Pixar regularly publishes documents detailing technical advancements on their website. In April of last year, a particularly interesting paper was posted that shows off a rendering style unlike anything seen from Pixar before. The research went by mostly unnoticed until Cartoon Brew shared it earlier today. Take a look at the fascinating project below:
While there’s certainly room for refinement, this is an exciting hint that Pixar is looking to branch out into more varied art styles. It’s unlikely that the technique will be employed in any of their announced features, but here’s hoping we at least see a short with this look in the near future. There’s a ton of potential here that I don’t see Pixar letting go to waste.
For an in-depth look at the process, which was developed with the help of University of Toronto, University of Washington, and Stanford graduate students, be sure to read the full document on Pixar’s website.
How do you feel about this test footage?
Last modified: January 21, 2014
Haha I was the one who tipped off Cartoon Brew. I (somehow) found myself browsing through Pixar’s research papers the other day and wondered why I hadn’t heard anything about this one. I agree, it’s pretty exciting and I can’t wait to see what Pixar does with it.
Interesting to note that the director of the little animated sequence is Teddy Newton….
Teddy Newton no longer works at Pixar. It was reported he left for Paramount around Christmastime.