Well guys, it happened. And this time I didn't wake up from a dream only wishing it had happened like all the times before (though if I didn't have these photos, I maybe would doubt myself). This past weekend, I had the completely and utterly surreal opportunity to visit THE Pixar Animation Studios—but not only that! I was invited to take part in a "friends and family" screening of Pixar's upcoming film Coco (releasing in the US on November 22nd). Yah, I had to pinch myself a few times just to check if I was awake.
Let's go back in time to last Friday afternoon...that's when the trip began. Things got real as I was driving to JFK airport to catch my flight and I spotted the Coco themed taxi billboard below. The timing for that was perfect.
Made it to my gate in the nick of time! Took a direct flight to San Fransisco (which is just outside of where Pixar is located in Emeryville, CA) and was picked up by some incredible friends.
The Arriaga family were my generous hosts for the weekend and they all went above (or should I say "to infinity"?) and beyond to make me feel comfortable and at home. I literally still don't have enough words to thank them for helping me fulfill a lifelong dream and for taking such good care of me. I'm still so honored and humbled by the experience and will be always be "eternally grateful" to them. After just two days, we went from online acquaintances to family—I miss them tremendously already.
If the name doesn't sound familiar, Daniel Arriaga is a character/sets designer at Pixar (for Coco, he was the Character Art Director). Find out more about him and view his stunning work on his blog HERE and be sure to follow in on social media (Twitter & Instagram). He's one of the nicest guys of all time, so feel free to reach out and say hello! When you see his name in the end credits of Coco, please give him a cheer. He and his team deserve every bit of praise for their years and years of hard work, helping mold the film (quite literally) into what it is today.
On Saturday morning, we hit up a delicious little dive for breakfast called "Rudy's Can't Fail Cafe" (a local favorite of the Arriagas). It's at 4081 Hollis St there in Emeryville, right around the corner from Pixar. I can't recommend it enough if you ever visit near there! Totally classic.
Then this happened. đŸ˜±
Walking through the parking lot, toward the iconic giant Luxo lamp and ball and into the famed Steve Jobs building was an out of body experience. I kept thinking "I'm really at Pixar" and couldn't wipe the smile off my face.
Lego Buzz and Woody greet you as you walk in! Howdy partners.
Before our 12:30 screening of Coco began, I was able to soak in the main Steve Jobs atrium for a few minutes. Of course, per tradition, the massive room was decked out with decor and art based on their current film—this time obviously being Coco! Loved the colorful picado inspired banners.
And the next amazing thing that happened? I was able to meet, in person, some friends of mine who've I've gotten to know through social media/this blog! Tiffany W. (disneyminimalist on Instagram) and Kelly Bonbright (script supervisor at Pixar—Instagram HERE), it was SO fun to meet you both. I wish we could have had more time and snagged a pic together!
We all visited the Pixar Studio Store (another dream of mine come true) for a few minutes and I was able to get an idea of what I would want to purchase after viewing the film. This is the store I've mentioned countless times here on this blog—the one only open to Pixar employees and their friends and family (filled with all sorts of exclusive stuff)! I finally got to go in. Unreal.
Time for the main event!!
Sorry things are a bit dark and blurry, but below is the Steve Jobs building screening room. I felt so honored to view the film in the room where the Pixar filmmakers review their daily work on screen! The picture and sound quality there is out of this world. I'm not usually a fan of 3D (which is how we viewed the film), but for Coco in this particular screening room, I was blown away by it!
By the way, if you ever make it to Pixar and view one of their films in this theater, make sure to look up when the lights dim. You'll notice the ceiling turns into the night sky—complete with shooting stars! Don't forget to "Oooooooooo" and "Awwwwwwww"...it's a tradition there that's been going on for years.
And here's something neat—Each attendee got a "friends and family screening" collectible trading card, each featuring a character from the film! I was lucky enough to receive Mama Coco.
Now as far as my full review of the film, I'm going to save that for a separate post. I will say though that it is absolutely INCREDIBLE. The animation is stunning, the story is so poignant, the characters are so much fun and the music is gorgeous. The character and set designs are all so special and unlike anything you've ever seen. And let's just say when we walked out of the theater, just about everyone had the sniffles and were rubbing their eyes. Just get yourself ready for tons of heart, fun twists and turns and lots of emotion. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it and cannot wait to see it again! Every family needs to see Coco and I'm so excited to introduce mine to it.
After the film, I was able to enjoy more time in the Studio Store (and yes I wanted to by just about everything, but showed some restraint ;). Since the next screening of Coco had started, the place was completely empty! The Arriagas were able to show me around the rest of the building with some peace and quiet. It was so nice to to be able to take our time! Another huge thanks to them.
And yup, even the bathroom signs there were Pixarfied with character silhouettes.
Here's the famous "Cafe Luxo" where many of the Pixar employees eat their meals daily. Unfortunately it wasn't open this time around, but maybe one day I'll be able to eat my way around that epic cereal bar I've heard so much about.
Even the mail room deserved a photo! You know, they're always hiring there ;)
A poster for a current "Pixar Science and Art Fair" going on this week there at the Studio.
Needless to say, Pixar has won a few awards. And it makes sense, since they're only the BEST animation studio EVER.
This beat up Woody doll is there displayed in a glass case as it means something very special to John Lasseter. Years ago, Lasseter received this doll and a letter from a Disney World cast member which reads:
"...we had a young child about 6-year-old by the name of Caleb come into City Hall at Magic Kingdom Park. He brought us his well played with Woody doll. You see, his parents bought him a new one and he wanted his first one to have a great new home and to spend infinity and beyond with Buzz Lightyear. We felt it was appropriate to share him with you..."
The only area the public is allowed to tour on the second floor are the art galleries showcasing work from their latest films. No photos were allowed, but right now it's set up for Cars 3 on one side of the bridge and Coco on the other. It was so cool to see all the art and hand sculpted maquettes in person! Not to mention all the first hand stories that Daniel was able to share with me.
Me and Daniel are ready for Incredibles 2! It was super cool to be one of the first to see the brand new, yet-to-be released teaser trailer for the film in front of our screening of Coco!
LOVE all the giant Pixar characters placed around! More to come...
Here I am with Bing Bong and Danny's son Adriel! Fun Fact: Adriel here was used as the main character reference for the design of Miguel in Coco! Even down to the mole on his upper lip. How cool right?
Hello. Name's Bruce.
Even Hank can be found camouflaging around on different walls! Like, come on. This is the coolest place ever.
Mike and Sulley use to have a more premiere location, but they've since been "banished" to the back of the building in a small room near the elevators. Poor guys! Their age is starting to show.
We then walked around the grounds past the Pixar consumer products building, around the amazing lap pool and through the basketball court (complete with a massive Luxo ball graphic in the middle—now that's a court I would want to play some ball on). There's even a hammock! These guys know the right way to work hard and play hard.
Over there in that little amphitheater is where Steve Jobs would hold outdoor company meetings! Back when when the majority of the employees could actually fit out there.
And we're right back to my favorite spot out in front of the Steve Jobs building :)
Well everyone, that concludes my first visit to Pixar Studios and my initial thoughts on Coco. It was everything I could have hoped for and SO much more thanks to the Arriaga family and everyone there who made me feel so welcome. It was the time of my life and a memory I'll never, ever forget. I look forward to hopefully returning there for future experiences!
I hope you all enjoyed my overview of my time at Pixar. Of course there was so much more that happened during the weekend, but I can only document so much here! If you have any questions on the experience or anything regarding the Pixar Studios campus, be sure to leave me a comment below or shoot me an email.
So long, Pixar. Till we meet again.
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