Here’s a breakdown of the text provided, focusing on the Pixar filmmaking process as described by Meg LeFauve:
Key Stages of Pixar’s Filmmaking Process (as described):
- Idea/Brain Trust (Early Stage):
Starts with an idea, discussed with a small, trusted “Brain Trust” (fellow directors and storytellers).
This is a very open, exploratory phase. Ideas are pitched and critiqued.
- Outline/Scriptment:
The idea is developed into a more structured outline,sometimes called a “scriptment.”
The Brain Trust expands to include more people as the project becomes more defined.
- Script Progress:
A full script is written.
The Brain Trust continues to provide feedback, which can be very direct (“we like this half,” “this could be the best thing ever”).
Character design begins during this phase.
The script is visualized through storyboards.
LeFauve notes that a good scene is one that excites the storyboard artist to draw.
The movie is screened internally in storyboard form, and feedback is gathered from the Brain Trust again.
Important Insights:
Iteration & Feedback: The process is highly iterative. there are multiple rounds of feedback and revision at each stage.
Focus on Story: Ideas that don’t serve the core story or character arcs (like Procrastination Land) are cut, even if they’re fun. The focus is always on Riley’s journey and the emotions that drive it.
Storyboarding as a Gauge: The enthusiasm of the storyboard artist is a key indicator of a scene’s strength.
Brain Trust Importance: The Brain Trust is central to the process, providing honest and critical feedback.
Specific Details Mentioned:
Cut Ideas: Schadenfreude (from the first film) and Procrastination Land were considered but ultimately cut.
New Emotion: Anxiety (voiced by Maya Hawke) is a central new emotion in Inside Out 2.
