Incredibles 2 Set Design & Action Scenes | #Incredibles2Event

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The best thing that I took away from our Disney sponsored #Incredibles2Event last month was the knowledge/realization of the INCREDIBLE talent and work that goes in to making a Pixar film. I. Had. No. Idea. I knew I loved Pixar films but I really never thought about what it took to create one beyond using a computer. Now that I’ve talked to the talent behind the set design/creating the world of Incredibles 2 AND those that put their talent into all the action scenes, I don’t think I can ever look at a Pixar film the same again.

Incredibles 2 Set Design

If you’ve seen the trailer for Incredibles 2 (check it out below if not) you’ll know that it has some heavy mid-century modern influence! In fact, we learned that the team working on creating the world of Incredibles 2 visited many gorgeous mid-century homes for period appropriate inspiration. The Incredibles’ new house was inspired by James Mason’s home in North by Northwest and I totally see it!

We got to hear from Incredibles 2 Production Designer Ralph Eggleston, Visual Designer Philip Metschan, Shading Art Director Bryn Imagire and Sets Supervisor Nathan Fariss during a presentation at the Incredibles 2 event. The thing that impresses me most about set design in a Pixar film is that they don’t visit a city to film in like they might do for a live action film. They have to create this ENITRE world from scratch and they do! They don’t just make the city and then the Parr’s home, they create EVERYTHING. They know where and how far the city is in relation to their home and they know what exists in between. It’s pretty amazing really.

Beyond just building/creating the set, they have to dress it (foliage, furniture etc.), light it appropriately etc. They have to think of things like, is our floor reacting to light in this scene the way it would naturally? It completely blew my mind. The set is almost a character in itself with all the work that goes into creating it!

Creating Action Scenes for Incredibles 2

The action scenes have so many layers and take so much more than I thought (just like the world around it). We got to hear a presentation from Story Supervisor Ted Mathot, Layout Supervisor Mahyar Abousaeedi, Animator Kureha Yokoo and Effects Artist Amit Baadkar and I have to say, the lengths they go to to create the most realistic action scenes that not only entertain, but help support the characters is amazing! They actually have some similar challenges to live filmed action scenes and many that are unique to them.

Think about creating sparks from scratch, but not simply creating sparks, creating realistic looking (and acting) sparks depending on the materials they are reacting to. Now think about making sure the sparks are the right size, aren’t overpowering the scene and are behaving correctly. NOW think about ALL the little details like that in an entire movie. It’s mind blowing!

I loved hearing about creating the Elasticycle (Elastigirl’s motorcycle) and how they took inspiration from real vehicles and then added some of what makes Elastigirl so unique to her vehicle. There were many unique challenges with not only creating the Elasticycle but with the effects of say, tire smoke, in an action scene or how it reacts within the city.

Incredibles 2 Tickets!

I wish I could explain better how truly fascinating these presentations were but without the excitement and full presentation, you’ll just have to take my word for it. When you see Incredibles 2 (grab your tickets on Fandango NOW) just think about how many people, how much talent, and how many tiny details were put into the creation and I think you might love it even more. I know I will!