Turning red

Interesting Fact: Turning Red (2022) — The filmmakers drew heavy inspiration from the director Domee Shi's own childhood growing up in Toronto during the early 2000s. To capture the specific nostalgic feel of that era, the animation team carefully designed the characters' technology and accessories to match the time period. The animators intentionally added chunky digital pets, early flip phones, and portable CD players to the scenes. In a unique departure from Pixar's usual house style, Shi requested that the animation incorporate expressive visual elements commonly found in anime. The production team had to create entirely new digital tools to allow for features like star-filled eyes, exaggerated sweat drops, and sudden stylistic background shifts during moments of high emotion. This blend of Eastern and Western animation techniques gave the film a distinct look that visually represents the protagonist's cultural background and internal struggles.