It has been almost ten years since the release of the original Inside Out film, and now Pixar is gearing up for the release of Inside Out 2. The sequel required a team of both new and returning craftspeople to update the animation and introduce new emotions to the story. Inside Out 2 follows Riley Anderson during her teenage years as she navigates the challenges of growing up, with the introduction of new emotions into her already established emotional network.
One of the story artists, Rebecca McVeigh, shared her thoughts on working on a sequel. She mentioned the difficulty of living up to the legacy of the original film, which was adored by audiences. The challenge lies in staying true to the original voice of the characters while also bringing something new to the table. Additionally, production designer Jason Deamer discussed the technological advancements that forced them to recreate all the characters from scratch, presenting a unique challenge in maintaining consistency with the original film.
Cinematographer Adam Habib highlighted the use of anamorphic lenses in the sequel to enhance the visual appeal and push the boundaries of the animation. This change in camera style added a new dimension to the human and mind world visuals. The team also revisited old techniques while incorporating new ones to improve the overall look and feel of the film. Despite the challenges faced with technological advancements, the crew found ways to enhance the visual elements of Inside Out 2.
A significant aspect of Inside Out 2 is the introduction of new emotions, including Anxiety, voiced by Maya Hawke. The animation supervisors, Evan Bonifacio and Dovi Anderson, discussed the challenges of crafting the character of Anxiety. They had to find a balance between her quirky movements and relatable characteristics to ensure the audience could empathize with her. The process of creating a new emotion required a deep understanding of human emotions and behaviors to bring the character to life on screen.
Editor Maurissa Horwitz explained the unique editing challenges faced when dealing with different emotions taking over Riley’s mind. Each emotion required a distinct rhythm and pacing in the edit to capture their essence effectively. Anxiety, with her fast-paced energy, demanded a different approach compared to other emotions like Embarrassment and Envy. Adjusting the rhythm of the edit to match the energy of each emotion was crucial in conveying their impact on the story.
The making of Inside Out 2 posed several creative challenges for the team involved in bringing the sequel to life. From updating the animation to introducing new emotions and finding the right balance in editing, every aspect of the film required careful consideration and intricate work. Despite the hurdles faced, the crew worked diligently to deliver a visually stunning and emotionally engaging sequel that builds upon the legacy of the original film. Inside Out 2 promises to take audiences on a new journey through the complexities of human emotions, offering a fresh perspective on growing up and navigating the challenges of adolescence.