The Journey of ‘Inside Out 2;’ Bronfman backs down
Aug 30, 2024
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Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, writers behind Pixar's smash hit Inside Out 2, delve into the film's journey and its importance in theatrical releases over streaming. They discuss the creative evolution of characters as Riley enters her teenage years and how Pixar’s culture has shifted post-John Lasseter. The duo reflects on the challenges of animating emotional resonance in modern storytelling and the growing focus on diversity and AI's role in creative processes. Their insights illuminate the ever-changing landscape of animated films.
The success of Inside Out 2 highlights the importance of crafting compelling stories over box office expectations in animation.
The departure of John Lasseter has led Pixar to embrace diversity and inclusivity, enriching the creative process in storytelling.
Deep dives
The Success of Inside Out 2
Inside Out 2 has emerged as a monumental success, grossing over $1.6 billion at the box office, making it the highest-grossing animated film of all time, surpassing Frozen 2. The movie's creators, Meg LeFove and Dave Holstein, emphasize that their focus during production was not on box office expectations but on crafting the best story possible. This mindset allowed them to push the boundaries of storytelling in animation, exploring complex emotions as Riley transitions into her teenage years. The film's vibrant characters, including the introduction of new emotions like anxiety and envy, resonate deeply with audiences, illustrating the importance of shared experiences in cinema.
Impact of Theatrical Releases
The podcast discusses the critical role of theatrical releases for animated films, arguing that their impact is significantly greater when experienced in a cinema setting. LeFove notes that prior decisions made under Disney's former CEO, Bob Chapek, to release films directly on streaming platforms might have negatively affected the animation sector. Acknowledging the extensive marketing campaign for Inside Out 2, the creators recognize how it effectively drew families and children back to theaters, creating a communal atmosphere. This shared viewing experience is essential for emotional films, allowing audiences to connect on a deeper level, reminiscent of the joy that comes with watching animated features together with loved ones.
The Evolution of Pixar's Culture
The departure of John Lasseter amidst misconduct allegations marked a significant shift in Pixar's culture, leading to increased focus on diversity and inclusivity within the creative process. LeFove shares that the current brain trust now includes more varied voices, enabling richer story development through different perspectives. While the core emphasis on storytelling remains unchanged, the wider representation aims to ensure that the creative environment fosters better collaboration and idea-sharing. This transformation reflects an industry-wide trend toward more equitable practices, ultimately enhancing the quality and relatability of the stories told at Pixar.
Kim Masters and Matt Belloni banter about the summer box office, noting that it started with a whimper but is ending with a bang thanks to a sequel and two superheroes. Edgar Bronfman Jr. has withdrawn his bid for Paramount, and as the Venice Film Festival kicks off, Italy's increasingly right-wing government is courting Hollywood productions.
Additionally, Meg LeFauve and Dave Holstein, the writers of the Pixar megahit Inside Out 2, join Kim Masters to discuss the importance of putting animated movies in theaters instead of only on streaming platforms — as former Disney CEO Bob Chapek did during his tenure. They also address whether the culture at Pixar has changed since John Lasseter’s 2018 departure amid misconduct allegations.
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