History

How Pixar’s Lee Unkrich went from attending USC to directing “TS3”

Published

14 years ago

October 31, 2010

So what’s the very best way to break into the biz? Does going to some four year school like Emerson College or CalArts (which specializes in Communications and the performing arts) really give you an advantage? Or would it better in the long run to just hook up with some outfit like pabootcamp and then get some practical show business experience there?

To hear Lee Unkrich (i.e. the director of “Toy Story 3.” Which — FYI — makes its Blu-ray & DVD debut tomorrow) talk, getting ahead in the entertainment industry can be something of a crapshoot. Sometimes you just have to be the right guy in the right place with the right skills at the right time.

“To be honest, I kind of owe my career at Pixar to the fact that – when they were gearing up to make the original “Toy Story ” – the Studio decided that they should use Avid technology so that they could then take a non-linear approach toward the editing of this movie. And since there were so few folks in the early 1990s who were familiar with how those particular editing machines worked and because I had lots of experience with Avid at that point …,” Unkrich explained. “Well, that’s why I got that phone call.”

“Toy Story 3” director Lee Unkrich. Photo by Deborah Coleman
Copyright 2010 Disney / Pixar. All rights reserved

Now you have to understand that film students typically don’t go from graduating from USC in 1991 to then editing full-length animated films in just three years time. But in Lee’s case, this actually happened because – in his final semester at the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts – Avid came on campus and began offering training sessions in their new editing system.

“I took part in Avid’s very first training session and immediately got how their software worked. I immediately saw the possibilities in this new non-linear approach toward film & TV editing,” Unkrich continued. “And because I showed a real aptitude for working with their machines, right out of school I got hired to work on ‘Renegade‘ and ‘Silk Stalkings.’ Which were the first two episodic TV series to be edited on the Avid.”

Now again this is not the typical career path that one takes when they are striving to become a full-fledged film editor. There are usually long years of struggle involved here, where one slowly climbs the ladder by first becoming an apprentice film editor then moving to assistant to – if one’s lucky – a full-blown film editor. But Lee was able to collapse all of that into a single three year span because – just as he was officially entering the biz – there was this technological change that led to sudden opportunities in the industry.

Lee Unkrich and John Lasseter at the 2009 Venice Film Festival
Copyright 2009 Disney / Pixar. All rights reserved

Of course, what also helped here is that – once he arrived at Point Richmond – Unkrich found that he shared a storytelling sensibility with John Lasseter.

“When I took this assignment, John told me that he didn’t want ‘Toy Story’ to be cut like it was a cartoon. He wanted Pixar’s first full-length animated feature to be edited just like it was a live-action film. With the same sort of drama & energy & urgency.” Lee said. “Which absolutely thrilled me. Because – prior to taking on ‘Toy Story’ – I looked at a lot of animated features. And to be honest, I wasn’t happy with the way a lot of those films were constructed.”

So – again – you can see the huge role that luck plays in Lee Unkrich’s career path. That he’d have just the right set of technical skills that this fledgling animation studio would be looking for. More importantly, that this recent USC graduate would share John Lasseter’s storytelling sensibility. That these two – along with the rest of the crew at Pixar – shared a vision when it came to what an animated feature could be. The different types of stories that Pixar Animation Studios could tell.

(L to R) Lee Unkrich, Darla K. Anderson and Pete Docter back in their
“Monsters, Inc.” days. Copyright Disney / Pixar. All rights reserved

And because Unkrich was so good at bringing that vision to life, he quickly began moving up the food chain at Pixar. Going from being the editor on “Toy Story” and “A Bug’s Life” to becoming the co-director on “Toy Story 2,” “Monsters, Inc.” and “Finding Nemo.” And even though it was Lee’ s practiced eye as an editor that helped make those three Pixar productions some of the highest grossing films of all time, Unkrich still isn’t the type to hog credit and/or steal the spotlight.

“What we do here at Pixar really is a team effort. These films that we make here take years to produce with hundreds of people contributing. I’m just one of many when it comes to these movies. And we all work hard here,” Unkrich insisted.

But even so, when the decision was made in early 2006 to go forward with production of “Toy Story 3,” it was Lee that John entrusted with shepherding this long-awaiting sequel to the screen. Which was really something of a challenge, given “Toy Story 2” ‘s audience-satisfying conclusion.

“That – I think – was the biggest challenge that we initially faced with ‘Toy Story 3.’ That we had ended ‘Toy Story 2’ so well, with Woody having made his peace with the idea that Andy was going to grow up someday and leave his toys behind,” Unkrich explained. “So how do we now take that healthy feeling and undo it? In a way that honored and didn’t undermine the movie that came before it.”

What Lee and the “TS3” story team initially started to do was develop a very different story idea for this “Toy Story” sequel. One that – while it was very clever and much more high concept that the movie that bowed in theaters this past June – lacked “Toy Story 3” ‘s emotional component.

Mind you, when I asked Unkrich last week to reveal what “TS3” ‘s original story idea was, he politely demurred. Insisting that – given the way things work at Pixar – story ideas that initially don’t work and are then abandoned sometimes wind up being folded into future projects. Which is Lee remained tightlipped about this high concept idea for “Toy Story 3.”

“What we opted to do instead was explore the differences between Woody making his peace with the idea that Andy would leave his toys behind someday and the very real stresses & anxieties that these characters would deal with during those days just before Andy left for college,” Unkrich said. “We knew that – at the end of this movie – we wanted Andy to give his toys to a special little girl. So that – when we left them again – these characters would then be in a place where they’d be safe and they’d be loved and played with again. But beyond that, we just had a bare bones idea of what we wanted to do with this movie.”

Thus began a four year odyssey where Lee – working with veteran Pixar producer Darla K. Anderson – moved “Toy Story 3” through the production process. Where Unkrich & Anderson always strove to strike just the right balance. Making sure that this new “Toy Story” film had the exact same tone as the two films that had come before it, that it was always faithful to the way that these characters had previously been portrayed. But – at the same time – making sure that “TS3” could stand on its own. That this “Toy Story” sequel was a good movie all in its own right.

“You know, the other day, I was adding up the time that I’ve spent in the ‘Toy Story’ universe. And between the four years that I’ve spent on ‘Toy Story 3’ and the three years I spent editing and then co-directing the original ‘Toy Story’ and ‘Toy Story 2,’ that’s seven years total that I’ve spent with these characters. Seven years in Andy’s bedroom,” Lee laughed.

Of course, what’s kind of ironic about all this is … Well, “Toy Story 3” ends with Andy heading off to college. And Lee’s career at Pixar never would have even begun if – in his senior year at USC, during his final semester at that school – Unkrich had opted to blow off that Avid training session. Play hooky instead.

So to bring today’s story full circle … Yes, luck (as in: being in the right place at the right time) did play an awful big part in Lee Unkrich’s career at Pixar Animation Studios. But it’s also important to note the role that hard work played in all this.

That if Lee hadn’t really applied himself at those initially Avid training sessions (which then led to the opportunity to edit “Renegade” and “Silk Stalkings.” Which is what gave Unkrich the work experience that he needed to be the best possible candidate for that “Toy Story” editing gig), this guy wouldn’t be where he is today. Which is – after making sure that the Blu-ray & DVD versions of “Toy Story 3” are properly promoted and/or getting to the other side of awards season – taking a very well deserved break. Whereupon Lee & Darla will team up again to work on a yet-to-be-named future project for Pixar Animation Studios.

“Toy Story 3” director Lee Unkrich. Photo by Deborah Coleman
Copyright 2010 Disney / Pixar. All rights reserved

So long story short: if you want to get ahead in the entertainment industry, you have to do what Lee Unkrich did. Whether you’re just the PA who’s in charge of the crafts services table on some reality TV show and / or a soon-to-be-graduating senior at some prestigious film school, you have to take advantage of any & all opportunities that come your way. Because you just never know – at least when it comes to show business – what it is that’s going to kick open the door for you.

Because — in some cases, anyway — it can be something small. Something seemingly inconsequential. Like a Listerine commercial.

But to hear that story (and how it relates to Darla K. Anderson’s career at Pixar), you’re going to have to come back to JHM on Thursday.

Your thoughts?

History

The Evolution and History of Mickey’s ToonTown

Published

10 months ago

February 7, 2024

Jim Hill

Disneyland in Anaheim, California, holds a special place in the hearts of Disney fans worldwide, I mean heck, it’s where the magic began after all. Over the years it’s become a place that people visit in search of memorable experiences. One fan favorite area of the park is Mickey’s Toontown, a unique land that lets guests step right into the colorful, “Toony” world of Disney animation. With the recent reimagining of the land and the introduction of Micky and Minnies Runaway Railway, have you ever wondered how this land came to be?

There is a fascinating backstory of how Mickey’s Toontown came into existence. It’s a tale of strategic vision, the influence of Disney executives, and a commitment to meeting the needs of Disney’s valued guests.

The Beginning: Mickey’s Birthdayland

The story of Mickey’s Toontown starts with Mickey’s Birthdayland at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom. Opened in 1988 to celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 60th birthday, this temporary attraction was met with such overwhelming popularity that it inspired Disney executives to think bigger. The idea was to create a permanent, immersive land where guests could step into the animated world of Mickey Mouse and his friends.

In the early ’90s, Disneyland was in need of a refresh. Michael Eisner, the visionary leader of The Walt Disney Company at the time, had an audacious idea: create a brand-new land in Disneyland that would celebrate Disney characters in a whole new way. This was the birth of Mickey’s Toontown.

Initially, Disney’s creative minds toyed with various concepts, including the idea of crafting a 100-Acre Woods or a land inspired by the Muppets. However, the turning point came when they considered the success of “Who Framed Roger Rabbit.” This film’s popularity and the desire to capitalize on contemporary trends set the stage for Toontown’s creation.

From Concept to Reality: The Birth of Toontown

In 1993, Mickey’s Toontown opened its gates at Disneyland, marking the first time in Disney Park history where guests could experience a fully realized, three-dimensional world of animation. This new land was not just a collection of attractions but a living, breathing community where Disney characters “lived,” worked, and played.

Building Challenges: Innovative Solutions

The design of Mickey’s Toontown broke new ground in theme park aesthetics. Imagineers were tasked with bringing the two-dimensional world of cartoons into a three-dimensional space. This led to the creation of over 2000 custom-built props and structures that embodied the ‘squash and stretch’ principle of animation, giving Toontown its distinctiveness.

And then there was also the challenge of hiding the Team Disney Anaheim building, which bore a striking resemblance to a giant hotdog. The Imagineers had to think creatively, using balloon tests and imaginative landscaping to seamlessly integrate Toontown into the larger park.

Key Attractions: Bringing Animation to Life

Mickey’s Toontown featured several groundbreaking attractions. “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin,” inspired by the movie “Who Framed Roger Rabbit,” became a staple of Toontown, offering an innovative ride experience. Gadget’s Go-Coaster, though initially conceived as a Rescue Rangers-themed ride, became a hit with younger visitors, proving that innovative design could create memorable experiences for all ages.

Another crown jewel of Toontown is Mickey’s House, a walkthrough attraction that allowed guests to explore the home of Mickey Mouse himself. This attraction was more than just a house; it was a carefully crafted piece of Disney lore. The house was designed in the American Craftsman style, reflecting the era when Mickey would have theoretically purchased his first home in Hollywood. The attention to detail was meticulous, with over 2000 hand-crafted, custom-built props, ensuring that every corner of the house was brimming with character and charm. Interestingly, the design of Mickey’s House was inspired by a real home in Wichita Falls, making it a unique blend of real-world inspiration and Disney magic.

Mickey’s House also showcased Disney’s commitment to creating interactive and engaging experiences. Guests could make themselves at home, sitting in Mickey’s chair, listening to the radio, and exploring the many mementos and references to Mickey’s animated adventures throughout the years. This approach to attraction design – where storytelling and interactivity merged seamlessly – was a defining characteristic of ToonTown’s success.

Executive Decisions: Shaping ToonTown’s Unique Attractions

The development of Mickey’s Toontown wasn’t just about creative imagination; it was significantly influenced by strategic decisions from Disney executives. One notable input came from Jeffrey Katzenberg, who suggested incorporating a Rescue Rangers-themed ride. This idea was a reflection of the broader Disney strategy to integrate popular contemporary characters and themes into the park, ensuring that the attractions remained relevant and engaging for visitors.

In addition to Katzenberg’s influence, Frank Wells, the then-President of The Walt Disney Company, played a key role in the strategic launch of Toontown’s attractions. His decision to delay the opening of “Roger Rabbit’s Car Toon Spin” until a year after Toontown’s debut was a calculated move. It was designed to maintain public interest in the park by offering new experiences over time, thereby giving guests more reasons to return to Disneyland.

These executive decisions highlight the careful planning and foresight that went into making Toontown a dynamic and continuously appealing part of Disneyland. By integrating current trends and strategically planning the rollout of attractions, Disney executives ensured that Toontown would not only capture the hearts of visitors upon its opening but would continue to draw them back for new experiences in the years to follow.

Global Influence: Toontown’s Worldwide Appeal

The concept of Mickey’s Toontown resonated so strongly that it was replicated at Tokyo Disneyland and influenced elements in Disneyland Paris and Hong Kong Disneyland. Each park’s version of Toontown maintained the core essence of the original while adapting to its cultural and logistical environment.

Evolution and Reimagining: Toontown Today

As we approach the present day, Mickey’s Toontown has recently undergone a significant reimagining to welcome “Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway” in 2023. This refurbishment aimed to enhance the land’s interactivity and appeal to a new generation of Disney fans, all while retaining the charm that has made ToonTown a beloved destination for nearly three decades.

Dive Deeper into ToonTown’s Story

Want to know more about Mickey’s Toontown and hear some fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, then check out the latest episode of Disney Unpacked on Patreon @JimHillMedia. In this episode, the main Imagineer who worked on the Toontown project shares lots of interesting stories and details that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s full of great information and fun facts, so be sure to give it a listen!

History

Unpacking the History of the Pixar Place Hotel

Published

10 months ago

January 30, 2024

Jim Hill

Pixar Place Hotel, the newly unveiled 15-story tower at the Disneyland Resort, has been making waves in the Disney community. With its unique Pixar-themed design, it promises to be a favorite among visitors.

However, before we delve into this exciting addition to the Disneyland Resort, let’s take a look at the fascinating history of this remarkable hotel.

The Emergence of the Disneyland Hotel

To truly appreciate the story of the Pixar Place Hotel, we must turn back the clock to the early days of Disneyland. While Walt Disney had the visionary ideas and funding to create the iconic theme park, he faced a challenge when it came to providing accommodations for the park’s visitors. This is where his friend Jack Wrather enters the picture.

Jack Wrather, a fellow pioneer in the television industry, stepped in to assist Walt Disney in realizing his dream. Thanks to the success of the “Lassie” TV show produced by Wrather’s company, he had the financial means to build a hotel right across from Disneyland.

The result was the Disneyland Hotel, which opened its doors in October 1955. Interestingly, the early incarnation of this hotel had more of a motel feel than a hotel, with two-story buildings reminiscent of the roadside motels popular during the 1950s. The initial Disneyland Hotel consisted of modest structures that catered to visitors looking for affordable lodging close to the park. While the rooms were basic, it marked the beginning of something extraordinary.

The Evolution: From Emerald of Anaheim to Paradise Pier

As Disneyland’s popularity continued to soar, so did the demand for expansion and improved accommodations. In 1962, the addition of an 11-story tower transformed the Disneyland Hotel, marking a significant transition from a motel to a full-fledged hotel.

The addition of the 11-story tower elevated the Disneyland Hotel into a more prominent presence on the Anaheim skyline. At the time, it was the tallest structure in all of Orange County. The hotel’s prime location across from Disneyland made it an ideal choice for visitors. With the introduction of the monorail linking the park and the hotel, accessibility became even more convenient. Unique features like the Japanese-themed reflecting pools added to the hotel’s charm, reflecting a cultural influence that extended beyond Disney’s borders.

Japanese Tourism and Its Impact

During the 1960s and 1970s, Disneyland was attracting visitors from all corners of the world, including Japan. A significant number of Japanese tourists flocked to Anaheim to experience Walt Disney’s creation. To cater to this growing market, it wasn’t just the Disneyland Hotel that aimed to capture the attention of Japanese tourists. The Japanese Village in Buena Park, inspired by a similar attraction in Nara, Japan, was another significant spot.

These attractions sought to provide a taste of Japanese culture and hospitality, showcasing elements like tea ceremonies and beautiful ponds with rare carp and black swans. However, the Japanese Village closed its doors in 1975, likely due to the highly competitive nature of the Southern California tourist market.

The Emergence of the Emerald of Anaheim

With the surge in Japanese tourism, an opportunity arose—the construction of the Emerald of Anaheim, later known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel. In May 1984, this 15-story hotel opened its doors.

What made the Emerald unique was its ownership. It was built not by The Walt Disney Company or the Oriental Land Company (which operated Tokyo Disneyland) but by the Tokyu Group. This group of Japanese businessmen already had a pair of hotels in Hawaii and saw potential in Anaheim’s proximity to Disneyland. Thus, they decided to embark on this new venture, specifically designed to cater to Japanese tourists looking to experience Southern California.

Financial Challenges and a Changing Landscape

The late 1980s brought about two significant financial crises in Japan—the crash of the NIKKEI stock market and the collapse of the Japanese real estate market. These crises had far-reaching effects, causing Japanese tourists to postpone or cancel their trips to the United States. As a result, reservations at the Emerald of Anaheim dwindled.

To adapt to these challenging times, the Tokyu Group merged the Emerald brand with its Pacific hotel chain, attempting to weather the storm. However, the financial turmoil took its toll on the Emerald, and changes were imminent.

The Transition to the Disneyland Pacific Hotel

In 1995, The Walt Disney Company took a significant step by purchasing the hotel formerly known as the Emerald of Anaheim for $35 million. This acquisition marked a change in the hotel’s fortunes. With Disney now in control, the hotel underwent a name change, becoming the Disneyland Pacific Hotel.

Transformation to Paradise Pier

The next phase of transformation occurred when Disney decided to rebrand the hotel as Paradise Pier Hotel. This decision aligned with Disney’s broader vision for the Disneyland Resort.

While the structural changes were limited, the hotel underwent a significant cosmetic makeover. Its exterior was painted to complement the color scheme of Paradise Pier, and wave-shaped crenellations adorned the rooftop, creating an illusion of seaside charm. This transformation was Disney’s attempt to seamlessly integrate the hotel into the Paradise Pier theme of Disney’s California Adventure Park.

Looking Beyond Paradise Pier: The Shift to Pixar Place

In 2018, Disneyland Resort rebranded Paradise Pier as Pixar Pier, a thematic area dedicated to celebrating the beloved characters and stories from Pixar Animation Studios. As a part of this transition, it became evident that the hotel formally known as the Disneyland Pacific Hotel could no longer maintain its Paradise Pier theme.

With Pixar Pier in full swing and two successful Pixar-themed hotels (Toy Story Hotels in Shanghai Disneyland and Tokyo Disneyland), Disney decided to embark on a new venture—a hotel that would celebrate the vast world of Pixar. The result is Pixar Place Hotel, a 15-story tower that embraces the characters and stories from multiple Pixar movies and shorts. This fully Pixar-themed hotel is a first of its kind in the United States.

The Future of Pixar Place and Disneyland Resort

As we look ahead to the future, the Disneyland Resort continues to evolve. The recent news of a proposed $1.9 billion expansion as part of the Disneyland Forward project indicates that the area surrounding Pixar Place is expected to see further changes. Disneyland’s rich history and innovative spirit continue to shape its destiny.

In conclusion, the history of the Pixar Place Hotel is a testament to the ever-changing landscape of Disneyland Resort. From its humble beginnings as the Disneyland Hotel to its transformation into the fully Pixar-themed Pixar Place Hotel, this establishment has undergone several iterations. As Disneyland Resort continues to grow and adapt, we can only imagine what exciting developments lie ahead for this iconic destination.

If you want to hear more stories about the History of the Pixar Place hotel, check our special edition of Disney Unpacked over on YouTube.

Stay tuned for more updates and developments as we continue to explore the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.

History

From Birthday Wishes to Toontown Dreams: How Toontown Came to Be

Published

11 months ago

January 14, 2024

Jim Hill

In the latest release of Episode 4 of Disney Unpacked, Len and I return, joined as always by Disney Imagineering legend, Jim Shull. This two-part episode covers all things Mickey’s Birthday Land and how it ultimately led to the inspiration behind Disneyland’s fan-favorite land, “Toontown”. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. It all starts in the early days at Disneyland.

Early Challenges in Meeting Mickey

Picture this: it’s the late 1970s and early 1980s, and you’re at Disneyland. You want to meet the one and only Mickey Mouse, but there’s no clear way to make it happen. You rely on Character Guides, those daily printed sheets that point you in Mickey’s general direction. But let’s be honest, it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Sometimes, you got lucky; other times, not so much.

Mickey’s Birthdayland: A Birthday Wish that Came True

Fast forward to the late 1980s. Disney World faced a big challenge. The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park was under construction, with the company’s marketing machine in full swing, hyping up the opening of Walt Disney World’s third theme park, MGM Studios, in the Spring of 1989. This extensive marketing meant that many people were opting to postpone their family’s next trip to Walt Disney World until the following year. Walt Disney World needed something compelling to motivate guests to visit Florida in 1988, the year before Disney MGM Studios opened.

Enter stage left, Mickey’s Birthdayland. For the first time ever, an entire land was dedicated to a single character – and not just any character, but the mouse who started it all. Meeting Mickey was no longer a game of chance; it was practically guaranteed.

The Birth of Birthdayland: Creative Brilliance Meets Practicality

In this episode, we dissect the birth of Mickey’s Birthdayland, an initiative that went beyond celebrating a birthday. It was a calculated move, driven by guest feedback and a need to address issues dating back to 1971. Imagineers faced the monumental task of designing an experience that honored Mickey while efficiently managing the crowds. This required the perfect blend of creative flair and logistical prowess – a hallmark of Disney’s approach to theme park design.

Evolution: From Birthdayland to Toontown

The success of Mickey’s Birthdayland was a real game-changer, setting the stage for the birth of Toontown – an entire land that elevated character-centric areas to monumental new heights. Toontown wasn’t merely a spot to meet characters; it was an immersive experience that brought Disney animation to life. In the episode, we explore its innovative designs, playful architecture, and how every nook and cranny tells a story.

Impact on Disney Parks and Guests

Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown didn’t just reshape the physical landscape of Disney parks; they transformed the very essence of the guest experience. These lands introduced groundbreaking ways for visitors to connect with their beloved characters, making their Disney vacations even more unforgettable.

Beyond Attractions: A Cultural Influence

But the influence of these lands goes beyond mere attractions. Our episode delves into how Mickey’s Birthdayland and Toontown left an indelible mark on Disney’s culture, reflecting the company’s relentless dedication to innovation and guest satisfaction. It’s a journey into how a single idea can grow into a cherished cornerstone of the Disney Park experience.

Interested in learning about Jim Shull’s original idea for a Winnie the Pooh ride? Here’s concept art of the attraction proposed for the original Toontown in Disneyland. More on [Disney Unpacked].

Unwrapping the Full Story of Mickey’s Birthdayland

Our two-part episode of Disney Unpacked is available for your viewing pleasure on our Patreon page. And for those seeking a quicker Disney fix, we’ve got a condensed version waiting for you on our YouTube channel. Thank you for being a part of our Disney Unpacked community. Stay tuned for more episodes as we continue to “Unpack” the fascinating world of Disney, one story at a time.