November 20, 2007

PIXAR STORY DOCUMENTARY ROLLS OUT THEATRICALLY NATIONWIDE

THE PIXAR STORY, the new documentary from filmmaker Leslie Iwerks (the
Oscar-nominated RECYCLED LIFE and THE HAND BEHIND THE MOUSE -- THE UB
IWERKS STORY), begins an Oscar-qualifying run on Oct. 23 in 14 major
markets across the U.S.

The first in-depth look at the most influential animation studio of its
time, THE PIXAR STORY goes behind the scenes of the groundbreaking
company that pioneered a new generation of CG-animated feature films.
Iwerks uses never-before-seen footage from the Pixar library, along with
historic archival animation and firsthand accounts by animators, studio
execs, directors, producers and voice performers to chronicle the
company that revolutionized an industry. THE PIXAR STORY includes
exclusive interviews with some of the key players in the Pixar story,
including John Lasseter, Ed Catmull, Steve Jobs, George Lucas, Michael
Eisner, Bob Iger, Tom Hanks, Billy Crystal, Tim Allen and Brad Bird.

In 1984, animator Lasseter left his job at Disney to join a quiet
revolution in filmmaking taking place in Northern California. A small
group of imaginative artists and computer scientists had joined forces
to explore the possibilities of CG animation in a project that would
transform the art form. Working with two other talented visionaries,
engineer Ed Catmull and entrepreneur Steve Jobs, Lasseter imagined a
world in which a computer becomes "a multimillion dollar pencil."

From early explorations such as LUXO JR. to Pixar's triumphant feature
debut TOY STORY, they and their colleagues transformed animation like no
one since Walt Disney himself. With unparalleled access to the people
who shaped its history, THE PIXAR STORY traces the company's initial
struggles, early failures and ultimate successes as it reached the upper
echelons of the entertainment business.

Iwerks has documented the ongoing events at Pixar on and off since 2001.
"In a relatively short period of time, Pixar went from a bootstrap
enterprise run by some pretty daring risk-takers to a
multi-billion-dollar corporation that sets the standard for an entire
industry," said Iwerks. "The film is in large part a tribute to their
tenacity and creativity, their unwillingness to give in when it seemed
impossible to win, and to continue their creative journey no matter how
difficult it became."

A companion book to The Pixar Story titled TO INFINITY AND BEYOND -- THE
STORY OF PIXAR ANIMATION STUDIOS, by Karen Paik, is based on interviews
and research by Iwerks, and is scheduled for release by Chronicle Books
in Fall 2007.

THE PIXAR STORY is written, directed and produced by Iwerks. It was
edited by Iwerks and Stephen Meyers, A.C.E. The director of photographer
is Suki Mendencevic. Original Score is by Jeff Beal. The Post-Production
and Visual Effects Supervisor is John Locke. The film is narrated by
Stacy Keach.

Courtesy of Dan Sarto

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