9781422277379

C hances are you’ve seen a Pixar film at some point in your life. With blockbusters such as Toys , Ratatouille , and Cars —not to mention their many sequels—the production company has made some of the most beloved, critically acclaimed and commercially successful animatedmovies of all time. Characters fromBuzz Lightyear toWALL-E have captured the imaginations of moviegoers all over the world, and storylines with uplifting messages and sly, knowing humor have en- tertained a whole generation of kids and their parents. With plans for even more films in development, Pixar shows no signs of slowing down as it enters its fourth decade. Beyond their cultural impact, Pixar’s films have astonished audiences with their bold advances in the field of computer animation. Whether it’s the ground- breaking three-dimensional rendering of Toy Story , the lifelike treatment of water and light in Finding Nemo , or the rich detail of the natural world in The Good Dino- saur , each Pixar project has introduced new technological developments and cre- ative techniques. These innovations have forced other animation studios, such as Disney and DreamWorks, to retool, expand, and modify their methods of production in order to keep up. Together, companies like these have used technology to revolu- tionize moviemaking. And they’re not done yet. Pixar’s innovative approach to moviemaking carries over into its day-to-day business operations. One look at the company’s 20-acre headquarters in Emeryville, California, confirms that it is not a conventional workplace. Employees are encour- aged to decorate their offices however they want; past themes have included a tiki bar and an “Old West”-style saloon. The main building features a vast open space known as “the Atrium,” with restaurants and other amenities (including a 24-hour

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