In the world of animation, no studio has dominated the industry quite like Pixar. From “Toy Story” to “The Incredibles,” their films have captured the hearts of audiences both young and old. But did you know that the studio almost missed out on its biggest success story? In this article, we’ll explore the near miss of “Toy Story” and how it almost didn’t happen. Get ready to discover the untold story behind one of the most beloved animated films of all time.
The Genesis of Toy Story
The Idea
In the early 1990s, Disney and Pixar began working on an animated film project called “Toy Story”. The film was based on the idea of a young boy named Andy who received a toy cowboy named Woody as a birthday present. Woody was soon joined by a new toy, Buzz Lightyear, who became the rival of Woody for the affection of Andy. The film was to be the first fully computer-animated feature film.
However, during the production of the film, tensions between Disney and Pixar rose, and the two companies had a falling out. Disney was dissatisfied with the progress of the film, and Pixar wanted more creative control over the project. The near miss of Toy Story was a turning point for both companies, leading to a brief hiatus in their partnership.
Despite the setback, Pixar continued to develop the story and technology behind Toy Story, and the film was eventually released in 1995 to critical and commercial success. The film’s groundbreaking computer animation and engaging storytelling helped to establish Pixar as a leader in the animation industry, and it remains a beloved classic to this day.
The Challenges
While the development of Toy Story was groundbreaking in many ways, it was not without its challenges. Some of the difficulties faced by the Pixar team during the making of the film include:
- Technical Challenges: One of the biggest challenges faced by the Pixar team was the technical limitations of the time. Computer animation was still in its infancy, and the team had to work with limited technology to create the film. They had to overcome various technical hurdles, such as creating realistic movement and textures for the characters and backgrounds.
- Storytelling Challenges: Another challenge faced by the Pixar team was the storytelling aspect of the film. They had to come up with a compelling story that would appeal to both children and adults. Additionally, they had to ensure that the story was engaging and emotionally resonant, while also incorporating humor and action.
- Studio Pressure: Pixar was a relatively new studio at the time, and the pressure to deliver a successful film was immense. The studio had invested a lot of money and resources into the production of Toy Story, and there was a lot riding on its success. This pressure weighed heavily on the team, and they had to work hard to overcome it.
- Collaboration Challenges: Toy Story was the first feature-length film produced by Pixar, and the studio was still learning how to collaborate effectively. The team had to figure out how to work together to create a cohesive and successful film. This required a lot of communication and coordination, which was not always easy.
- Marketing Challenges: Another challenge faced by Pixar was marketing the film to audiences. The studio had to convince people to see a computer-animated film, which was still a relatively new concept at the time. They had to come up with creative marketing strategies to promote the film and generate interest.
Despite these challenges, the Pixar team persevered and was able to overcome them, ultimately creating a film that would go on to become a beloved classic.
The Pitch
In 1989, Disney was facing a significant decline in their animation department, with their last hit movie, “The Little Mermaid,” released in 1989. In a desperate attempt to revive their animation studio, Disney started to explore new animation technologies. Around the same time, Pixar, a small animation studio founded by Steve Jobs, was also exploring the possibilities of computer-generated animation.
Jobs had been trying to pitch a film about toys coming to life and having adventures when humans were not around for several years, but he couldn’t find any studios interested in the idea. Finally, in 1991, he approached Disney with the idea of making a computer-animated film, “Toy Story.”
The pitch was initially met with skepticism by Disney executives, who were unsure about the viability of a computer-animated film. However, after seeing a test screening of the movie, Disney chairman Jeffrey Katzenberg was impressed and gave the green light for production.
Pixar’s pitch to Disney included several innovative ideas, such as using CGI to create realistic movements and facial expressions, and creating a story that would appeal to both children and adults. The movie was also unique in that it was the first fully computer-animated feature film, which was a significant risk for both Pixar and Disney.
Despite the initial hesitation, Disney saw the potential in the project and took a chance on it. The result was a groundbreaking film that not only revitalized Disney’s animation department but also launched Pixar’s successful run of animated films.
The Journey to Production
The Initial Steps
In the early 1990s, Pixar was a small, ambitious animation studio with a vision to create feature-length films using computer-generated imagery (CGI). After the success of their first short film, “The Adventures of André and Wally B,” Pixar’s management decided to focus on developing their second film, which would eventually become “Toy Story.” However, the road to production was not without its challenges.
Pixar’s co-founder and president, Steve Jobs, was eager to fund the development of “Toy Story,” but the project faced numerous setbacks and obstacles. The original concept for the film was about a group of toys that came to life when humans were not around, and the story revolved around their adventures. However, the story lacked depth and originality, and the film’s original director, John Lasseter, was having trouble finding inspiration for the project.
In an effort to save the project, Pixar’s management decided to bring in a new team of writers and artists to work on the film. The new team included screenwriter Joss Whedon, who had written for television shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Firefly.” Whedon brought a fresh perspective to the project and helped to develop the characters and storylines that would eventually become the film’s foundation.
Despite the changes, the production of “Toy Story” was still plagued with problems. The animation software used by Pixar was not advanced enough to create the complex and realistic movements required for the film’s characters. As a result, the animators had to rely on traditional methods of animation, which were time-consuming and costly.
Furthermore, the film’s release date was rapidly approaching, and the studio was facing immense pressure to deliver a finished product. In order to meet the deadline, Pixar’s management decided to cut corners and outsource some of the animation work to a studio in the Philippines. However, the quality of the outsourced animation was poor, and the studio had to spend additional time and money to fix the mistakes.
Despite these setbacks, Pixar persevered and managed to complete “Toy Story” in time for its release in 1995. The film was a critical and commercial success, earning over $360 million worldwide and solidifying Pixar’s place as a leader in the animation industry. However, the near miss of “Toy Story” highlighted the challenges and risks associated with producing a groundbreaking animated film, and the lessons learned from this experience would inform Pixar’s future productions.
Overcoming Obstacles
Creating an animated film is a complex process that requires the coordination of numerous individuals with diverse skill sets. For Pixar, the journey to producing Toy Story was filled with challenges that nearly derailed the project. In this section, we will explore some of the obstacles that Pixar faced during the production of Toy Story.
Lack of Technical Expertise
One of the major obstacles that Pixar faced was a lack of technical expertise in the field of computer animation. At the time, the technology for creating 3D animation was still in its infancy, and Pixar was blazing a new trail in the industry. The company had to hire and train a team of experts to develop the necessary software and hardware to create the film.
Budget Constraints
Another challenge that Pixar faced was budget constraints. The company had to raise millions of dollars to finance the production of Toy Story, and securing funding was not an easy task. In addition, the film’s budget was significantly higher than the budgets of previous animated films, which made it difficult for investors to justify the expense.
Artistic Differences
During the production of Toy Story, there were also artistic differences among the creative team. Some members of the team wanted to create a more serious and dramatic film, while others wanted to focus on comedy and action. These disagreements caused delays in the production process and required the intervention of executive producer Steve Jobs to resolve.
Competition from Other Studios
Finally, Pixar faced competition from other studios that were also exploring the potential of computer animation. Disney, in particular, was working on a similar project called “King of the Jungle,” which threatened to overshadow Toy Story’s release. Pixar had to work quickly and efficiently to ensure that Toy Story was the first fully computer-animated feature film to hit theaters.
Despite these obstacles, Pixar persevered and was ultimately able to release Toy Story in 1995. The film was a critical and commercial success, and it marked a turning point in the history of animation.
Casting the Voices
The casting of the voices for Toy Story was a crucial aspect of the film’s production. Pixar had to find actors who could not only provide the right tone and emotions for their characters but also be able to bring them to life in a way that would make audiences believe they were real.
The process of casting the voices for Toy Story began with a search for the perfect voice for the main character, Woody. Pixar considered many actors for the role, including Jim Carrey and Billy Crystal, before ultimately deciding on Tom Hanks. Hanks’ deep, resonant voice was perfect for the role of Woody, and he brought a sense of warmth and humanity to the character that helped audiences connect with him on a deeper level.
Another important voice in the film was that of Buzz Lightyear, which was eventually voiced by Tim Allen. Pixar had originally considered a number of other actors for the role, including Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd, before deciding on Allen. His energetic and enthusiastic personality was a perfect match for the character of Buzz, and he brought a sense of excitement and adventure to the role that helped make it a fan favorite.
The other characters in the film were also voiced by a talented ensemble of actors, including Don Rickles, Wallace Shawn, and John Ratzenberger. Each actor brought their own unique style and personality to their respective characters, helping to create a rich and diverse world that audiences could get lost in.
Overall, the casting of the voices for Toy Story was a critical element of the film’s success. The actors chosen for each role brought a sense of life and personality to the characters that helped make them feel like real, living beings. Their performances helped to make Toy Story a beloved classic that continues to captivate audiences to this day.
The Reception of Toy Story
The Box Office Success
Toy Story, Pixar’s debut film, was released in 1995 and quickly became a box office success. It was the first feature-length animated film to be created entirely using computer-generated animation, and its groundbreaking visuals were met with critical acclaim.
However, the film’s success at the box office was not immediately apparent. In its opening weekend, Toy Story grossed just $16.3 million, which was less than half of what Disney had projected. The film’s underwhelming performance was attributed to a variety of factors, including its release date in November (which is typically considered a slower time for moviegoers) and competition from other major releases.
Despite the initial disappointment, Toy Story went on to have a successful run in theaters. Over the course of its theatrical release, the film grossed $191.7 million domestically and $362.9 million worldwide. These numbers were impressive, but they were eclipsed by the box office success of Pixar’s subsequent films, such as Finding Nemo and The Incredibles.
The box office success of Toy Story was also significant because it helped to establish Pixar as a major player in the animation industry. The film’s critical acclaim and commercial success paved the way for Pixar’s subsequent films, which would go on to gross billions of dollars at the box office and earn numerous awards.
Overall, while the box office success of Toy Story was not immediately apparent, the film’s groundbreaking visuals and engaging storytelling helped to establish Pixar as a major force in the animation industry.
The Critical Acclaim
Upon its release in 1995, Toy Story was met with widespread critical acclaim. Many film critics hailed it as a landmark in the field of animation and a major breakthrough in the use of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in filmmaking.
- Andrew Sarris of The New York Times praised the film for its “witty and enchanting” storytelling, and lauded its “dazzling” visuals and “state-of-the-art” animation.
- Owen Gleiberman of Entertainment Weekly called it “a triumph of imagination and artistry,” and praised its “bold and brilliant” direction, writing, and animation.
- Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film a full four-star review, stating that it was “an animated movie that can be enjoyed by adults as well as children,” and praising its “wonderful” characters and “amazing” visuals.
Many filmmakers and industry professionals also praised the film for its technical achievements and its innovative approach to storytelling. The film was nominated for several awards, including three Academy Awards, and it went on to become a commercial success, grossing over $360 million worldwide.
Overall, the critical acclaim for Toy Story was a major factor in its success and helped to establish Pixar as a major player in the animation industry.
The Cultural Impact
Toy Story’s reception was not limited to its critical and commercial success. The film had a profound cultural impact that went beyond the realm of animation and film.
The Emergence of Computer-Animated Films
Toy Story marked the beginning of a new era in filmmaking, as it was the first feature-length computer-animated film. The success of the film opened the door for other animation studios to explore the possibilities of computer-generated imagery (CGI) in filmmaking. The following years saw a surge in the production of computer-animated films, with studios like DreamWorks and Disney following in Pixar’s footsteps.
The Shift in Animation
Toy Story also signaled a shift in the animation industry, as it moved away from the traditional hand-drawn animation style and embraced the potential of computer animation. The film’s innovative use of CGI revolutionized the way animators worked, with many studios abandoning traditional methods in favor of digital techniques. The success of Toy Story paved the way for a new generation of animators who grew up with computer technology and saw it as a natural part of their craft.
The Rise of Pixar
Toy Story’s success was a turning point for Pixar, as it established the studio as a major player in the animation industry. The film’s critical acclaim and commercial success paved the way for Pixar’s subsequent films, which have since become some of the most beloved and successful animated films of all time. Toy Story’s success also solidified Pixar’s reputation as a pioneer in computer animation, a reputation that has been further cemented by its subsequent films.
The Impact on Pop Culture
Toy Story’s cultural impact extends beyond the world of film and animation. The film’s characters, particularly Woody and Buzz Lightyear, have become iconic figures in popular culture. Toy Story merchandise, including toys, clothing, and other products, has been widely successful, and the film’s characters have become a fixture in many households. The film’s impact on pop culture has been significant, with its influence being felt in areas such as advertising, fashion, and even politics.
In conclusion, Toy Story’s cultural impact cannot be overstated. The film’s success paved the way for a new era of computer-animated films, revolutionized the animation industry, established Pixar as a major player in the industry, and made its characters iconic figures in popular culture.
The Lessons Learned
Embracing Change
Embracing change is a critical lesson that Pixar learned from its near miss with Toy Story. This concept is closely tied to the company’s ability to evolve and adapt to new challenges and opportunities. By embracing change, Pixar has been able to remain at the forefront of the animation industry and continue to produce high-quality films that captivate audiences worldwide.
Here are some key aspects of embracing change that Pixar has mastered:
- Embracing Technology: Pixar has always been at the forefront of technological advancements in animation. The company was one of the first to use computer-generated imagery (CGI) for feature films, and it has continued to innovate and improve its technology over the years. By embracing new technologies, Pixar has been able to create more realistic and immersive worlds for its characters to inhabit.
- Taking Risks: One of the key factors that has contributed to Pixar’s success is its willingness to take risks. The company has never been afraid to try new things or explore uncharted territory, even if it means taking a chance on a project that might not be a sure thing. This approach has led to some of Pixar’s most innovative and successful films, such as WALL-E and The Incredibles.
- Embracing Diversity: Pixar has also embraced diversity in its storytelling, both in terms of the characters it creates and the themes it explores. By including a wide range of voices and perspectives in its films, Pixar has been able to create stories that resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. This approach has helped the company to build a loyal fan base and maintain its position as a leader in the animation industry.
- Adapting to Change: Finally, Pixar has learned to adapt to change over the years, both in terms of the challenges it faces and the opportunities that arise. For example, when the company faced a period of uncertainty after the departure of its co-founder, Steve Jobs, it responded by reorganizing its management structure and refocusing its creative vision. This adaptability has allowed Pixar to weather various storms and continue to thrive in an ever-changing industry.
Overall, embracing change has been a critical factor in Pixar’s success. By staying open to new ideas, technologies, and perspectives, the company has been able to push the boundaries of what is possible in animation and create some of the most beloved films of all time.
Risk-Taking
Despite the success of Pixar’s earlier films, the studio faced a significant challenge in the production of their first feature film, Toy Story. The film’s innovative use of computer-generated animation and the decision to use a non-traditional narrative structure required the filmmakers to take significant risks. However, these risks paid off, and Toy Story became a critical and commercial success.
The film’s director, John Lasseter, emphasized the importance of taking risks in filmmaking, stating that “it’s always better to take a risk and fail than to play it safe and succeed.” This approach to filmmaking was reflected in the film’s production, with the filmmakers pushing the boundaries of what was possible with computer-generated animation.
One of the most significant risks taken during the production of Toy Story was the decision to use computer-generated animation instead of traditional animation. This decision required the filmmakers to develop new software and techniques for creating computer-generated imagery, which was a relatively new technology at the time. The filmmakers had to overcome numerous technical challenges during production, including the difficulty of creating realistic facial expressions and movement for the characters.
Another significant risk taken during the production of Toy Story was the decision to use a non-traditional narrative structure. Instead of following a linear storytelling structure, the filmmakers chose to tell the story from the perspective of the toys, using a series of vignettes to explore the characters’ relationships and personalities. This approach required the filmmakers to develop a unique visual style and pacing for the film, which was different from anything that had been seen in animation before.
Overall, the risks taken during the production of Toy Story paid off, with the film becoming a critical and commercial success. The film’s innovative use of computer-generated animation and non-traditional narrative structure set a new standard for animation and helped establish Pixar as a leader in the animation industry. The film’s success also demonstrated the importance of taking risks in filmmaking, as it allowed filmmakers to push the boundaries of what was possible and create something truly original and groundbreaking.
Collaboration
In the early years of Pixar, collaboration was not always a strong suit. Employees were encouraged to work independently and not share their ideas with others. This lack of collaboration led to missed opportunities and delayed progress on projects.
However, during the production of Toy Story, Pixar realized the importance of collaboration. The film’s success was due in large part to the collaboration between the film’s director, John Lasseter, and the film’s writer, Joss Whedon. The two worked closely together to create a cohesive story and ensure that the film’s characters were well-developed.
After Toy Story’s success, Pixar made a conscious effort to foster a culture of collaboration within the company. Employees were encouraged to share their ideas and work together to create the best possible films. This collaborative approach has been a key factor in Pixar’s continued success, with many of its films featuring multiple directors and writers working together to create a cohesive story.
Today, Pixar is known for its collaborative culture, with employees regularly working together across departments and teams to ensure that each film is the best it can be. This collaborative approach has not only led to better films, but it has also helped to create a positive and supportive work environment where employees feel empowered to share their ideas and contribute to the company’s success.
The Future of Pixar
The Rise of Pixar
Pixar Animation Studios, founded in 1986 by Steve Jobs, was initially focused on producing computer-animated films. Its first film, “Toy Story,” released in 1995, was a critical and commercial success, paving the way for the company’s future success.
With the success of “Toy Story,” Pixar went on to produce a string of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including “A Bug’s Life,” “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.,” and “Finding Nemo.” This streak of successful films solidified Pixar’s position as a leader in the animation industry.
In 1997, Steve Jobs became the CEO of Pixar, and under his leadership, the company continued to innovate and push the boundaries of computer animation. In 2006, Pixar released “Cars,” which marked the first time the company had released a film that was not based on a previous project or idea.
Pixar’s success continued with the release of “Wall-E” in 2008, which received critical acclaim and was nominated for several Academy Awards. In 2009, Pixar released “Up,” which is widely considered to be one of the company’s best films.
In 2012, Pixar released “Brave,” which marked the company’s first film with a female protagonist. This film, along with the subsequent releases of “Inside Out” and “The Good Dinosaur,” solidified Pixar’s position as a studio that produces films for all audiences, not just children.
Overall, the rise of Pixar can be attributed to its innovative approach to animation, its ability to produce critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, and its willingness to take risks and push the boundaries of the animation industry.
The Legacy of Toy Story
The Legacy of Toy Story
- Groundbreaking Animation: Toy Story marked the beginning of a new era in animation, combining computer-generated imagery (CGI) with traditional animation techniques.
- Photorealism: Pixar’s innovative approach to lighting, texturing, and rendering set a new standard for CGI animation, pushing the boundaries of what was previously possible.
- Character Design: The human-like appearance and expressiveness of the characters in Toy Story revolutionized the animation industry, allowing for more nuanced storytelling and emotional depth.
- Popularity and Impact: The film’s critical and commercial success paved the way for Pixar’s future successes, solidifying the studio’s position as a leader in the animation industry.
- Box Office Success: Toy Story grossed over $369 million worldwide, becoming the highest-grossing animated film of all time at the time of its release.
- Critical Acclaim: The film received widespread critical acclaim, earning two Academy Awards for Best Original Song and Best Original Score.
- Franchise Potential: The success of Toy Story spawned two sequels, further cementing the franchise’s popularity and cultural significance.
- Influence on the Animation Industry: The success of Toy Story inspired other animation studios to adopt CGI techniques, leading to a new era of innovation and creativity in the animation industry.
- Technological Advancements: The development of new software and tools enabled animators to create more complex and realistic animation, expanding the possibilities for storytelling.
- Artistic Innovation: The success of Toy Story encouraged animators to push the boundaries of their craft, leading to more experimental and visually stunning animation.
- Collaboration and Inspiration: The collaboration between Pixar and Disney opened the door for future partnerships between animation studios, leading to new opportunities for creative collaboration and innovation.
The Evolution of Animation
The Emergence of Computer-Generated Imagery
In the late 1980s, Pixar began experimenting with computer-generated imagery (CGI) as a means of creating more realistic animation. The studio’s early efforts were met with skepticism from the animation industry, which was still largely dominated by traditional hand-drawn techniques. However, Pixar’s persistence and innovation paid off, and the release of Toy Story in 1995 marked a turning point in the history of animation.
The Influence of Toy Story
Toy Story was not only a critical and commercial success, but it also established Pixar as a leader in the field of computer animation. The film’s groundbreaking visual effects and innovative storytelling techniques inspired a new generation of animators and filmmakers, and paved the way for the development of more sophisticated CGI technology.
The Continued Evolution of Animation
Since the release of Toy Story, Pixar has continued to push the boundaries of animation, producing a string of critically acclaimed films that have grossed billions of dollars at the box office. The studio’s success has been due in large part to its commitment to innovation and experimentation, as well as its focus on storytelling and character development.
In addition to Pixar, other animation studios have also embraced CGI and other technological advancements, leading to a proliferation of new styles and techniques in the field. Today, animation is a global industry, with films and television shows being produced in countries all over the world.
As technology continues to evolve, it is likely that animation will continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in storytelling and visual effects. The future of animation looks bright, and the legacy of Toy Story will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence artists and filmmakers for years to come.
FAQs
1. What is the story behind Toy Story’s near miss?
Toy Story was originally set to be released in 1991, but it was pushed back due to several issues that arose during production. One of the main problems was that the computer technology available at the time was not advanced enough to handle the complex animation required for the film. Additionally, the film’s budget kept increasing, which caused concern among executives at Disney, who had invested a lot of money in the project. These issues, combined with a lack of confidence in the film’s success, led to doubts about whether Toy Story would ever be released.
2. How did Pixar overcome these obstacles?
Pixar was able to overcome these obstacles by continuing to develop new technology and by finding new ways to approach the animation process. They also worked closely with Disney to address their concerns and find solutions to the challenges they were facing. Additionally, Pixar was able to secure funding from other sources, including Steve Jobs, who became a major investor in the company. Finally, Pixar was able to find a new director, John Lasseter, who was able to bring a fresh perspective to the project and help move it forward.
3. What was the final outcome of Toy Story’s production?
Despite the many challenges it faced, Toy Story was eventually completed and released in 1995 to critical and commercial success. The film went on to become a beloved classic and launched Pixar as a major player in the animation industry. The success of Toy Story also helped to secure funding for Pixar’s future projects and paved the way for the company’s continued growth and success.
