Pete Docter, Kemp Powers, and Dana Murray Talk Pixar's 'Soul,' Telling an Authentic New York Story, and Working with Bradford Young [The Fourth Wall #29]

If you thought Pixar’s resume couldn't get any more impressive, “Soul”—the studio’s upcoming release about passion, music, and a soul-in-training—will prove you wrong. That’s no small task. After all, Pixar already boasts a repertoire of celebrated works. “Toy Story”, “Monster’s Inc.”, “Finding Nemo”, “The Incredibles”, “Cars”, and the list goes on. The team at Pixar has shown beyond doubt their ability to tell great stories and to do so year in and year out.

Pixar’s diverse blend of creative minds produces an authenticity that rings true to real life. Kemp Powers, the co-director of "Soul" and a New York City native, emphasized this authenticity in the context of the animated cityscape.

To ensure a life-like portrayal of the city—which would have to pass the scrutiny of a long-time New York City commuter in Kemp Powers—the Pixar team brought in cinematographer Bradford Young as a lighting consultant.

Beyond authenticity, it is these deeper statements that make "Soul" the movie Pixar has been building toward. By inspecting a struggling musician’s life-purpose and connection to his true self—his soul—Pixar’s latest aspires to a depth not often seen in animation. It takes chances in the same way "Inside Out" did in dealing with taboo emotion. It’s daring in the same way "Coco" was in confronting death. So sure, in watching "Soul" when it’s released on Christmas Day, you’ll be engrossed in a story worthy of Pixar’s record. But you’ll also be challenged. You’ll be made to think and feel, and you’ll leave the film with a new perspective and, maybe, a new purpose.
Think that’s a tall order for Pixar? My conversation with Pete Docter, Kemp Powers and Dana Murray might convince you otherwise.

"Soul" hits Disney+ December 25.