# Pixar

> American computer animation studio

**Wikidata**: [Q127552](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q127552)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pixar)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/pixar

## Summary
Pixar is an American computer animation studio founded on February 3, 1986, and headquartered in Emeryville, California. It is renowned for producing groundbreaking animated films and short films, pioneering computer-generated imagery (CGI) in filmmaking, and developing industry-standard animation software like RenderMan.

## Key Facts
- **Founded**: February 3, 1986
- **Headquarters**: Emeryville, California, United States
- **Founders**: Steve Jobs, George Lucas
- **Parent Company**: The Walt Disney Company (since 2006)
- **Industry**: Computer animation, film production
- **Employees**: 1,233 (as of latest data)
- **Notable Films**: *Toy Story* (1995), *Finding Nemo* (2003), *Up* (2009), *Inside Out* (2015)
- **Notable Short Films**: *Luxo Jr.* (1986), *Geri's Game* (1997), *For the Birds* (2000)
- **Software**: RenderMan (photorealistic 3D rendering software), Universal Scene Description (3D computer graphics standard)
- **Key People**: Edwin Catmull (former president), John Lasseter (animator, director), Brad Bird (director), Pete Docter (director)
- **Awards**: Multiple Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature for films like *Toy Story 3* (2010) and *Inside Out* (2015)
- **Website**: [www.pixar.com](https://www.pixar.com/)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Pixar best known for?
A: Pixar is best known for producing groundbreaking animated films using computer-generated imagery (CGI), such as *Toy Story*, *Finding Nemo*, and *Up*. It is also recognized for its innovative animation software, including RenderMan.

### Q: Who founded Pixar?
A: Pixar was founded by Steve Jobs and George Lucas. Steve Jobs acquired the company from Lucasfilm in 1986 and played a crucial role in its development.

### Q: What are some of Pixar's most famous films?
A: Some of Pixar's most famous films include *Toy Story* (1995), *Finding Nemo* (2003), *The Incredibles* (2004), *Up* (2009), *Inside Out* (2015), and *Coco* (2017).

### Q: What software has Pixar developed?
A: Pixar has developed RenderMan, a photorealistic 3D rendering software, and Universal Scene Description, a 3D computer graphics standard used in the film industry.

### Q: Who are some notable people associated with Pixar?
A: Notable people associated with Pixar include Edwin Catmull (former president), John Lasseter (animator and director), Brad Bird (director), Pete Docter (director), and Andrew Stanton (director and screenwriter).

### Q: What awards has Pixar won?
A: Pixar has won multiple Academy Awards, including Best Animated Feature for films like *Toy Story 3* (2010), *Inside Out* (2015), and *Coco* (2017). It has also received awards for its short films and technical achievements.

### Q: What is the relationship between Pixar and The Walt Disney Company?
A: Pixar was acquired by The Walt Disney Company in 2006 and operates as a subsidiary. The acquisition has led to a successful partnership in producing animated films and content.

### Q: What is the significance of Pixar's short films?
A: Pixar's short films, such as *Luxo Jr.* (1986) and *Geri's Game* (1997), have been instrumental in showcasing the studio's technical innovations and storytelling capabilities. Many of these shorts have won Academy Awards and other prestigious honors.

## Why It Matters
Pixar has revolutionized the animation industry by pioneering computer-generated imagery (CGI) and setting new standards for storytelling and visual effects. Its films have not only achieved commercial success but have also pushed the boundaries of what is possible in animation, influencing countless filmmakers and studios worldwide. Pixar's software, such as RenderMan, has become an industry standard, enabling other studios to create high-quality animated content. The studio's work has had a profound impact on popular culture, inspiring generations of animators, directors, and artists. Additionally, Pixar's collaborations with The Walt Disney Company have strengthened the animation industry, leading to a new era of innovative and visually stunning films.

## Notable For
- Pioneering computer-generated imagery (CGI) in filmmaking
- Producing the first fully computer-animated feature film, *Toy Story* (1995)
- Developing industry-standard animation software like RenderMan
- Winning multiple Academy Awards for its films and short films
- Creating iconic characters and franchises, such as *Toy Story*, *Finding Nemo*, and *The Incredibles*
- Innovating in animation techniques and storytelling
- Being a subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company since 2006
- Employing renowned animators, directors, and technical experts
- Producing a wide range of short films that showcase technical and creative excellence
- Influencing the broader animation industry and popular culture

## Body
### History
Pixar was founded on February 3, 1986, as a spin-off from Lucasfilm's Computer Graphics Group. Steve Jobs acquired the company from George Lucas and played a pivotal role in its early development. The studio's first major success came with the release of *Toy Story* in 1995, the first fully computer-animated feature film. This groundbreaking achievement set the stage for Pixar's future as a leader in the animation industry.

### Founders and Key People
Pixar was co-founded by Steve Jobs and George Lucas. Steve Jobs, known for his visionary leadership at Apple Inc., provided the financial backing and strategic direction that helped Pixar grow into a major animation studio. George Lucas, the creator of *Star Wars*, initially established the Computer Graphics Group at Lucasfilm, which later became Pixar.

Key figures at Pixar include:
- **Edwin Catmull**: Former president of Pixar and a pioneer in computer graphics. Catmull developed fundamental algorithms for 3D computer graphics and co-founded Pixar.
- **John Lasseter**: Animator, film director, and screenwriter known for directing films like *Toy Story* and *Cars*.
- **Brad Bird**: Film director, animator, and screenwriter known for *The Incredibles* and *Ratatouille*.
- **Pete Docter**: Film director known for *Up*, *Inside Out*, and *Monsters, Inc.*
- **Andrew Stanton**: Film director and screenwriter known for *Finding Nemo* and *WALL-E*.

### Notable Films
Pixar has produced a wide range of critically acclaimed and commercially successful films, including:
- *Toy Story* (1995): The first fully computer-animated feature film.
- *A Bug's Life* (1998): A film about a colony of ants defending themselves against grasshoppers.
- *Toy Story 2* (1999): The sequel to *Toy Story*, exploring the backstory of Woody.
- *Monsters, Inc.* (2001): A film about monsters who generate power by scaring children.
- *Finding Nemo* (2003): A story about a clownfish searching for his son.
- *The Incredibles* (2004): A film about a family of superheroes.
- *Cars* (2006): A film about anthropomorphic cars.
- *Ratatouille* (2007): A story about a rat who dreams of becoming a chef.
- *WALL-E* (2008): A film about a robot left to clean up an abandoned Earth.
- *Up* (2009): A story about an elderly man who fulfills his dream of adventure.
- *Toy Story 3* (2010): The third installment in the *Toy Story* series.
- *Inside Out* (2015): A film about the emotions inside a young girl's mind.
- *Coco* (2017): A story about a boy who dreams of becoming a musician and explores the Land of the Dead.
- *Toy Story 4* (2019): The fourth installment in the *Toy Story* series.
- *Soul* (2020): A film about a jazz musician who explores the afterlife.
- *Luca* (2021): A story about two sea monsters who explore a human town.
- *Turning Red* (2022): A film about a girl who turns into a red panda.
- *Lightyear* (2022): A spin-off of the *Toy Story* series, focusing on the character Buzz Lightyear.
- *Elemental* (2023): A film about elements that come to life in a bustling city.

### Short Films
Pixar has also produced numerous short films that showcase its technical and creative excellence, including:
- *Luxo Jr.* (1986): A short film about a desk lamp and a ball.
- *Red's Dream* (1987): A story about a unicycle dreaming of being in a circus.
- *Tin Toy* (1988): A short film about a toy trying to escape a baby.
- *Knick Knack* (1989): A story about a snowman trying to escape a snow globe.
- *Geri's Game* (1997): A short film about an old man playing chess with himself.
- *For the Birds* (2000): A story about a group of birds and a larger bird.
- *Boundin'* (2003): A short film about a sheep who learns to dance.
- *One Man Band* (2005): A story about two musicians competing for a girl's coin.
- *Lifted* (2006): A short film about a young alien trying to abduct a human.
- *Presto* (2008): A story about a magician and his rabbit.
- *Partly Cloudy* (2009): A short film about storks delivering babies.
- *Day & Night* (2010): A story about two characters representing day and night.
- *La Luna* (2011): A short film about a boy learning the family business of sweeping the moon.
- *The Blue Umbrella* (2013): A story about an umbrella finding love.
- *Piper* (2016): A short film about a baby bird learning to find food.
- *Bao* (2018): A story about a dumpling that comes to life.
- *Float* (2019): A short film about a father and son who can float.
- *Wind* (2019): A story about a boy and his grandmother in a post-apocalyptic world.
- *Burrow* (2020): A short film about a rabbit building a burrow.
- *22 vs. Earth* (2021): A spin-off of *Soul*, focusing on the character 22.

### Software and Technology
Pixar has developed several industry-standard software tools and technologies, including:
- **RenderMan**: A photorealistic 3D rendering software used in the film industry.
- **Universal Scene Description (USD)**: A 3D computer graphics standard created by Pixar to facilitate the exchange of complex 3D scenes between different software applications.

### Awards and Recognition
Pixar has received numerous awards and accolades for its films and technical achievements, including:
- **Academy Awards**: Multiple wins for Best Animated Feature, Best Animated Short Film, and technical achievements.
- **Golden Globe Awards**: Wins for Best Animated Feature Film.
- **BAFTA Awards**: Wins for Best Animated Film.
- **Annie Awards**: Multiple wins for various categories, including Best Animated Feature and Best Animated Short Subject.

### Partnerships and Collaborations
Pixar has collaborated with various organizations and individuals, including:
- **The Walt Disney Company**: Pixar was acquired by Disney in 2006 and operates as a subsidiary. The partnership has led to a successful collaboration in producing animated films and content.
- **Lucasfilm**: Pixar originated from Lucasfilm's Computer Graphics Group, which was acquired by Steve Jobs in 1986.
- **Various Directors and Animators**: Pixar has worked with renowned directors and animators, such as John Lasseter, Brad Bird, Pete Docter, and Andrew Stanton.

### Impact on the Animation Industry
Pixar's innovations in computer-generated imagery (CGI) and storytelling have had a profound impact on the animation industry. The studio's films have set new standards for visual effects, character development, and narrative depth. Pixar's software, such as RenderMan, has become an industry standard, enabling other studios to create high-quality animated content. The studio's work has influenced countless filmmakers, animators, and artists, shaping the future of animation.

### Cultural Influence
Pixar's films have had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring generations of viewers and creators. The studio's characters and stories have become iconic, resonating with audiences worldwide. Pixar's films often explore universal themes such as friendship, family, and self-discovery, making them relatable and emotionally powerful.

### Future Projects
Pixar continues to innovate and produce new films and content. Upcoming projects include:
- *Inside Out 2* (2024): A sequel to *Inside Out*, exploring new emotions and adventures.
- *Win or Lose* (2025): An animated television series.
- *Hoppers* (2026): An animated film directed by Daniel Chong.
- *Gatto* (upcoming): An animated film directed by Enrico Casarosa.

### Legacy
Pixar's legacy is marked by its pioneering spirit, technical excellence, and storytelling prowess. The studio has revolutionized the animation industry, setting new standards for visual effects and narrative depth. Pixar's films and software have had a lasting impact on popular culture and the broader animation industry, inspiring generations of filmmakers, animators, and artists.

## References

1. National Software Reference Library
2. Jobs Acquires Lucasfilm’s Graphics Unit
3. Steven Jobs Buys Lucasfilm Unit
4. Virtual International Authority File
5. BnF authorities
6. [Source](https://alvyray.com/Pixar/)
7. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
8. MusicBrainz
9. [Source](https://www.zoominfo.com/c/pixar-animation-studios/84084516)
10. GeoNames
11. Google Knowledge Graph
12. [Source](http://km.aifb.kit.edu/services/crunchbase/)
13. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_IRYSp4auq7hKLvziWVH6w)
14. [Pixar Animation Studios | Logopedia | Fandom](https://logos.fandom.com/wiki/Pixar_Animation_Studios)
15. YouTube API