As a teen, I spent a day with friends creating a poorly made 30-second stop-motion film using several Barbies and one GI Joe. We were impressed with our amateur achievement. Now imagine spending eight years of your childhood recreating a shot-for-shot stop-motion version of a 103-minute long Pixar film.
That’s what brothers Mason and Morgan McGrew did. The brothers’ love for Toy Story 3 turned into a labor of love by recreating the film on their own. And here’s the kicker, they shot it entirely on iPhones. There was no high-end studio or expensive equipment involved in the production of this amazing film. Just two brothers, their creativity, and eight years of painstaking work.
The McGrews, from Des Moines, Iowa, are not making any money on their film titled Toy Story 3 In Real Life. Thankfully, Disney has given its blessing to allow them to share their fan-made film on YouTube. Without Disney’s approval, YouTube would have blocked it due to copyright issues.
I reached out to the McGrew brothers and asked how they feel now that their film is complete.
Morgan McGrew said, “It feels incredible to have completed the journey of creating a tribute to our favorite film and studio. We’re excited to move on to original works and apply the skills we garnered!”
I watched the film last night and will be watching again with my family tonight for Friday Movie Night. I showed a clip to my wife and my seven-year-old daughter this morning and they were mesmerized, like the first time someone watches a Pixar film. The McGrews’ film captures the whimsy and the warmth of the original film, while also reminding us of the magic of our own childhood creations.
The sets and backgrounds for the fan film are brilliant considering what the McGrew brothers had to work with. Combined with the original dialogue and soundtrack for Toy Story 3 (with Disney’s blessing, of course), you’ll get drawn in immediately to the story. Also, the scenes involving real life people and toys together are so much fun to watch.
The emotional depth of the original film is still there. In particular, the trash incinerator sequence is just as powerful and heart-wrenching as the Pixar film.
You can watch the film below or head over to YouTube to watch Toy Story 3 In Real Life there. If you want to learn about the McGrew brothers and their love letter to Toy Story 3, check out their Facebook page Toy Story 3 In Real Life Project.
