A film crew from Pixar Animation Studios spent time on Route 66 in Kansas and Oklahoma this weekend to shoot a documentary as a special feature for the eventual “Cars 2” DVD and Blu-Ray disc.
The purpose of the short film is to explain the impact the original “Cars” film made on businesses along the Mother Road.
On Sunday, the crew spent time shooting footage at 4 Women on the Route in Galena, Kan., and interviewing one of its proprietors, Melba Rigg.
4 Women on the Route, which is housed in a restored 1940s-era gas station, opened shortly after the release of “Cars” in 2006.
The business also was fortunate in that it tracked down the original 1951 International boom truck that inspired Pixar animator Joe Ranft to create the film’s memorable Mater character. Ranft encountered the truck during Pixar’s first research trip on Route 66 in 2001.
The truck was rechristened Tow Tater, and it a remains a key attraction at the business.
Here’s a preview story Sunday morning from the Pittsburg Morning Sun, based in nearby Pittsburg, Kan.
On Saturday evening, we encountered Dawn Welch, owner of the Rock Cafe in Stroud, Okla., and the film crew as it was about to wrap its day. Welch served as a key inspiration for Sally Carrera in the original “Cars.”
Saturday in particular was a good day for the film crew to capture light from a beautiful sunset.
During the weekend, Pixar also interviewed “Route 66: The Mother Road” author Michael Wallis, who portrayed the Sheriff of Radiator Springs in the original “Cars” and was the film’s Route 66 technical adviser.
“Cars 2” will debut in theaters on June 24. The DVD and Blu-Ray release of “Cars 2” will likely arrive before Christmas.
UPDATE 4/4/2011: The Joplin Globe posted a story about Pixar’s visit to 4 Women on the Route.
Great to see Tow Tater a year ago when I visited 4 Women on the Route, which is a cool place to see.
Thanks Ron it was the longest interview Ive done in a long time …what Ron didnt tell you is he stood gaurd at the door to make sure no one came in druing the whole hr “thanks Ron …my knight in shinning armour” come and see us the station is open now