This project was a thrill from the initial idea to the final delivery. It was always my dream to work with Pixar and when I got an email from their Head of Post-Production in 2021, that dream came true. The Director of Lightyear, Angus MacLane, is a sci-fi film aficionado and he wanted to create a title sequence that felt authentic to that genre.

Our design team at Perception had built a reputation as the go-to studio for title sequences, with a specialty in science-fiction and superheroes. What could be better for the true story of intergalactic hero Buzz Lightyear? We began by presenting several concepts for the sequence. We also looked at a ton of reference from classic films from the 70s and 80s, always trying to find the bottom of Angus’ never-ending well of sci-fi knowledge.

We know from Toy Story that Andy is obsessed with Buzz and all of his spaceman glory and we see shelves loaded with that iconic green and white action figure so the final concept became a celebration of the suit and the space-age technology of Buzz Lightyear. Our camera moves were critical in keeping the energy and pacing while still allowing the audience to revel in every little detail. For the environment, we took inspiration from the world of Alien with the lighting and atmosphere while the text laser effect was a nod to the original Terminator teaser trailer and the beginning of James Cameron’s Aliens.

Studio: Perception

Chief Creatives: John LePore & Doug Appleton

Head of Operations: Kris Barone

Senior Producer: Eric Daly

Junior Producer: Jamie Young

Artists: Seiji Anderson, Djeison Canuto, Peter Eszenyi, Sarah Anne Gibson, Steve Savalle, Isaac Taracks, Dave Weinstock, Nick Woythaler