Monsters, Inc. Mike Wazowski Reference Maquette Signed by Billy Crystal (Pixar, 2001). “There’s more to life than scaring.” Mike Wazowski is one of the two protagonists in the 2001 Pixar film Monsters, Inc. as well as starring in its prequel, Monsters University. The round green monster is a fan favorite Pixar character, with his wit and hilarious realism in the face of Sulley’s ambition making him a truly memorable part of the Pixar lineup. Monsters, Inc. is also a historic film, winning two Annie Awards and being nominated for the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film was a technological innovation, with new methods of simulating fur and cloth being invented by the Pixar team specially for the film. This incredible reference maquette was created during the production of the film. The original sculpture was created by either Norm DeCarlo or Jerome Ranft, who hand-sculpted the maquettes for the film, which were then digitally scanned by Gentle Giant Studios. As the film was 3D animated, the maquette served a slightly different purpose than it would in a traditional 2D feature. In Pixar’s pipeline, clay maquettes are often sculpted and cast before a character’s 3D model has even been created, to serve as reference when 3D artists are computer modeling. This maquette of a waving, cheerful Mike Wazowski is cast in gray-painted urethane resin with a printed iris and pupil, and it was actually used in the production of the film. Pixar maquettes are unbelievably rare, partially because of the different requirements that 3D films have in their development process, which means that less maquettes are needed in development. Making this spectacular piece even more special is the fact that it has been signed and dated on its base by Billy Crystal, the voice of Mike Wazowski! The piece was originally sold at a Pixar charity event. The maquette measures about 7.75″ tall, with a base width of 6″. It is in Very Good condition, with minor handling and edge wear, as well as some minor dust and debris.
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