A 30-year veteran of Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios, Thomas Jordan has spent decades perfecting the visual effects that bring beloved toys to life in the Toy Story franchise.
The next generation of Woody’s lookalikes
Jordan, who served as the VFX supervisor on Toy Story 5, reveals that the latest installment features a slew of new toy designs that push the boundaries of character animation.
“One of the exciting things about Toy Story 5 was the opportunity to create new toys that are both visually interesting and emotionally resonant,” Jordan says. “We explored a range of new designs that drew inspiration from different cultural and historical contexts.”
As an example, Jordan points to the character of Blaze, a toy fire truck with a bold, vintage design that pays homage to classic 1950s American cars. “We wanted to create a toy that would feel at home in Andy’s room, but also have its own unique personality and charm.”
However, it’s not just the toys themselves that Jordan is proud of – he’s also keen to talk about the team’s experiments with AI-powered character animation. “We’ve been playing around with AI-generated walk cycles and movement patterns, which has allowed us to create more realistic and varied character performances.”
The secrets behind the toys
Jordan is also happy to dish out some Easter eggs for fans, including a nod to the character of Bonnie, who first appeared in Toy Story 3. “We made sure to include some subtle references to Bonnie’s backstory and personality in the movie, which we hope fans will pick up on.”
But Jordan is quick to point out that the real magic happens behind the scenes. “As VFX supervisor, my job is to oversee the entire visual effects pipeline, from concept to delivery. It’s a massive undertaking that requires careful planning, collaboration, and creativity.”
What this means for fans
For fans of the Toy Story franchise, Jordan’s work on the latest installment promises a fresh new look and feel that’s sure to delight. With its cutting-edge visual effects and innovative use of AI, Toy Story 5 is a testament to the enduring power of the franchise to inspire and entertain.
