Concept art for Dream Productions showcases a vibrant soundstage, complete with a whimsical set of colorful mountains, a meadow, and candy. In the foreground, a pink train sits next to a white house with purple roofs. The rest of the room is bathed in soft light blue and purple hues, enhancing the dreamlike atmosphere.

Directing Dreams: Filmmakers Jaclyn Simon, Valerie LaPoint, and Austin Madison Talk Creating Dream Productions

By Cecilia Sarantopoulos

Prepare to journey deeper into the subconscious of Riley (voiced by Kensington Tallman) as Disney and Pixar unveil Dream Productions, a four-episode series available now on Disney+. Set between Inside Out and Inside Out 2, Dream Productions explores the intricate workings of the fantastical studio where Riley’s night dreams are crafted, daydreams take shape, and the occasional nightmare sneaks in.

The series brings back fan-favorite, primary Emotions—Joy (voiced by Amy Poehler), Sadness (voiced by Phyllis Smith), Anger (voiced by Lewis Black), Disgust (voiced by Liza Lapira), and Fear (voiced by Tony Hale)—while introducing a dynamic roster of newcomers. Leading the charge is Paula Persimmon (voiced by Paula Pell), an overworked but spirited director at Dream Productions, with her dedicated assistant Janelle (voiced by Ally Maki), who’s as talented as she is underappreciated. Joining them are Xeni (voiced by Richard Ayoade), an eccentric indie filmmaker specializing in Daydreams, and Jean (voiced by Maya Rudolph), the formidable head of production who exudes authority with every word.

Although Dream Productions made its first appearance in Inside Out, it quickly piqued the filmmakers’ interest as the foundation for a standalone project. “We’re fascinated by the universality of dreams—the way everyone experiences them, how strange and surreal they can be. Yet we’re often left wondering, ‘Where do they come from? Who creates them, and who guides us through them in our waking lives?’” producer Jaclyn Simon says. To bring the concept to life, the filmmakers conducted extensive research, consulting dream experts and exploring the science behind sleep and dreams.

In an image from Dream Productions, Paula (voiced by Paula Pell), a purple, anthropomorphic, jellybean-like director, wears a purple wig, orange glasses, and an orange necktie as she smiles at the camera from her director’s chair. To her left is Xeni (voiced by Richard Ayoade), a turquoise, anthropomorphic, jellybean-like director with blue hair, brown glasses, and an orange striped turtleneck sweater. He also sits on a director’s chair. The background features a buffet of food inside a bustling soundstage.

One of the most distinctive features of the series is its mockumentary format, which places handheld cinematography, fourth wall-breaking moments, and candid testimonials at the forefront—an approach never before seen in Pixar’s extensive animation portfolio. “I find it particularly funny doing it with characters we’re already familiar with because we’ve never seen them talk directly to the camera before—there’s something really exciting about that,” director Valerie LaPoint says. This style infuses the show with a laid-back, relatable tone, making it easy to envision Dream Productions as a tangible, bustling studio, perhaps located in the heart of Emeryville or Burbank.

The tight deadlines, high stakes, and chaotic writers’ room all add to the humor, making the show’s portrayal of the entertainment workspace feel all the more authentic. “One of the funny moments in the show is Paula bringing her dog, Melatonin ‘Mel,’ to work—playing on how certain directors, spoiled by their success, annoyingly bring their dogs to a set that’s already hectic enough,” director Austin Madison observes.

Dream Productions captures the unpredictable, often comical nature of working in a creative space—while keeping Riley’s well-being at the heart of every challenge. “Everything has to be about Riley, and trying to help her,” adds LaPoint. The blend of humor and heart creates a world that feels both whimsical and meaningful without ever losing sight of its central purpose.

Watch Dream Productions on Disney+ beginning December 11.