Behind the Scenes with Peter Sohn and The Good Dinosaur
*Disclosure: I received an all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles for the coverage of several press events for Disney, Pixar and Google. All opinions are 100% my own.
One of the coolest things about press trips that I am invited on is the chance to get behind the scenes of movies. While we can’t get into the minds of the creative staff, we do get the opportunity to learn about the processes, ask questions and of course mix and mingle with them. This last trip I went to the Pixar Campus and it was absolutely amazing to be there and it was just as magical as Disney. But they went all out and planned a campfire for us to enjoy while learning all about The Good Dinosaur and the research that went into making this film.
The campfire itself was supposed to be held outside but the weather changed and it was going to be raining. Pixar staff took it in stride and moved the campfire inside. Once inside there was a delicious campfire meal for us to enjoy complete with a gorgeous fireplace and plush seating. We had the best seats in the house to enjoy the presentation and mingling with the creative people behind the movie.
As we gathered around the campfire presentation we settled in for a night full of storytelling all of course based on The Good Dinosaur and how it came to be. Those presenting were Director Peter Sohn, Producer Denise Ream, Supervising Technical Director Sanjay Bakshi and Director of Photography – Lighting, Sharon Calahan. Each one played a crucial role in the movie and in true Disney-Pixar form they took to the research to get the perfect setting, mindset and of course immerse themselves into their roles.
One of the places they visited was the Snake River which quickly became the yellow brick road of The Good Dinosaur. Another vital visit was the Mormon Road area because Peter Sohn loved how the horizon turned into the next horizon and made a seamless and ongoing gorgeous view.
They went far back into the mountains as far as possible to see what it felt to get lost as much as they could. There was a beautiful vastness in the environment that they knew it would be perfect because even a dinosaur would feel tiny in this setting. Even one of the characters were likened after one of the cowgirls (Melissa) that they met in Colorado. Ramsey is one of the T-rex in The Good Dinosaur which was inspired by Melissa.
Not only was Ramsey found along the way but so was Arlo because of the communication Melissa had with her animals. But with each new adventure they found something else that would quickly be added into the movie. Because they were so out of their element they decided that something as small as a bite, fall or misstep you could be hurt or even killed. This “fear” turned up in the film where a rock caught Arlo’s leg and the feelings are all brought back to life for these feelings for them but also brought to life for the audience.
The river actually becomes a character in the film when Arlo is feeling terrible and he goes through the wild river on his journey. But just like any character the river changes and becomes at peace and looks like glass in it’s own way. Peter Sohn gave Sharon all of the credit for beautifully painting the river. She used every color of the rainbow and light bounces off of it in just the right places to make her work shine. The science and beauty of it turned out simply amazing. But they also learned that they had to understand and respect the land and the nature around them for it to fully make sense. Which if you think about it, is a lot like life.
They even traveled back to the areas during different seasons so they knew the details, the environment and it feels so rich and authentic. The people from Pixar are also authentic, real and important and it really shows in ever film they create. The river was seen in different seasons which allowed them to see the river in a very violent way in the Spring and calm in serene in the fall. Which then lead it to be even more intense and life like in the movie scenes that we saw.
This team was inspired along the way and learned that a “western” lifestyle really was. It was a challenge to them but one that showed them the love, family and horizons upon horizons of things such as starry skies. They tried to capture the river and it’s energy and their love for the river and being swept away for miles and miles away from home. Peter Sohn said, “You know this trip kind of changed my life.” But not only did Peter’s life get changed, I think that in some ways everyone changes with the seasons and with each journey they take. We may not see the end result until later in life, but it is always amazing when the moment hits that you can say something changed “my” life. Their hard work and dedication turned this film into an amazing story and I was very fortunate to have had the opportunity to get a glimpse into the movie making process.
Be sure you head to your local theater on November 25th to see The Good Dinosaur and of course the short Sanjay’s Super Team. I promise you will be glad you did.
P.S! Did you know that Sam Elliott is the voice of Butch??
The Good Dinosaur opens in theaters on November 25th!
It is a must watch for my family for sure!
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