Planet 51 and the Pixar-ization of the Spanish Animation Industry.

Abstract

This article reflects upon the strategies employed by Ilion Animation Studios in the creation of its first major motion picture, Planet 51, in order to compete at an international level with Pixar and Dreamworks. On the one hand, this article concentrates on exploring the importance of a film studio that can withstand such a project while simultaneously developing its own long-term production plan, as well as the promotional marketing for the film. On the other, this article discusses the very strategies that the film makes use of, such as reverting to the science fiction genre, the importance of its intertextuality and allusions as well as the construction of its characters and scenes, all of which are elements needed to compete at a global level. As a result, we can see that Planet 51 is ushering in a new stage for Spanish feature films and, while overcompensating in some cases, one can not forget that this is the studio’s first major film.