The Reporter Reviews The Pixar Story

Leo Holzer discusses Leslie Iwerks' documentary, The Pixar Story for Vacaville's The Reporter:

In an interview following a recent screening of her film at the Mill Valley Film Festival, Iwerks said the fact that "Toy Story" exists is "a testament to the fearless nature and the determination" of entrepreneur Steve Jobs, computer engineer Ed Catmull and animator Lasseter.

"This film," Iwerks said, "is in large part a tribute to their tenacity, their creativity, their unwillingness to give in when it seems impossible to win and to continue their creative journey, no matter how difficult it became."

"The Pixar Story" recounts the origins of 3-D computer animation and includes interviews with Jobs, Catmull, Lasseter, George Lucas, Roy Disney, film historian Leonard Maltin, actors Tom Hanks, Tim Allen and Billy Crystal, composer Randy Newman, former Disney CEO Michael Eisner, his successor, Bob Iger, and many others.

With comments from all those people, "The Pixar Story" might sound like a somewhat dry "talking heads" documentary, but it's far from that.

Be sure to check out the link above for the full story!

Image: © Disney/Pixar.

Reminder: The Pixar Story Screening

Animated-News.com reminds us that today is the last day for the screenings of The Pixar Story, a film by Leslie Iwerks. I believe this was also screened at the San Diego Comic-Con International.

If you're in the Los Angeles/Hollywood area, here is the information:

Leslie Iwerks Productions, Inc.

presents

”The Pixar Story”
a feature documentary

Screening at the
PASADENA LAEMMLE
ONE COLORADO THEATER

Friday, August 24 through Thursday, August 30, 2007
Two Showings Daily: 7:10pm and 8:45pm

42 Miller Alley
Old Pasadena, CA 91103
(626)744-1224

Written, Directed & Produced by Leslie Iwerks
Edited by Leslie Iwerks, Stephen Myers, A.C.E.
Cinematography by Suki Medencevic
Music by Jeff Beal
Narrated by Stacy Keach
88 Minutes

In the mid 1980’s, three men united together to follow a dream: Ed Catmull, John Lasseter and Steve Jobs pushed beyond the boundaries of what was known in the world of art and science to form Pixar Animation Studios. In 1995, the company’s Academy Award® winning computer animated film, Toy Story, ignited an entirely new animation industry, and their ensuing seven films have entertained millions of people worldwide. Yet over the last twenty years the company’s dramatic journey has often been one of struggle and commitment as they paved their way into an unknown medium. Through never before seen archival footage, candid interviews, and visually stunning art and animation, Oscar® nominated director Leslie Iwerks takes us inside the unique world of Pixar…

“a celebration of animation in all its forms…” - Peter Debruge, Daily Variety

For More Information Visit:
Variety.com
Laemmle.com
Leslie Iwerks