Animation fans can learn just how much math it takes to go to infinity and beyond today as a new exhibit on the science behind Pixar opens in Edmonton.
The Science Behind Pixar exhibition makes its international debut today at the Telus World of Science Edmonton. The interactive show lets kids of all ages discover the math, physics and technology behind characters like Buzz Lightyear in the computer-animated films made by Pixar Animation Studios.
You don’t think about it when they’re on screen, but complex animations such as the schools of fish in Finding Nemo are all based on math and physics, said Annie Prud’Homme-GĂ©nĂ©reux, vice-president of science at the Telus.
“If I was interested in becoming an animator for Pixar, I never would have assumed that I should probably stay in school and learn math.”
Pixar got the idea for this show after it held an art exhibit in 2005 and realized it could be a great way to inspire the next generation of filmmakers, said Elyse Klaidman, the company’s director of exhibition and educational partnerships.
“We want to be able to tell stories that reflect the world that we live in, and that’s only going to happen if we have this wide, wide range of people contributing,” Klaidman said.
Pixar partnered with Boston’s Museum of Science to create an exhibit that would highlight the science that went into its films.
Visitors to the exhibit get to explore how Pixar’s films go from concept art finished image and hang around with giant sculptures of their favourite characters. They can build WALL-E robots from blocks, see how basic shapes become hats and limbs in Ratatouille, hit buttons to change the lighting on Dory the Fish and turn on and off the hair movement simulations for the cast of Brave (with hilarious results). They can also watch interviews where Pixar employees explain the science and artistry behind different animation techniques.
This show does a great job of combining the characters we all know and love from the Pixar films with the science that happens behind the scenes, Prud’Homme-GĂ©nĂ©reux said.
One station lets you control the size and shape of a school of swimming fish with various sliders, for example. By moving the sliders, you change the variables in the mathematical models the computer uses to animate the fish in real time.
“It’s the math behind it all that makes it happen,” Prud’Homme-GĂ©nĂ©reux said.
Likewise, the rigs or skeletons Pixar uses to move its character models are all based on trigonometry. Complex mathematical models let animators create thousands of unique blades of grass in A Bug’s Life without drawing each one.
David Dominguez, a Grade 6 student from Meridian Heights School in Stony Plain, was engrossed in one station at the exhibit that let him control the limbs of Mike, the green one-eyed monster from Monsters Inc.
“I’ve always been kind of interested in making a character come to life,” he said, and he’s looking to get into computer animation as a hobby.
Dominguez said computer-animated characters are built using the same principles of geometry kids learn in school. Knowing the science that goes into complex animations in films makes him appreciate them more.
“Every time I watch an animated move, I always stick around for the credits, because it’s the least you can do to show your appreciation.”
This exhibit shows young people that you don’t necessarily have to become a scientist if you study science, Prud’Homme-GĂ©nĂ©reux said.
“Even if you love the arts, science and math will likely be part of your life.”
Visitors to the exhibition on Canada Day can also check out the many Canada 150th activities happening at the Telus, which include the launch of a 1.5 m tall rocket, a $1,500 prize giveaway, and cake.
The exhibit runs until late December. Visit telusworldofscienceedmonton.ca for details.
