Journal Entry #12

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/22/books/review/Hirschorn-t.html?_r=1&ref=technology&oref=slogin
It is exciting to read about the struggle and triumph of such a revolutionary company like Pixar. In this article, it sheds light on the evolution and journey of the graphic animation company that has brought such computer animated classics to the hearts of millions including Toy Story, A Bug’s Life, and Finding Nemo. First starting in the computer division of George Lucas’s production team for Star Wars, the division was never used for any of the scenes and Lucas ended up using scale models instead for special effects. Trying to still push to be recognized as viable and applicable segment, the Computer Division, as Pixar was called back in the day, convinced the studio to feature a 60-second computer animated rendering of Star Wars for the second movie but to no avail.

After realizing the unrecognized worth with Lucas, The Computer Division renamed itself Pixar and caught the attention of Apple co-founder Steve Jobs. After turning him down on his first initial offer, the company finally embraced his guidance and went on a rocky road until they were finally bought for $7.4 billion dollars by Disney.

Now apart of a Disney, Pixar went from sales of $159 million in 2005(http://www.pixar.com/companyinfo/press_box/news/20060307-189666.htm ) to being one of the top creators of animated movies. I believe that it is wonderful because the movies that Pixar are behind are great children’s movies being both uplifting and positive. I think they are one of the great examples of how technology can impact in positive way and bring an optimistic drive to fight for what you envision no matter what.

I remember the first time watching Toy Story. When it came out on VHS, we begged my mom to buy it and would watch it over and over again. Now later in life to read about how that story came to be on my screen is amazing. Also, I never realized just how many movies Pixar is responsible for bringing to the public. I believe Finding Nemo is a classic and to know how much Pixar persisted to get to that point makes me appreciate the story and the wonderful entertainment it brings that much more. Go Pixar!