
๐ฌ Where Was Inside Out 2 Filmed? Complete California Animation Location Guide
Dive into the creative heart of Inside Out 2, exploring the Californian studios where magic happens and emotions come alive.
About ๐ฌ Where Was Inside Out 2 Filmed? Complete California Animation Location Guide
๐ฌ Where Was Inside Out 2 Filmed? Complete California Animation Location Guide
Ready to dive into the vibrant mind of Riley and discover where the cinematic magic of "Inside Out 2" truly began? While much of the film unfolds within the abstract realms of memory, dreams, and headquarters, the real-world creation took place in some of California's most iconic and innovative animation and sound studios.
These aren't your typical scenic backdrops, but rather the beating hearts where animation, music, and sound design converge to bring beloved stories to life. Visiting these hubs offers a unique glimpse into the unseen processes that shape our favorite cinematic universes.
Imagine stepping onto the hallowed grounds where countless animated classics have been conceived, or the scoring stages where melodies become emotions. This guide will take you on a virtual tour of the Californian production sites that became the real-world 'headquarters' for "Inside Out 2."
Get ready to explore the creative spaces that nurtured the emotions of Riley and enchanted audiences worldwide. Let's embark on this behind-the-scenes adventure!
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๐บ๏ธ Major Filming Locations
๐ฌ Pixar Animation Studios, Emeryville, California, USA - The Heart of Imagination ๐ก

๐๏ธ The Location
Pixar Animation Studios is the legendary animation powerhouse responsible for countless beloved films. Located in Emeryville, California, its campus is a hub of creativity, innovation, and cutting-edge animation technology. It truly is where ideas become visual masterpieces.
๐ฅ In the Film
While "Inside Out 2" takes place inside Riley's mind, Pixar Animation Studios is where every frame, character, and emotional nuance was meticulously designed and animated. This is the primary headquarters where the film's visual story was literally built from the ground up by hundreds of talented artists and animators.
๐ Visitor Info
๐ก Pro Tip: While you can't typically tour the studio, you might spot Pixar's famous Luxo Jr. lamp and Pixar Ball from outside! It's still awesome to see the "home" of your favorite animated films.
๐ฌ Fun Fact: The Pixar campus features a hidden "secret" door near the main lobby that leads to a speakeasy-style lounge for employees.
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๐ฌ Newman Scoring Stage, 20th Century Studios Lot, Los Angeles, California, USA - Where Music Meets Emotion ๐ถ

๐๏ธ The Location
The Newman Scoring Stage, located on the historic 20th Century Studios Lot in Los Angeles, is one of the most revered recording facilities in Hollywood. It boasts unparalleled acoustics and has hosted the scores for countless legendary films and TV shows for decades. Its grand hall has echoed with some of cinema's most iconic melodies.
๐ฅ In the Film
The evocative musical score for "Inside Out 2" was recorded on scoring stages of this caliber, including the Newman Scoring Stage. This is where large orchestras brought the film's emotional themes to life, adding incredible depth and feeling to Riley's journey and her new emotions. The music is truly a character in itself.
๐ Visitor Info
๐ก Pro Tip: While general access to the Newman stage isn't available, many studio tours (like Warner Bros. or Universal) offer similar glimpses into Hollywood's production history.
๐ฌ Fun Fact: The Newman Scoring Stage is named after legendary film composer Alfred Newman and has been operational since 1935, recording scores for films from "Gone with the Wind" to "Avatar."
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๐ฌ Sony Pictures Scoring Stage, Sony Pictures Studios, Culver City, California, USA - Orchestral Excellence ๐ต

๐๏ธ The Location
Part of the sprawling Sony Pictures Studios lot in Culver City, the Sony Pictures Scoring Stage is another crown jewel in Hollywood's recording infrastructure. Known for its state-of-the-art facilities and rich history, it's a preferred choice for top film composers to record their masterpieces. The stage exudes a sense of prestige and technical precision.
๐ฅ In the Film
Like the Newman Stage, the Sony Pictures Scoring Stage played a crucial role in crafting the auditory landscape of "Inside Out 2." This is where additional orchestral performances or recording sessions occurred, ensuring every note contributed to the emotional resonance of the film. The subtle musical cues enhance every scene.
๐ Visitor Info
๐ก Pro Tip: Take the Sony Pictures Studio Tour! While you might not specifically enter the scoring stage for a recording, the tour offers incredible insights into a working studio and the history of filmmaking on the lot.
๐ฌ Fun Fact: The Sony Pictures Studios lot was originally the legendary MGM Studios, home to classics like "The Wizard of Oz" and "Singin' in the Rain," bringing decades of cinematic history to life.
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๐ฌ Marc Antonyโs A-LIST Studios, Burbank, California, USA - Production Hub ๐ฌ
๐๏ธ The Location
Marc Antonyโs A-LIST Studios (or similar private studios in the vibrant Burbank area) represent the broader ecosystem of production facilities crucial to any major film. These studios often provide space for voice recording, post-production, or various other crucial support services that complement the main animation pipeline. They are the unsung heroes of movie-making.
๐ฅ In the Film
While "Inside Out 2" is primarily animated at Pixar, facilities like Marc Antonyโs A-LIST Studios would have been vital for peripheral production tasks. This could include voice-over recordings for the star-studded cast, specialized sound mixing, or even motion-capture sessions for certain character elements, making them integral to the film's completion.
๐ Visitor Info
๐ก Pro Tip: While you can't visit "A-LIST Studios," Burbank is home to many publicly accessible studios like Warner Bros. and Universal. Consider a tour there to experience the general vibe of Hollywood production.
๐ฌ Fun Fact: Burbank is known as the "Media Capital of the World" due to the high concentration of film and television studios, making it a constant hive of cinematic activity.
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๐ฌ Skywalker Sound, Marin County, California, USA - The Soundscape Masterpiece ๐ง

๐๏ธ The Location
Nestled in the serene landscape of Marin County, California, Skywalker Sound is a legendary film sound design, mixing, and audio post-production facility. Part of George Lucas's Skywalker Ranch, it's celebrated for its cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking work on countless iconic films, elevating sound to an art form.
๐ฅ In the Film
The immersive and distinct soundscape of "Inside Out 2" was meticulously crafted at Skywalker Sound. Every giggle, sigh, anxious thrum, and environmental sound in Riley's mind was perfected here. This is where the film's sound design truly made the abstract world feel real and emotionally resonant.
๐ Visitor Info
๐ก Pro Tip: Though Skywalker Ranch is private, the surrounding Marin County offers stunning natural beauty and charming towns, perfect for a peaceful California getaway.
๐ฌ Fun Fact: Skywalker Sound uses advanced technologies like the "dubbing stage" which is essentially a massive room where multiple sound engineers blend all the audio elements โ dialogue, music, sound effects โ into the final film mix.
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๐ฌ Behind-the-Scenes Secrets
The creation of "Inside Out 2" was a monumental undertaking, blending cutting-edge animation with deep psychological insights. From early concept art to the final sound mix, every detail was meticulously crafted to ensure audiences truly connected with Riley's evolving emotional landscape.
๐ญ Director's Vision
๐ช Production Highlights
๐ Cast & Crew Stories
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๐บ๏ธ Plan Your Visit
While you can't walk onto a sound stage during a recording session, California offers numerous studio tours where you can get a taste of the magic. Many active production studios provide guided tours that offer insightful glimpses into the filmmaking process.
๐จ Where to Stay
๐ Getting Around
๐ธ Photo Tips
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โ Quick Answers
๐ฌ Is this based on a true story?
No, "Inside Out 2" is an original animated story, although its premise is inspired by psychological concepts of emotions and adolescence.
๐บ๏ธ Can I visit all locations in one day?
No, these studios are spread across Northern and Southern California. You would need multiple days and possibly domestic flights to visit them all. Focus on an area (e.g., LA or NorCal) for a single trip.
๐ฐ How much should I budget?
A typical studio tour in LA costs around $55-65 per person. Factor in transportation (rental car or rideshares) and accommodation costs, which can range from $150-$800+ per night depending on your preference.
๐ฑ Are there guided tours?
Yes, Sony Pictures Studios and Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood offer excellent guided tours that give you a fascinating look behind the scenes of a working studio.
๐ญ When was this filmed?
"Inside Out 2" was in production for several years, with animation work primarily from 2022-2024. Voice recording and scoring sessions would have taken place throughout this period.
๐ Is California safe for tourists?
Yes, California is generally very safe for tourists. Like any large city, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and take standard precautions like securing valuables.
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๐ฌ Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?
"Inside Out 2" is a testament to the immense creativity and technical wizardry that defines modern animation. While Riley's mind is a world of pure imagination, it's comforting to know that its existence was forged in the real, tangible, and incredibly impressive studios of California.
Exploring these "filming" locations offers a unique insight into the intricate processes behind your favorite movies. It's a chance to walk on the hallowed grounds where cinematic dreams are not just imagined, but meticulously brought to vibrant life.
So, whether you're planning a trip to the Golden State or simply want a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind "Inside Out 2," we hope this guide sparks your curiosity. Go ahead, rewatch the film, and now, imagine the hidden studios where every emotion first took physical form!
Year Released
2024
Director
Kelsey Mann
Filming Locations
5 locations
Behind the Scenes
Inside Out 2 captivated audiences with its vibrant world and relatable emotional journey. Director Kelsey Mann, along with the incredible teams at Pixar and various top-tier sound studios, meticulously crafted every frame and sound byte. The film pushed animation boundaries, exploring new emotions and the complexities of adolescence with stunning visual storytelling and technical prowess. This collaborative effort across several iconic California studios truly brought Riley's mind to life.
- Inside Out 2 introduces new emotions like Anxiety, Envy, Ennui, and Embarrassment to Riley's mind.
- The production team conducted extensive research with adolescent psychologists to accurately depict teenage emotions.
- Kelsey Mann took over as director for the sequel, having been a story supervisor on the original film.
- The 'headquarters' console was redesigned to be more complex and overwhelming due to Riley's new emotions.
- Around 200 crew members at Pixar Animation Studios worked on the film's core animation and story.
- Several scoring stages were utilized to record the film's intricate orchestral score, adding emotional depth.
- The idea for new emotions emerged from the filmmakers' observations of their own children growing up.
- Animators faced the challenge of making abstract emotions feel tangible and visually distinct.
- The 'Stream of Consciousness' area was a new and challenging environment to design and animate.
- Voice actors recorded their lines in various California studios, bringing their characters to life.
- The sound design team at Skywalker Sound created unique audio signatures for each new emotion.
- Initial concepts for the film explored even more new emotions before settling on the final core group.
Location Gallery

Pixar Animation Studios

Newman Scoring Stage, 20th Century Studios Lot

Sony Pictures Scoring Stage, Sony Pictures Studios
Marc Antonyโs A-LIST Studios

Skywalker Sound
Travel Tips
Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.
Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.
Guided tours are available that cover Pixar Animation Studios, Newman Scoring Stage, 20th Century Studios Lot, Sony Pictures Scoring Stage, Sony Pictures Studios in one day.
Filming Locations
Discover all 5 locations where ๐ฌ Where Was Inside Out 2 Filmed? Complete California Animation Location Guide was filmed
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Filming Locations
Pixar Animation Studios
The primary hub where Inside Out 2's groundbreaking animation was meticulously crafted.
Newman Scoring Stage, 20th Century Studios Lot
An iconic stage where the film's poignant and vibrant musical score was brought to life.
Sony Pictures Scoring Stage, Sony Pictures Studios
Another renowned soundstage contributing to the rich auditory landscape of Inside Out 2.
Marc Antonyโs A-LIST Studios
A key facility in Burbank, Hollywood, involved in various aspects of the film's production.
Skywalker Sound
The legendary home of sound post-production, shaping the emotional soundscape of the film.
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