Josh Cooley and Mark Nielsen Talk Riley’s First Date at Pixar
Introduction: A Day at Pixar’s Press Room
It’s not every day you find yourself in the heart of San Francisco, sitting in a cozy press room at the historic Fairmont Hotel, listening to Pixar’s creative minds talk about their latest work. Nestled on one of San Francisco’s iconic hills, just a mile from Coit Tower, this morning led me to a small table where two animated film industry giants were ready to share their insights.
Josh Cooley and Mark Nielsen, the dynamic duo behind Riley’s First Date?, the Inside Out spinoff short, greeted us with enthusiasm. Josh Cooley, known for his incredible work as a director and his notable recognition as one of Variety’s 10 Animators to Watch, sat casually in a black t-shirt and jeans, looking every bit the relaxed visionary. Mark Nielsen, the optimistic producer of the short, wore a light pink button-up shirt, bringing his vibrant energy to the room. It was clear they were both passionate about the story they were about to share.
The Inspiration Behind Riley’s First Date?
If you remember Inside Out, you’ll recall the scene where Riley meets Jordan at the hockey game—a moment that stayed with filmmakers Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera. That spark of an idea became Riley’s First Date?, a short film that every parent—and anyone who’s ever been on a first date—can instantly relate to. The short film was first unveiled at the D23 Expo, and now, the second audience (us) got a sneak peek into how the magic came to life.
The plot is simple, yet incredibly relatable: Riley, now 12, is at home when the doorbell rings. It’s a boy showing up to take her on her first date. Enter Riley’s dad, who panics, and Mom, who tries to play it cool. But at the heart of it all is Riley, with her emotions—led by Disgust—in the driver’s seat, trying to manage the situation. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare, yet somehow, hilariously endearing.
A Creative Journey: 10 Months of Development
Cooley and Nielsen shared the journey of bringing Riley’s First Date? from pitch to final product, a process that took 10 months. Cooley, who’s a dad of daughters, reflected on the inspiration behind the story: “We all talked about our experiences. Everyone agreed that you have nothing to worry about until she brings home the first boy.” It was a sentiment that resonated deeply with the team and formed the heart of the short film.
The Music Behind the Magic: AC/DC and Pixar’s Sonic Storytelling
If you’re like me and you’re wondering how AC/DC found its way into a Pixar short, Cooley’s musical background gives some insight. A self-proclaimed music enthusiast, Cooley recently saw AC/DC live, and when it came time to choose the music for the film, he was adamant about picking something iconic, something that both Riley’s dad and Jordan could relate to. AC/DC’s rock anthems became the perfect fit, adding intensity and humor to the tension of Riley’s first date.
Fun Fact: AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” was famously used in the 1999 movie Varsity Blues, with a whopping $500,000 price tag for the rights.
Nielsen and Cooley are both musicians at heart. While Nielsen played trumpet in high school, Cooley was more hands-on, exploring everything from orchestra strings to drums. It’s no wonder their combined musical expertise helped elevate the atmosphere in Riley’s First Date?, creating a musical backdrop that every viewer, young or old, can enjoy.
The Heart of Riley’s First Date?: Character Development
While the music and animation are key to the film’s success, the real magic comes from the characters. The film is a continuation of Inside Out’s emotional storytelling, but this time, the challenge was to animate emotions in Riley’s mind when she’s 12. Just as in the original film, the character of Joy remains a fan favorite for both Cooley and Nielsen, though Cooley says, “Without Sadness, Joy has nothing to play off.” It’s this dynamic that makes Inside Out and Riley’s First Date? so special—the way emotions interact and influence our decisions.
Interestingly, Cooley also voiced Jangles the Clown, one of Riley’s most terrifying fears in Inside Out. When asked about his experience, Cooley jokingly said, “Go back to jail, Sadness!” and brought out the unmistakable voice of the creepy character, which made me smile with recognition.
Jangles the Clown, voiced by Josh Cooley. Photo Courtesy of Disney-Pixar
The Evolution of Pixar Short Films
Riley’s First Date? is a short film in every sense of the word, but it’s not just a quick project thrown together. Pixar treats each short as another scene in their cinematic storytelling process. Nielsen and Cooley revealed that, like a full-length movie, short films take the same level of effort, with every detail being carefully considered.
Here are four key facts about Pixar short films:
- Short films are treated like scenes, with the same attention to detail as full-length films.
- Crew members are given leadership opportunities, helping them grow their skills.
- Development takes approximately 10 months, from idea to final product.
- Short films are an ongoing project even as the larger film is still in progress.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Cooley and Nielsen?
Both Cooley and Nielsen have big things ahead. Cooley was recently promoted to co-director of Toy Story 4, a project that has generated excitement among Pixar fans. Nielsen, on the other hand, is working on a Pixar feature film that promises to bring more of the studio’s signature magic to the screen.
Conclusion: Relatable and Hilarious
In the end, Riley’s First Date? is a film that any parent will laugh at, anyone who’s been on a first date will relate to, and anyone who loves Pixar will appreciate. It’s an insightful, funny, and heartwarming glimpse into the emotions behind a child’s first steps into adolescence—and what happens when those emotions are put to the test.
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