New Series from Pixar: Dream Productions

 

Following the blockbuster success of Inside Out 2 (the top film of 2024), Pixar has launched a new show that bridges the two movies about Riley and her feelings. Titled Dream Productions, this four-episode series delves into the movie studio within Riley’s mind that brings her dreams to life, now streaming on Disney+. Composer Nami Melumad discusses the creative process behind the diverse musical styles featured in the show. (This Animation Scoop Q&A has been edited for brevity and clarity.)

Jackson Murphy: Congratulations on your involvement with a Pixar series following the massive success of Inside Out 2. How did you first connect with Pixar and get involved in the Inside Out universe?

 

Nami Melumad: I initially worked on a Disney short, Far from the Tree. Since Disney and Pixar share the same music department, I was familiar with some team members. They requested samples of my music, and I created several reels. This show is unique because it’s not just a comedy; it’s a mockumentary. The music needed to enhance the humor while maintaining a mockumentary tone, which often feels drier. They sought a balance with a vibrant, energetic score. I feel incredibly fortunate to have joined this team—working with Pixar has always been a dream of mine.

JM: Disney and Pixar are renowned for their powerful music, making your collaboration with the team essential for this mockumentary.

 

NM: Absolutely. Pixar feels like a family. Working on the show involved regular meetings and a collaborative environment. Our showrunner, Mike Jones, was instrumental in guiding the musical direction, while the entire team contributed to refining my ideas. This collaboration was one of the best I’ve experienced.

JM: The series consists of four episodes, totaling around 80 minutes, giving fans a feature-length experience.

 

NM: It does feel like a feature. Each cue in the show is distinct, which is rare in TV music where themes tend to repeat. This series genuinely feels like a movie segmented into episodes, and I loved every moment of it.

JM: The series explores Riley’s dreams and her movie studio. How was it to work across various genres?

 

NM: There were numerous genres to explore, reflecting the wacky nature of dreams. I composed dance music, nightmare themes, children’s songs, and even ’80s rock. The overall score blends ’70s funk, rock, and jazz, featuring distinctive instruments like the B3 organ and baritone saxophones. Each piece aimed to create a cohesive sound that felt like one unified score.

JM: Your music has a confident feel across different genres, which is impressive.

 

NM: It’s essential to embody confidence in Hollywood, especially in a studio setting. The music needed to reflect the real dynamics of the film studio environment, so I’m pleased it resonates well.

JM: How do your dreams influence your music creation, particularly for this show?

 

NM: I often find melodies in my dreams that I struggle to remember upon waking. There’s a sense of anxiety in ensuring my music captures the intended emotions, knowing its influence on the audience’s reaction.

JM: You attended the premiere, right?

 

NM: Yes! It was a fantastic experience, and meeting actors like Maya Rudolph and Paula Pell was unforgettable.

JM: Have you heard any news about Inside Out 3 at Pixar?

 

NM: I haven’t heard specifics, but there’s a strong desire for this series to succeed. Pixar closely monitors audience reactions and values viewer feedback.

JM: This series was moved up due to its success, correct?

 

NM: Exactly! Pixar anticipated its popularity, so we had to expedite the soundtrack, which was originally scheduled for a March release. It’s been a delightful surprise.

JM: What do you love about animation music, and what do you hope to explore in the future?

 

NM: I cherish the opportunity to blend various musical styles, not just orchestral elements. This show allowed for a unique combination of jazz, rock, and choir, which I’d love to explore more. Animation offers immense creative freedom, and I look forward to continuing my work with Disney and Pixar.

Jackson Murphy is a movie critic and entertainment columnist, creator of Lights-Camera-Jackson.com, and has appeared on various television and radio platforms.

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Persons metioned in the article

Nami Melumad, Jackson Murphy, Maya Rudolph, Paula Pell, Mike Jones, Jaclyn Simon, Katie Schaefer Bishop, Matt Walker

Company Names mentioned in the article

Pixar, Disney, Dream Productions, Hollywood Records, Netflix

ContentTitles

Inside Out 2, Inside Out, Far from the Tree, Star Trek: Prodigy

Disclaimer: This article has been auto-generated from a syndicated RSS feed and has not been edited by Vitrina staff. It is provided solely for informational purposes on a non-commercial basis.