DISQUS

Eric Homan · 5 months ago

Don't think it's a coincidence those three franchises are Pixar's biggest in terms of merchandise, especially compared with Ratatouille, WALL-E, and Up. If estimates of $175m for the production and $150m for the marketing of Up are even close, Disney will welcome the extra revenue. Plus, who cares? If Toy Story 3 is half as good as 2 (which Pixar produced without Disney's 'demand'), that's still a pretty good movie.

floydbishop · 5 months ago

But while they're working on another sequel, we're missing out on the movies they COULD be making.

Charles_K · 5 months ago

While I still have huge admiration and respect for Pixar as an artist-driven studio, it would seem that they are rapidly casting their creative stock away. I can fully understand why studios like sequels (and I guess in this economy, it's pretty obvious), but every single movie Pixar has released has not only been successful, but massively so. Why would they stop now? Besides, they will soon have a satellite studio in Vancouver that will produce the content necessary to keep their franchises alive.

Having said that, Dreamworks has had comparible (financial) success with original storylines, but they're films are for the most part creatively bankrupt, I have no desire to see them again, yet I will gladly watch any Pixar movie over and over (and have done so on a couple of occasions).

Toy Story 2 has been the exception for a long time, but if I recall correctly, that was originally going to be a straight-to-video release before the guys at Pixar had second thoughts.

it would seem, however, that times have changed.

floydbishop · 5 months ago

It is my understanding that the Vancouver studio will handle all non theatrical content, including things like TV specials, Happy Meal commercials, etc. Pixar south will still be doing all theatrical content, including the features and shorts that play before the features.

Charles_K · 5 months ago

Sorry Floyd, that's what I meant to say.

I guess I'm wondering why Pixar would choose to go down the theatrical route when something along the lines of a direct to DVD release or even a TV series could prove just as rewarding commercially with less of an outlay of capital and take much less time to produce as well.

Fred Seibert · 5 months ago

So, here's one man's opinion.So, here's one man's opinion.

Yes, Pixar is supporting merch success; they've never been naive or ignorant businessmen. They like making money too.

Mostly though, I think they love telling stories. And I'm betting --Toy Story 3 aside, maybe-- they feel like their characters in the sequels have more stories they're dying to share.

So far, I take Pixar at face value. They've always delivered with authenticity and integrity, and until they stop, I'm with them.

floydbishop · 5 months ago

To me, it seems that "Toy Story 3" presents the most logical sequel. Andy grows up and what happens now? I think "Monsters Inc" was wrapped up so nicely at the end that a sequel could feel forced.

As for "Cars 2", that's just a flat out money machine. The characters were a bit stale and cliche in the first film, so the story would have to be absolutely stellar to warrant a sequel.

None of these films were designed as sequels from the beginning, in the same way that Star Wars or Lord of the Rings were. Without that greater story arc to be concerned about, the films play almost like episodes of a tv series rather than a film. Why should I worry about the characters when I can rest assured that they will return in a sequel a few years later?

Coonfoot · 5 months ago

This is my first post on these blogs, so let me start off with this:

Lighten up, animation bloggers. Really. Almost EVERY blog like this has more than one post about the poor state that the animation industy is in. First off, I just started an art and animation college course online, so I don't need constant whining about a dream I'm just now starting to persue. Second, if filmmakers can't express themselves in a "free" country, then what kind of country is this? If the filmmakers are happy with their own work, that's all that matters. A tired cliche of an idea, but true nonetheless. Plus, the films' financial success means that other people like them too -- and if you try to counter that with a "kids and audiences are dumb" remark, then that will prove that you're a negative jerk. I say you should suck it up and shut it up. Not everyone has to follow your rules and ideals. On top of that, why critique them for doing things their way? You're not the people making the movies, so you have no idea about their true intentions. Sorry if I sound preachy, but this is a very touchy subject for me.

One more tidbit: I enjoy Pixar movies AND DreamWorks movies. I'm open-minded like that -- and I'm also sick of running in to DreamWorks haters and Pixar brown-nosers on every stretch of the web. There are much more serious things to worry about in the world right now. Get happy and get a life. All of you.

Coonfoot · 5 months ago

Oh, sorry Fred. I took so long writing that post of mine, I didn't even see yours get posted!

You do help my point though: Pixar must love telling stories, meaning they do what they love. Why slam them for it? Why slam anyone for it? I say, "If it isn't hurting anyone or anything, let them do it their way."

floydbishop · 5 months ago

Coonfoot: I think you may have read more into my post than you should have. The point of the pose this question: Should Pixar make sequels to movies they have already done?

A few people seem to think they should. I don't know where you got the "Dreamworks haters" bit. Certainly not from my post. If you search the blog, you'll see quite a few favorable posts about many studios, Dreamworks included.

I've also worked on a few features, so I do know what "true intentions" lie behind many sequels (hint: it's green).

My issue with sequels to stories that have already been told is that they take time, effort, and energy away from new ideas that have to sit in a pipeline while the studios work on the sequels. This are now films that might not get made because the studio is busy with something else.

Good luck with your animation career. It's a roller coaster to be sure. Part of the process of becoming a good animator is being able to carry on a good discussion about animation, and I hope to see more posts from you on the blogs in the future.

Coonfoot · 5 months ago

Sorry, Floyd. I didn't mean THIS blog itself or you. I was refering to other blogs besides this one. Trust me, I've seen insults at DreamWorks' expense on a few sites. As for the whole "animation industry in the dumps" subject, their are a lot more sites griping about that (John Kricfalusi's blog for instance). Since animation will possibly be my career, I rather not be exposed to that stuff. I didn't mean Frederator blogs are like this, but I'd hate to see them become it. I see myself as the "eternal optimist" type, so I can't stand even the slightest hint of negativity of destructive criticism. I admit I jumped the gun with that post of mine, so once again, sorry.

On top of that, I don't socialize a lot (due to painful past experiences involving my opinions), so I usually get all my thoughts out on a subject if it strikes a nerve with me. However, this leads to me looking like the real jerk or even worse. I've been learning to work this problem out, but apparently that post may have been a step backward.

But I'm glad you'd still like me to post on these blogs despite how I acted and thanks for the encouragement.