Life in California is always good but, wow, could this have been the greatest day of my life so far (apart from all those other days...)?
Pixar Studios is based just down the road in Emeryville. They're a "closed studio", which means that they don't let the public in to nose around. That is unless you're Patrick (aka Mr Incredible) and have an old flat-mate from Texas A&M who works as a modeler there. A phone call, some e-mails, and he, the Muckers, and we were on our way to visit.
Armed with our personalised visitor passes we made it through the front gate and were soon standing outside the main entrance next to a giant version of Luxo Jr. After a quick chat with a passing Haas alumnus who now works in finance there (they get everywhere!) we were met by Patrick's friend Seth and ushered inside the huge warehouse-like headquarters.
This is where it all happens. The place is divided into "left brain" and "right brain", with the creative people trusted to make the magic undisturbed (a thought that made finance-centric Christine shudder violently). All throughout are huge displays of stunning artwork documenting the making of the latest Pixar film - Up.
From the first sketches of the artists and directors through to clay models, oil paintings, physical props that they digitally map...it was all there. We even got to see the real-life version of Carl's walking stick (complete with tennis balls)! That's like the Holy Grail!!
Unfortunately for your brave blogger there was a strict "no photos" policy. We did get to glimpse a few seconds of Cars 2 as it played on endless repeat on an animator's screen, and were told how they created a scene in the upcoming Toy Story 3 by importing a giant ball pool into the building and filming staff as they waded through it. And they get paid to do this! I left my business card in a strategic position (by the sink, in the men's toilet) and hope for the best.
Outside the gates.
And we're in!
Christine and me with a couple of the studio's stars.
A rather nice working environment (if we'd have stayed until 5pm it was free pizza and beer night!)
The Incredibles...plus guests.
When the sun goes down, the lamp comes on.
Huge thanks again to Seth and Patrick (who wins the "best free thing to do" award).
