The Science Behind Pixar

Pixar’s filmmaking process comes into view through hands-on activities that explore how science, technology, engineering, art and math help bring animated stories to the screen. The Science Behind Pixar will be on view at the Phillip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science from Saturday, October 10 through Sunday, April 11. Created by the Museum of Science, Boston in collaboration with Pixar Animation Studios, the exhibition features more than 50 interactive elements focused on the technical and creative work behind Pixar films. The exhibition is organized around eight steps in Pixar’s production pipeline: Modeling, Rigging, Surfaces, Sets & Cameras, Animation, Simulation, Lighting and Rendering. Visitors can experiment with activities inspired by films such as Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., The Incredibles, WALL•E and A Bug’s Life, while learning how artists and computer scientists use math, computer science and design to create characters, settings and movement. Interactive stations invite guests to try tasks such as building a digital sculpture from an artist’s sketch, exploring camera placement, adjusting lighting for underwater scenes and learning how virtual skeletons allow animated characters to move. The exhibition also includes photo opportunities with life-size recreations of Pixar characters including Buzz Lightyear, Dory, Mike and Sulley, Edna Mode and WALL•E. Admission to The Science Behind Pixar is included with museum admission.