, known as the Braintrust, involves a group of creative leaders who provide candid feedback to improve projects.
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