Pixar Project

Brief History
Pixar Animation began in 1979 as part of the Graphic Group and then started their
journey of making movies on February 3, 1986 once they joined with co-founder Steve Jobs. In
1991, after seeing such great potential in Pixar, they decided to team up together and shortly after
in 1995, they made the widely beloved Pixar film, Toy Story. Then, in 2006, Walt Disney
Pictures bought Pixar, making their magical and heartwarming films a part of everyones lives
ever since. They have had 12 feature films that have 40 Oscar Nominations and earned $7 billion
dollars, and this success is due to Pixar taking risks with different styles of animation and
creativity.
Major Productions
Pixars top five major productions include Toy Story 3, which made $1,069,818,229 at the
Worldwide Box Office and made the most money. Second was Finding Nemo, which made
$936,429,370 at the Worldwide Box Office. Third was Inside Out, which made $852,343,178 at
the Worldwide Box Office. Fourth was Monsters University, which made $743,588,329 at the
Worldwide Box Office. Finally, fifth was Up, making $731,542,621 at the Worldwide Box
Office. However, over the past five years the major productions are Inside Out, Brave, Toy Story
3, Monsters University and the Good Dinosaur.
Marketing and Distribution Practices
Pixar has been seen throughout different types of media, such as video games like Disney
Infinity, where characters from Disney and Pixar are joined together in one game and can
interact with each other as you buy and select different characters to choose from and use. This
game split almost evenly between both genders to use, with 55% males and 45% females playing
the game. By adding female and male characters throughout the game, Disney Infinity has made
for everyone to play and enjoy, serving to a variety of audiences. One great marketing strategy
this game has used is in the second game, which is created as a Marvel universe. In order to play
with certain characters from marvel, the consumer must buy the second game in order to buy any
of those characters in which they correspond to that game. Pixar grew as it gained popularity and
original audiences grew up. Sequels do well due to nostalgia.
Impacts of Changing Technology and Convergence
Pixar is definitely well known for its use of extraordinary animation and new and
improved technology, in order to create the most visually pleasing and clean and cut films for all
audiences to enjoy. Their main software they use is on the computer, which is the grand source
to all of their movie creations. As seen in many of their films, Pixar has used a 3D animation
effect in their films, and in the past have used stop-motion filming methods, such as Claymation.

Moreover, they have used 2D animation with the help of their staff, whose jobs range from
artists, painters, and directors, storyboard artists and many other imperative jobs. They have also
used the software RenderMan, in movies like Toy Story and in the classic short Luxo Jr. Pixar is
the biggest animation studio and changed the genre of animation.
Case Study 1:
On June 19, 2015, Pixar released Inside Out, one of their most popular films to date.
Starring celebrities such as Amy Poehler and Bill Hader, the movie was a big success. It follows
the story of a girl named Riley and the emotions in her head. The movie was directed by Pete
Doctor and Ronnie Del Carmen, and had an estimated budget of $175 billion. The movie has an
8.4 out of 10 rating and has raised $356,454,367.
Inside Outs success is due to a variety of things. The bright colors and funny characters
attract children, much like many other Pixar movies and the deep and touching story line attract
an older audience. With the added celebrity list of voices and interesting storyline, this movie
was sure to be a hit from the beginning.
Case Study 2:
Almost 5 years before to the day, Toy Story 3 came out in theaters. This is the third
movie in the Toy Story franchise, following Andys toys Woody and Buzz. Starring celebrities
such as Tom Hanks and Tim Allen, the two toys get separated once a group of toys with Buzz in
it are sent to a daycare, while Woody is meant to stay with Andy through college. The movie was
directed by Lee Unkrich and had an estimated budget of $200 million. The movie has an 8.4 out
of 10 rating and has raised $940 million worldwide.
Toy Story 3 gained so much success by continuing the nostalgic and widely favored
series. Just like inside out, another factor to its extreme success are the lovable characters, bright
colors, and silly sense of humor. All around, Toy Story 3 is a movie that pleases young kids and
brings the older generation back to their sense of childhood.

Reference Page

1. "Box Office History for Disney-Pixar Movies." Disney-Pixar Production Company Box
Office History. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.

2. "Marketing and Distribution Practices - Disney Infinity Game Case." Marketing and
Distribution Practices - Disney Infinity Game Case. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.

3. "Pixar Animation Studio: A Brief History." Animation Schools. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.

4. "Use of Technology." PIXAR. Web. 2 Dec. 2015.