Pixar's Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, Director Kelsey Mann, and Producer Mark Nielsen visited Japan last month to promote the globally successful Disney & Pixar film "Inside Out 2" (now in theaters in Japan). It has been revealed that they had a dialogue with Studio Ghibli’s Director Hayao Miyazaki and Producer Toshio Suzuki, with whom they have had a long-standing relationship. This precious dialogue between the leaders of these world-renowned studios, discussing "behind-the-scenes of filmmaking," will be broadcast over two weeks on TOKYO FM’s radio program "Toshio Suzuki’s Ghibli Asemamire" 4th and on the 11th.

Pixar Animation Studios and Studio Ghibli have had a close relationship since the 1980s. Pixar supervised the English dubbing for the American release of "Spirited Away," and Totoro from "My Neighbor Totoro" made a cameo appearance in "Toy Story 3," showcasing their deep connection.

During their visit, Pete Docter and his team visited Studio Ghibli in Tokyo. They engaged in an in-depth discussion about the behind-the-scenes aspects of their respective studios: Ghibli, which pursues hand-drawn animation, and Pixar, which utilizes cutting-edge technology to create 3D CG animation. This passionate discussion about animation production could only be had by the world’s top animation creators.

One of the many topics discussed was "test screenings." At Pixar, films undergo multiple test screenings before completion, incorporating feedback from various people to shape the final product.

When Pete Docter asked, "Does Studio Ghibli do this?" Director Miyazaki replied, "No, we don’t. It’s impossible for every audience member to understand the film. We are responsible for the film, so we can’t delegate that responsibility to whoever happens to be there."

Pete Docter responded, "In our approach, test screenings are useful. Since we’re still in the production process, we can identify parts that don’t resonate and areas where we want to evoke emotions but aren’t. This allows us to make adjustments. Indeed, sometimes I let the feedback go in one ear and out the other, but during screenings, we watch together. You can feel when people are bored or engaged, and those reactions are genuine. Watching this helps us adjust the film to resonate with as many people as possible, which we see as our responsibility." This discussion highlighted their respective beliefs and differences in animation film production.

The radio program "Toshio Suzuki’s Ghibli Asemamire," where they shared their behind-the-scenes stories of creating globally acclaimed works, offers even deeper and more intense discussions.

Special Message from Toshio Suzuki after Watching 'Inside Out 2'

"Riley is now a teenager.
What is happening inside her head now?
It was a learning experience for this 75-year-old grandpa.
Studio Ghibli, Toshio Suzuki"

Program Information

Title: "Toshio Suzuki’s Ghibli Asemamire"
Broadcast Dates: August 4th & 11th (both days from 11:00 PM to 11:30 PM)
Broadcast Station: TOKYO FM and 38 stations nationwide on JFN network (podcast available after broadcast)

Source : ORICON NEWS