The above video titled Luxo Jr was presented for the first time at a convention in Dallas at the annual conference of computer graphics software, Siggraphs. Aimed at exhibiting the new technology developed under the Pixar Umbrella, this short set a landmark in the realm of animation. The 6k technicians who had gathered there were dazzled by the simple yet touching plot of Two Lamps(!!!), who exhibited emotions that even humans muster with great efforts on screen.
I would like put forth some stories related to this 1.54 sec short film that were relevant enough to leave a mark in the industry's history.
Story 1
The credit for making these inanimate characters project feelings and moods goes to John Lasseter, a prior Disney Animator who left the Disney World when he found that the organization under Michael Eisner was not open to change & believed that the existing practise of producing animations through pen & ink method is the best. Disney then viewed the advent of computer graphics as a threat to animation world assuming that such simplification of the entire cartoon making process and animating it would now be an art that would get commoditized.
Alas!! Its something g that many have done in past, be it be great monarchs or CEOs and a trend that is still prevalent. If well analysed and an open mind be kept, every threat would have a brighter side from wherein pops an opportunity; all it requires is "commitment" and "ability to accept change".
Story 2
The Pixar group (headed by Alvy Ray Smith and Ed Catmull) formally were under the George Lucas banner who had taken them in to enhance the visual delights of the movies he made in the league of the Star Wars gener. But then Lucas wasn't able to see the future and impact of animation in the times to come which reflects in the fact that when financial pressures started mounting due to his divorce, George Lucas didn't twitch before letting go the Pixar group at 1/3rd of the expected price. A decision made in haste indeed. The video loaded below titled "Andre And Wally B" was the first short produced under Lucas' production house in 1984 which enthralled the animation world with its 3-D touch and graphics. But yes, being under the Lucas Wings gave the Pixar group more visibility, a gem of an artist, John Lasseter had joined them during this time to work on Star Trek II- (the creator of Andre And Wally B) and last, but never the least, the genius who bagged Pixar was Steve Jobs, who was then a pariah from the very Apple World he had sowed and was desperate to prove a point in the market with his new initiative, NEXT.
Story 3
Under Steve, Pixar had its own ups & downs, but yes, it did grow and the above add- Luxo Jr was the first stepping stone of success for them. The picture won a Golden Eagle at CINE film festival in Washington D.C. & was also nominated for an Oscar. They didn't win the Oscar that year, but the buoyancy they got was enormous and the rest is History.
Today, Pixar has been brought under Disney's realm, but it still holds its own and continues to entertain the world(& mint money!!) with Monsters' Inc., Wall-E to name a few. It's logo depicts their first baby, Luxo Jr. the lamp and has been their trade mark since its phenomenal opening in 1986.
So sit back and enjoy these ads................. time has barely been able to tarnish its appeal.
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