If you guessed Pixar Animation Studios... You are correct!
It's a real privilege to be able to visit this very private animation company. It's located in a not so good area in the East Bay (let's just say the way there is through some 'shady' streets).
Security is tight. And I mean TIGHT! Right when you drive up to the gate, you have to show the security guard your driver's license. He looks you up in the computer to see if you have an 'invitation' from some one on the inside. He then asks who I planned to see, double checks my answer, asks even if Matt will be also joining me (I guess he noticed that I did not have another adult with me in the car and his name was on the computer. I say no.. he's not going to make it.. wasn't working in the area today). He gives me a computer printed name tag with my name, who I'm visiting, date and time and that I AM "A stranger from the outside". Usually the kids each get a name tag too but maybe they're cutting back.. like everyone else. He points to where I'm supposed to park and tells me to have a nice day.
Now this is no surprise to me since it's our third or fourth time visiting the Studios. But it has been a few years since I've been there and I think Hannah was a tiny tot back then. It's definitely to visit friends who worked there and to have lunch with them. I've been lucky enough to know two Pixar employees but now it's just down to one. The other one left to work for Disney. :)
They have a gourmet cafe' in the main building and a sandwich and salad bar also in another building. (That wasn't there the last time I was here but they still have the free cereal bar... you can guess what that was..) Boy, are they growing leaps and bounds. But not too much ... still well under 1,500 employees.
As you walk along the beautifully manicured lawns and rose gardens you'll see some very familiar sights.
Brave is their most recent movie that's out in theaters so the current theme around Pixar revolves around Brave.
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| These are the stones where Merida went to get her 'fate' changed. |
These stones are in their outdoor amphitheater where company meetings can be held or outdoor concerts performed.
As you walk along the outskirts of the facility you can see many opportunities to 'play':
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| Soccer field with their new additional building as the back drop. |
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| Check out who's keeping watch! |
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| Beach Volleyball anyone? The building in the background houses their fitness/gym center. |
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| Basketball Court |
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| And of course an office can't be complete without a lap pool! |
As we enter the main building, we see employees scooter to and from different areas of the building. You meet with the receptionist for her to call the person you came to see.
In front of the reception desk you see the trophy case filled with all the awards Pixar has accumulated through their many years of success!
The cafe' is on the left with lots of seating in and outside of the building. The day we visited was a beautiful day so many lunchers were outside enjoying the sunshine.
Throughout the walls of Pixar are huge paintings from Brave.
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| The famous tapestry of Merida's family |
And of course you don't want to forget the characters that make Pixar who they are..
We were able to tour some of the studio parts of the building (all of which prohibit photography and videoing) so you won't be seeing any of that but let's just say everything was super cool!! Many of the exhibits were depicting Brave's creative development throughout the walls along with some famous pictures of their other blockbuster films. You also see the employees' offices of Pixar University.
There was even an Employee Wall showcasing the first employee (top left corner) to the latest employee (bottom).
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| Some of you may know who I came to visit. |
Last but not least, we visited their official store. Checking out all the Pixar merchandise was fun. But security was still tight. All employees are instructed to stay with their guests at all times. But me being me I was taking way too long in deciding what I wanted to buy... so my friend left me there to go to a meeting BUT that was after I promised to be good, to not stray to areas that are restricted and to get out of there right after I purchase my goods. I said yes to everything and even signed a contract in blood! j/k
It was a great lunch catching up with a good friend and always a thrill to visit a place where 'magic happens'!! So much FUN!!
