The Timeline of Pixar
1979
Ed Catmull was hired by George Lucas to be the head of Lucasfilm Computer Division, in charge of developing technology - such as a digital film editing system, a digital sound editing system, and a digital film printer - for the film industry and exploring further into CG - computer graphics - and its potential, creating the alpha channel and particle effects.
1983
John Lasseter was invited by Lucas to join and was asked to work on The Adventures of Andre & Wally B.
1984
Lasseter was hired full-time working as an interface designer.
The Adventures of Andre & Wally B was premiered at SIGGRAPH, albeit incomplete. This premiere showcased brand-new CG techniques such as: detailed, flexible character models; hand-painted textures; advanced motion blur.
1986
Lucasfilm Computer Division was purchased by Steve Jobs and became an independent company - Pixar - with 44 employees.
Lasseter unveils Luxo Jr. - his director's debut - at SIGGRAPH, which quickly became the first 3D CG film to be nominated for an Oscar. Luxo Jr. - the character - became one of the official Pixar mascots.
1987-89
Pixar releases three more short films: Red's Dream; Tin Toy; and Knick Knack. These shorts introduced new advancements such as: lighting; rain; stereoscopic 3D. They also earned an Academy Award and two Clio Awards for Tin Toy. Some adverts were also created.
Renderman was also commercially released in 1989 when Pete Doctor and Andrew Stanton joined.
1991
The partnership between Pixar and Disney was announced with the promise of at least one CG film.
1995
Toy Story was released. This was the world's first feature-length animated film, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year at $362-million globally and being nominated for several awards by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (hereby referred to as AMPAS).
1997-2007
Pixar and Disney's agreement was extended to producing five more films over the next 10 years, which we now know are: A Bug's Life; Toy Story 2; Monsters, Inc.; Finding Nemo; and The Incredibles. Box office records were destroyed consecutively and all were nominated for several Oscars and Academy Awards.
2006
Pixar's 20th anniversary was celebrated with Cars, receiving two Academy Award nominations. Disney also announced they would purchase Pixar. Catmall became the President of Pixar and Lasseter the Chief Creative Officer of Disney and Pixar.
Over the years, Pixar and Disney would work together to create more films, eight of which being: Ratatouille; WALL-E; UP; Toy Story 3; Cars 2; Brave; Monsters University; Planes. All of these films continued to break records and earn multiple awards.
The Numbers
Pixar have released more than 14 feature-length films, earned over 200 awards, gained over 1200 employees, and made upwards of $8-billion.
Inner Workings of an Employee
A Normal Day's Work
Story Artists storyboard scenes from a script. Brief expectations and suggestions for the scene are given from the director, but the artist's creativity should flourish as much. Essentially directing but on paper.
Hiring with New Skills
Motivation, passion, making their own films is preferable.
Inside Pixar
Writer puts together first outline of script which goes to Sr Director and heads to Storyboarding and Editorial who build a basic film concept. Art designs characters, sets, locales, shaders, textures, etc. Animators animate the shots which go to lighting, then rendering, then post-production. Promotional advertises the film.
Self-Promotion
Make the best films so everyone knows about Pixar. Keeping up with quality is a challenge. No extra advertising or marketing or game-making.
Why Choose Pixar?
Pixar's stories go deeper with emotional issues, filmmaking skills, art, and comedy. Strong motivation and atmosphere.
Lessons Learned
Learning to tell a story in six minutes is the best way to learn economical filmmaking. Cut things you don't need, combine shots to be more efficient in time and storytelling.
Employee Projects
Personal work is important, even in a full-time job. Stay curious and hungry. It's tricky but doable.
From University to Industry
Get involved in working and build a portfolio. No substitute for work experience. Go further and do better than what's asked. Bring your own spin.