Pixar Animation Studios' New Film Races Ahead

By Sarah Clark
sarah.clark@theanimationschooldirectory.com
Animation School Directory Columnist

What is one of the most esteemed animation studios in America working on? Pixar's latest creation, Cars, is currently slated for release in summer 2006.

Fans of Pixar films such as Finding Nemo and The Incredibles might have been disappointed by the studio's recent announcement that the release date of Cars has been extended to June 9, 2006. But it looks like this latest production from Pixar will be worth the wait.


Portending to the success of Cars is two-time Academy Award winner John Lasseter, who directed the film and other Pixar productions including Toy Story and A Bug's Life.

And the Hollywood heavy weights behind the movie are impressive too.

Voices behind Cars

It's no coincidence that Daytona winner Paul Newman was chosen as a voice actor for Cars. In playing the role of a car in a movie about a race car, Newman betrays his personal passion for racing. Studying the lines for this role no doubt came easily for this long time NASCAR enthusiast. Having achieved a level of mastery on the race track, Newman continues to dazzle fans with his racing ability even at the age of 80.
Other popular figures providing the voices for animated characters in Cars include NASCAR legend Richard Petty and actors Owen Wilson and Bonnie Hunt.

How Pixar Makes its Films

Those who study animation may enjoy watching Pixar films for the edgy animation technology the studio is famous for. The studio's success can be attributed both to its artistry and technical ingenuity. For example, each animated character is equipped with thousands of "avars," or hinges in which computer animators can assign movements and expressions as appropriate. This is part of the cutting-edge technology that makes their characters so full of life.

Animation Programs

If you'd like to study animation, there are a variety of programs from which you can choose. Whether you're interested in developing characters and scenes for a computer game or a film, you'll have the opportunity in an animation program to study all relevant aspects of animation art and technology. Find out today about programs offered near you.

Sources:

• Pixar Animation Studios

About the Author

Sarah Clark is a freelance writer based in Arlington, Virginia.