Ep 15. Foundations: Color, Light, and Emotion
- March 26, 2021
Inside: Pixar is a captivating documentary series that takes us behind the scenes of one of the world's most renowned animation studios. Featuring interviews with the creative geniuses at Pixar, as well as behind-the-scenes looks at the creative process, we get a rare glimpse into the magic that goes into creating some of the most beloved animated films of our time.
In season 1, episode 15 of Inside: Pixar, entitled "Foundations: Color, Light, and Emotion," we dive deep into the technical and creative aspects of what makes Pixar's films so emotionally resonant. Featuring interviews with the color and lighting teams, as well as Pixar's Emotional Response Unit, this episode explores the ways in which the use of color and light can enhance the emotional impact of a scene, and even communicate emotion on its own.
We begin by looking at the foundational principles that Pixar uses when it comes to color and lighting. The color team discusses how they use specific color palettes for each film in order to convey different emotional tones and create a specific aesthetic. For example, the color palette for The Incredibles was designed to have a retro feel, while the palette for Finding Nemo was inspired by coral reefs and ocean life.
Next, we delve into how Pixar uses lighting to create mood and atmosphere. The lighting team discusses how they use light sources and shadows to create depth and contrast, and how different types of lighting can be used to create different emotional tones. For example, warm, soft lighting might be used in a romantic scene, while harsh, cold lighting might be used in a suspenseful scene.
Finally, we explore the crucial role that emotion plays in the creative process at Pixar. We meet members of the Emotional Response Unit, a team that is responsible for studying human behavior in order to create believable characters that audiences can emotionally connect with. They discuss how they use their research to inform the storytelling and animation processes, and how they work closely with the color and lighting teams to ensure that each scene is communicating the intended emotion.
Throughout the episode, we also get a behind-the-scenes look at the making of several iconic Pixar scenes, from the tear-jerking goodbye between Woody and Andy in Toy Story 3, to the terrifying first encounter between Sulley and Boo in Monsters, Inc. We see how the use of color, light, and emotion makes these scenes so impactful and memorable.
Overall, season 1, episode 15 of Inside: Pixar is a fascinating exploration of the technical and creative underpinnings that make Pixar's films so emotionally resonant. Through interviews with the creative teams and behind-the-scenes looks at the creative process, we gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into creating these beloved animated films.
