Pixar Animation Studios

Pixar Animation Studios

Company type	Subsidiary
Industry	Animation, Film Production
Founded	1986
Founders	Edwin Catmull, Alvy Ray Smith
Products	Animated feature films, short films
Parent	Walt Disney Studios

Pixar Animation Studios, commonly known as Pixar, is an American computer animation studio known for its critically and commercially successful animated feature films. It is based in Emeryville, California, and has been a subsidiary of Walt Disney Studios since 2006.

History

Pixar originated in the 1970s as part of the Lucasfilm computer division, known as the Graphics Group, before its spin-off as a corporation in 1986 with funding by Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, who became its majority shareholder. The studio created the first ever computer-animated feature film, Toy Story (1995), which was a massive success and revolutionized the animation industry.

Following Toy Story, Pixar released a series of successful films such as A Bug's Life, Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, and The Incredibles. Each of these films not only enjoyed commercial success but also received critical acclaim, contributing to Pixar's reputation as a leader in the animation industry.

Technological Innovations

Pixar is renowned for its technological innovations in the field of animation. The studio developed its own computer animation software called RenderMan, which has been used not only by Pixar but also by other film studios for visual effects. RenderMan was honored with the Academy Award for Technical Achievement for its contributions to the film industry.

Cultural Impact

Pixar's films are distinguished by their unique blend of humor, emotional storytelling, and cutting-edge animation. They often feature themes that resonate with both children and adults, making them popular among a wide audience. The studio has also been praised for its commitment to diversity and inclusion, both in its employment practices and through the variety of characters portrayed in its films.

Acquisition by Disney

In 2006, Pixar was acquired by The Walt Disney Company in a deal valued at $7.4 billion. Under Disney, Pixar continues to produce hit films and has expanded into other areas such as theme park attractions and merchandise.

Filmography

Pixar has produced numerous successful films, including:

• Toy Story series
• Finding Nemo and Finding Dory
• The Incredibles series
• Up
• Inside Out
• Coco

Awards and Recognition

Pixar's films have received numerous awards, including multiple Academy Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and Grammy Awards. The studio itself has been awarded the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature multiple times.

See Also

• List of Pixar films
• List of Pixar awards
• List of Pixar shorts