Open this “box” to learn how to become a Pixar animator!

Pixar Animation Studios has had their share of creative successes, due largely to the immense pool of talent that the studio takes in.

What most people don’t know is that most of those artists, directors, and storytellers were selected to join the Luxo ranks not purely because of their ability, but because of their potential and ability to learn from one another.

“Learning makes us beginners again,” said Ed Catmull, President of Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. Pixar is very much a studio of lifelong learners and that culture of growing the next generation award-winning artists, directors, and storytellers extends beyond their Emeryville HQ walls.

Aside from hosting workshops around the country, Pixar has created a magical “box” full of their knowledge for anyone to consume.

Pixar In A Box is a new collection of online resources that aim to teach what it takes to become a master storyteller/filmmaker for the Disney-owned studio. The box includes video lessons, interactive exercises, and hands-on activities that act as an engaging and innovative teaching tool.

It was all made possible in part with the studio’s partnership with Khan Academy, the non-profit online education system. “Sparking student interest in math and other academic fields is a key part of [learning] and we’re delighted to collaborate with Pixar to achieve this goal,” said Sal Khan, Founder and CEO of the not-for-profit Khan Academy.

Pixar gave Khan Academy a wide range of access to their archives and own learning program to make the content both conceptual and applicable. For instance, you can learn how they created the tons of cars you see in the grand stands in the Cars films or draw a character like Wall•E. In doing so, you’ll not only have a greater appreciation for the immense work that takes place for both, but a foundation on how to do that work yourself.

“We hope that it not only gives students a behind-the-scenes look at how our movies are made but also gets them excited about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) concepts.”

The box won’t give all the secrets to what it takes to create an award-winning animated film, it will spur on that spirit of learning that Pixar looks for its future employees. And while the box itself was designed for middle school and high school students, it’s not stopping this college graduate and many other learned adults to opening the box for themselves.

You, too, can access Pixar In A Box for free right now by clicking HERE.