Dive into the Magic of Pixar's Scientific Marvels
Characters Come to Life
As part of this extraordinary exhibit, visitors have the opportunity to witness how characters transform from mere concepts to vivid on-screen presences. Take, for instance, Randall from "Monsters, Inc." He moves with the grace of a chameleon yet walks on two legs. Riggers break down his motions into individual elements, creating hundreds of control-points that animators use to craft a myriad of poses. This meticulous process allows characters to move with fluidity and authenticity.
Moreover, visitors learn about the joints, bones, and muscles that enable models to move, known as "rigs." Through virtual 3-D character models, they experience firsthand what riggers do and the steps required to make a character move based on the story. It's a fascinating journey that brings the magic of animation to life.
Building Virtual Environments
Story sets and designers play a crucial role in creating the immersive worlds of Pixar films. At "Pixarburgh," visitors discover how these virtual environments are built from the ground up, right down to the tiniest pebbles. They gain an understanding of the meticulous attention to detail that goes into creating every aspect of these fantastical settings.
Animators also bring stories to life by breaking down actions into a series of poses. This simulation aspect is an essential part of all movies, and guests learn how it involves the illusion of motion and how elements like hair, clothing, and fur respond to a character's movements. It's a testament to the artistry and technical prowess behind Pixar's creations.
Interactive Learning for All Ages
Jason Brown, director of the Carnegie Science Center, emphasizes that the exhibit is a great representation of science and technology, art, and creativity. Whether you're a die-hard Pixar fan or simply curious about the inner workings of animation, there's something here for everyone.
Marcus Harshaw, associate museum director, notes that the show is designed to ignite curiosity about STEM careers. Children and parents can easily spend an hour and a half exploring the 14,000 square-foot exhibition. Younger kids connect with the characters, while older kids engage with the scientific aspects. Parents also enjoy themselves as the Center promotes intergenerational learning.
Sarah White, author of the blog "PhD Princess," had the chance to view the exhibit at the Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. She describes it as the best she's ever experienced, highlighting the insightful and inspiring videos of Pixar employees. These videos offer a first-hand look at the technological innovations that have revolutionized computer animation.
There are at least one guided exploration activity and one more open-ended exploration activity, giving visitors hands-on experience in solving the challenges for each department. Each activity consists of two workstations, allowing multiple people to engage simultaneously. Special considerations have been made for those with limitations, with transcripts and audio recordings of instructions available for blind, deaf, or hard-of-hearing patrons.
Brown expects the exhibit to be popular due to its broad appeal. It's not just for kids; there's so much to see and do. Pixarburgh: The Science Behind Pixar can be seen at the Carnegie Science Center located at 1 Allegheny Avenue, Pittsburgh until Jan. 5.