I’m not sure everyone thought this year’s Inside Out 2 (2024) would be the huge hit it became. Not only did it receive positive reviews, but the money rolled right in! It became both the highest-grossing movie of the year and also the highest-grossing animated movie of all time! However, it’s not the only media Pixar has given us set in the world of emotions. We also have a four-part show that debuted on December 11th: Dream Productions.
Made at the same time as the sequel, Dream Productions centers around the film studio in Riley’s head that makes her dreams. The main focus is Paula (Paula Pell), a once-famed dream director who’s struggling to make relevant dreams for Riley. With her job in jeopardy, she must persevere with help from Xeni (Richard Ayoade), an eccentric daydream creator. With Disney+ offering Pixar a new way to create television shows, does Dream Productions do well for itself?
Dream Productions‘ Creativity on the Small Screen
Inside Out (2015) was heralded as one of Pixar’s most creative endeavors upon release. The way it gave life to emotions wasn’t just an opportunity for comedy, but has also proved to continue to resonate with many people. It’s a way to confront your own emotions and feelings, and realize that it’s okay to be happy, sad, or anxious.
Dream Productions is similarly creative in how it adds to the worldbuilding of the two movies it’s set between. We’ve already seen that Riley’s dreams are like a film set, but to see the inner-workings of it allows for clever gags and ideas, especially for someone like me who is a film student. For example, having Riley’s night dreams be Hollywood-esque productions and daydreams be more of an experimental approach is very interesting!
The show’s mockumentary structure, much like that of The Office (2005-2013), is how we get to know our main characters. Paula Pell, legendary comedy writer and actress, is able to expand on the small role she had in the films as…Paula! She’s suitably charming, and wants what’s best for Riley, much like Joy (who Amy Poehler voices in a few scenes).
Paula’s foil is notable comedic actor Richard Ayoade as Xeni, an eccentric daydream filmmaker looking to break the mold. Ayoade usually adds something to the projects he’s a part of, and that’s no exception here. It’s easily one of his weaker projects, but if this is weak, that’s a good sign.
Along with the lead’s charisma, each episode of Dream Productions has great animation, and lends itself to some nice emotional moments that are on brand for Pixar. They don’t hit the heights of the movies, but they’re decent lessons on how to find oneself for kids.
The Pixar Investment in Franchises
Few animation studios are as popular as Pixar. For a time, the quality of their movies and short films was astronomically high. To the public, they could do no wrong. However, the last few years before Inside Out 2 have been bumpy. Ever since the pandemic, there’s been a significant decline in box-office numbers. The hits have not come in like they used to.
In addition, it feels as though Pixar is trying to recapture success by going back to the well of brand names. Two years ago, we got Lightyear (2022), a way to keep cashing in on the Toy Story franchise. Pixar has given us various series of shorts, whether animated traditionally or with LEGO, all going back to company classics like The Incredibles (2004) and Cars (2006) to name a few. Heck, we even have a fifth Toy Story and a third Incredibles in the works!
I’m not anti-sequel or anti-franchise, but I hope Pixar knows that cashing in on the hits all the time won’t mean much in the long run. In the case of a spin-off like Dream Productions, it shows there’s potential to make an entertaining project. If there’s passion in it, go for it. But, don’t milk your properties for the financial results!
Is Dream Productions a Series Worth Having?
As spin-offs go, Dream Productions is very enjoyable, and at four episodes, doesn’t require a ton of investment. As a companion piece to two great Pixar films, it’s a welcome adventure back into this world with its’ heart and humor.
Are there things I would change? Absolutely! For one thing, I think we should’ve had more time for an additional storyline. There’s a subplot where Paula’s assistant director, Janelle (Ally Maki), gets to become a true director, and Paula becomes jealous, trying to cope with the fact she may be on her way out. I thought there was a lot of potential with this story, but it took more of a backseat than I thought it would.
The biggest thing, though, would be to increase the episode output. Due to budget cuts, seven episodes of this show became four. Unfortunately, you do end up feeling that a bit. Extending the show could do many things. You can get deeper into the characters and subplots. Character motivations don’t have to change at the drop of a dime. Already interesting ideas for Riley’s mind can feel just as lived-in as places like headquarters.
While I’m slightly nervous Pixar might overextend themselves in cashing in on their big brands, if they could all be as charming as Dream Productions, I’ll be a happy person! For fans of Inside Out, it’s a nice supplement to the movies, one that understands the emotional aspects that make this world so appealing to the masses.
It’s hard to say if we will ever get more in the foreseeable future. The show was branded as more of a miniseries than an ongoing TV project. However, if there’s more of a story to tell, who knows? Just make it more of an actual experience!
