Inside Pixar - Foundations: Creating Characters (S1E12)
From cars to fish to toys to superheroes, Pixar characters have unique personalities, designs, and traits. Join Pixar’s character artists and designers as they break down the process of developing a new character.
| Runtime (min) | 13 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2021-03-26 |
| Genres | Documentary |
| TV Rating | TV-G |
| Network(s) | Disney+ |
Storyline
This episode of Inside Pixar takes viewers behind the scenes to explore how Pixar's character artists and designers bring memorable characters to life. The documentary short focuses on the creative process behind developing characters ranging from the studio's earliest creations to its most recent heroes, examining how each character receives distinct personalities, visual designs, and defining traits that make them recognizable and beloved.
Through interviews with Pixar's character development team, the episode reveals the collaborative approach artists take when building a new character from concept to final design. The artists discuss how they consider everything from a character's physical appearance and movement style to their emotional core and role within the story, demonstrating the careful thought and iteration required to create characters that resonate with audiences across different ages and cultures.
What kids learn
Children watching this episode gain valuable insight into the creative process behind animation and character design. They learn that creating memorable characters requires thoughtful planning, collaboration among many artists, and attention to both visual details and personality traits. Young viewers see that successful character development involves much more than drawing—it requires understanding what makes each character unique and how their design supports their role in the story.
The episode also teaches kids about the importance of iteration and refinement in creative work. By seeing how Pixar artists develop characters through multiple stages and revisions, children learn that great work often requires patience, experimentation, and willingness to try different approaches. This lesson applies beyond animation to any creative or problem-solving endeavor they might pursue.
Additionally, kids discover how different artistic disciplines work together in professional settings. The episode demonstrates that creating something complex like an animated character requires teamwork, with designers, artists, and storytellers all contributing their expertise to achieve a shared vision.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this episode appropriate for young children who love Pixar movies? | Yes, this episode is entirely appropriate for young Pixar fans. It contains no concerning content and simply shows artists discussing their creative process in a family-friendly documentary format. Children who enjoy Pixar films will likely find it fascinating to see how their favorite characters were designed and developed, making it suitable for ages five and up. |
| Will my child understand the technical aspects discussed in this episode? | The episode presents character design concepts in an accessible way that children can grasp at different levels. While some technical terminology is used, the artists explain their work through visual examples and relatable language. Younger children may not understand every detail, but they'll appreciate seeing the artwork and hearing about the creative choices, while older kids and teens can engage more deeply with the design principles discussed. |
| Does this episode inspire creativity or is it just informational? | This episode actively inspires creativity by revealing the artistic process behind beloved characters. Children see that character creation involves imagination, experimentation, and personal expression, which can motivate them to develop their own characters through drawing or storytelling. The episode celebrates creative thinking and shows that there are many valid approaches to designing a character, encouraging kids to explore their own ideas. |
| How does this episode compare to watching an actual Pixar movie? | This is a documentary short about the filmmaking process, not a narrative story, so it offers a completely different experience from watching a Pixar feature film. There's no plot, conflict, or character journey—instead, it's an educational look at how artists work. Children interested in art, animation, or how movies are made will find it engaging, while those seeking entertainment might prefer an actual Pixar story. |
| Can this episode help my child who's interested in art or animation as a career? | Absolutely. This episode provides genuine insight into professional character design and animation careers at one of the industry's leading studios. Young viewers interested in art or animation see real artists discussing their work, the collaborative nature of the profession, and the skills involved in character development. It offers an authentic glimpse into what working in animation actually entails, which can be valuable for career exploration. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Authenticity is essential to creating a film that is believable and relatable. Co-Director Kemp Powers discusses the real-life experiences that led him to propose a simple, yet pivotal scene in Soul. |
| 1 | 2 | Inspiration isn't instant. Coming up with unique and creative characters takes time and effort. Character Designer Deanna Marsigliese takes us through the process of character creation and the artistic detours that often come with it. |
| 1 | 3 | Growing up in a small town in Canada, Steven Hunter never felt like he saw himself represented in cartoons and comic books. After getting the opportunity to direct a Pixar SparkShort, Steven was inspired by his own life to create 'Out,' a unique and vulnerable story he wished he saw in his youth. |
| 1 | 4 | Script Supervisor Jessica Heidt manages endless lines of dialogue. Through her script access, she detected a disparity in male to female roles, motivating her to create a program to improve gender balance throughout Pixar's films and the greater film industry. |
| 1 | 5 | Inspiration can be hard to come by. Sometimes it takes years to find, while other times it's been right under your nose. Director Dan Scanlon takes us on a personal journey of inspiration that led to his film, Onward. |
| 1 | 6 | Director of International Production Cynthia Lusk takes us into the fascinating world of localization. From translations to graphics to even changes in animation, Cynthia and her team work to make sure that Pixar’s films can connect and resonate to fans and families throughout the world. |
| 1 | 7 | Marylou Jaso has the sweetest job at Pixar - literally. As Pixar's Pastry Chef, she spends each day creating the confections and sweet treats that delight, inspire, and help feed the studio's creativity. |
| 1 | 8 | As Production Assistant on Pixar's Soul, Rachelle Federico hard work might not always be that glamorous, but she considers it an important and essential need in the creation of an animated film. |
| 1 | 9 | As a Music Editor, Barney Jones uses these talents to help shape the storytelling and emotion of a Pixar film. |
| 1 | 10 | No two days are the same for Patty Bonfilio. Join her on a VIP tour of the grounds and all of its hidden gems. |
| 1 | 11 | How exactly are animated films made using computer graphics? Pixar’s creative minds introduce and break down how a movie is made through understandable explanations using metaphors and examples. |
| 1 | 12 | From cars to fish to toys to superheroes, Pixar characters have unique personalities, designs, and traits. Join Pixar’s character artists and designers as they break down the process of developing a new character. |
| 1 | 13 | Camerawork is just as crucial in animation as it is in live action. Pixar’s layout artists explain the craft behind camera and staging, showcasing how camera positioning enhances emotion within a story. |
| 1 | 14 | Animation brings characters to life by making them move, feel, think, and talk. Pixar animators take us through the artistry of how they breathe life into characters authentically and explain the importance of acting (and eyebrows) in their craft. |
| 1 | 15 | Light and color are essential in conveying the time of day, creating unique worlds, and even evoking emotion. Pixar lighting directors and artists reveal how they illuminate a scene and how they utilize light and color for everything from terrifying twists to signature Pixar tearjerkers. |
| 1 | 16 | How can the passage of time be utilized as a tool for emotional storytelling? |
| 1 | 17 | From Ernesto de La Cruz to Lotso to Hopper, foes of all shapes and sizes are essential to many of our favorite Pixar movies. But what makes a good villain? |
| 1 | 18 | Pixar characters strive to strike a balance between realistic and caricatured. |
| 1 | 19 | Beyond the world of Cars, vehicles of all kinds have made their mark throughout Pixar’s films. |
| 1 | 20 | Take a deep dive into the art of crowds animation. Each of your favorite Pixar characters live in worlds populated by fellow fish, cars, toys, and humans, but creating thousands of these fully animated background characters is no easy feat. |
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