To Infinity and Beyond

Time's running out to discover 'The Science Behind Pixar' at the Perot Museum

Some of your favorite Pixar characters — from Sully and Mike to Dory, Woody, and WALL*E — were created from a wealth of creativity, but did you ever stop to think about the science, math, and engineering that was also involved in bringing them to animated life?

"The Science Behind Pixar," currently making its Texas debut through Labor Day at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science, is a nearly 10,000-square-foot exhibition with dozens of hands-on activities, firsthand accounts from members of the studios’ production teams, and even life-size recreations of cherished Pixar characters. It is presented in English and digitally in Spanish.

“We tend to overlook that science is all around us and frequently in unexpected places. This exhibition offers a chance to step into the shoes of a Pixar artist to explore the technical aspects and precision that bring these treasured films and characters to the big screen,” says Dr. Linda Silver, chief executive officer of the Perot Museum. “Traveling exhibitions like ‘The Science Behind Pixar’ play a vital role in highlighting the diversity and vast opportunities for ingenuity found in STEM fields.”

You can explore more than 50 interactive elements that span the first-ever computer-animated feature film, Toy Story, which opened over 25 years ago, to the studio’s most recent, Lightyear.

Travel through eight technical steps — modeling, rigging, surfaces, sets and cameras, animation, simulation, lighting, and rendering — to gain an unparalleled view of the filmmaking process.

"’The Science Behind Pixar’ is an interactive exhibit that offers people a hands-on opportunity to understand how we make our films," says Jim Morris, president of Pixar Animation Studios. “At Pixar, we use science, technology, engineering, art, and math — along with a significant dash of creativity and fun — and this exhibit is truly a great demonstration of how all those ingredients come together in our filmmaking process."

In the sets and camera section, for example, you can see how camera placement and angles created a bug’s-eye view for A Bug’s Life.

Then try your hand at creating a digital sculpture from an artist’s sketch, or use lights to solve challenges similar to ones Pixar faced in creating underwater scenes with virtual light in Finding Nemo. Explore how the models are given a virtual skeleton that enables the animators to pose them and delve into the techniques that give surfaces color and texture.

“For more than three decades, people of all ages have been inspired by Pixar movies. This brand’s impact on our society and culture is immeasurable,” says Lucy Bannon, chief communications officer for NexPoint, which is the local presenter for the exhibition. “We are honored to help bring the exhibition to Dallas and showcase the STEM skills needed to make these iconic films.”

"The Science Behind Pixar" is only here through September 4, 2023, so be sure to purchase your tickets soon.

Photo courtesy of Perot Museum of Nature and Science

See how far animation has come.

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Fair Park News

Dallas to terminate agreement with management of Fair Park

Photo courtesy of Fair Park First

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The City of Dallas has issued a notice of termination to Fair Park First, the nonprofit entity that has been managing Fair Park under a long-term agreement. According to a release, the termination is effective in 90 days.

The action also brings to a close the subcontracting relationship between Fair Park First and OVG360, which has provided venue and facilities management services and has overseen daily operations at Fair Park since 2019.

City leaders said the move is needed because the organizational structure under the existing contract is flawed and lacks a direct relationship between OVG360 and the city.

“Fair Park is a vital part of our city’s cultural and historic identity,” said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert. “This decision reflects our commitment to ensuring sound stewardship and transparent management of this beloved public asset."

Since assuming management in January 2019, Fair Park First has been responsible for overseeing the park's year-round programming, facility operations, and maintenance.

As the city transitions to a new management structure, Dallas Park and Recreation staff will step in to ensure continuity of operations for park tenants, campus partners, and upcoming events.

Dallas Park and Recreation Department director John D. Jenkins said in a statement that the termination gives the city a chance for a reset.

“This step enables us to reset our approach to Fair Park management and is in the best interest of Fair Park, patrons, and the taxpayers of Dallas,” Jenkins said.

Their goal is to develop a new plan that is "financially sustainable, vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive … so that Dallas residents will be able to enjoy the park year-round," Jenkins said.

"The new plan will involve Dallas Park and Recreation managing the daily operations and maintenance, partnering with a non-profit to deliver third party funding opportunities, continuing the relationship with existing campus partners and bringing in new companies with expertise with producing large and small events and programs."

During the transition, Dallas Park and Recreation staff will be onsite at Fair Park to provide a transition of operations for the park’s existing campus partners, vendors, and events.

Dallas Park and Recreation will honor all existing contracts for upcoming park events.

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