AS PIXAR’S Ratatouille makes its way into cinemas, we take a look behind the scenes at some of the challenges of making the movie.

Whether it’s coming up with the concept drawings, travelling to Paris to conduct research in restaurants and sewers, or creating new technology to enhance the look of the picture, assembling the correct ingredients is a lengthy process.

But thanks to Pixar’s winning ethos and their teamwork mentality, director Brad Bird and co have assembled another tasty treat for audiences to savour…

We visited the San Francisco-based offices of Pixar in April 2007, just months before the film was due to open in US cinemas. Incredibly, work was still ongoing to get Ratatouille finished on time.

But concept drawings of Remy – the rat at the centre of the film’s story – adorn every wall and serve as an appetising taster of what cinema-goers can expect from the film.

Our tour guide Randy Nelson then explained that Pixar views itself as “a community of lifelong learners”. He added that every member of staff – from animator to security guard – is encouraged to attend the Pixar University. Why? Because drawing teaches observation and “to observe and then see is an amazing skill”.

For any stressed workers struggling to cope with the pressures of deadline, there’s always a the beach volleyball court, soccer pitch, tennis court, pool or massage therapy room to go and unwind – and employees are encouraged to make use of them if the going gets tough.

b>NEXT: Take the Ratatouille tour

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