JUNE 9 (Reuters) — Amy Poehler joined her cast-mates on the red carpet Monday night (June 08) for the Hollywood premiere of the Disney Pixar’s “Inside Out.”
Poehler, who’s garnered her well earned star status as a comedian and host playing in front of a live audience, told Reuters that working on an animated film was different.
“You’re making the room laugh and making yourself feel good, but you are constantly tweaking it all the time,” said Poehler, when asked how she knew if she was being funny or not, since most of her voice over work was done in a small room with few people.
“Inside Out” ventures inside the mind of an 11-year-old. Based in Headquarters, the control center inside 11-year-old Riley’s mind, five Emotions are hard at work, led by lighthearted optimist Joy (voice of Amy Poehler), whose mission is to make sure Riley stays happy. Fear (voice of Bill Hader) heads up safety, Anger (voice of Lewis Black) ensures all is fair and Disgust (voice of Mindy Kaling) prevents Riley from getting poisoned-both physically and socially. Sadness (voice of Phyllis Smith) isn’t exactly sure what her role is, and frankly, neither is anyone else. When Riley’s family relocates to a scary new city, the Emotions are on the job, but somewhere along they take a wrong turn, setting up a desperate battle to get things back to normal.
Phyllis Smith, who plays Sadness, added that working on the film was a joy.
“When you do something you would hear little snickers and I would be like I got you on that one,” said Smith. “I was also fortunate enough to do three sessions with Amy Poehler. I aspire to grow up and be Amy Poehler, she’s brilliant.”
And while children are certain to be entertained, John Lasseter, who oversees Disney Pixar’s animation studio’s, believes the film will resonate with adults as well.
“With “Inside Out” is a film about emotions and memories,” said Lasseter. “But they get it and they love it. They understand it. When this film was first pitched I thought this could be Disney Pixar’s most important film. It shows you something that everyone is familiar with but no one has ever shown you before. Your emotions and your memories.”
Pete Docter and Ronnie Del Carmen directed the film that also stars Bill Hader Lewis Black.
“Inside Out” opens in theaters on June 19.
