About Smash and Grab

"Smash and Grab" is a short animated film released in 2019, created by Pixar Animation Studios. The film revolves around two futuristic robots, Smash and Grab, who, as their names imply, have spent their lives smashing and grabbing valuable orbs necessary for their power supply. They perform these tasks under a strict and monotonous regime. One day, after seeing life beyond work, Smash and Grab decide to escape, leading to an exciting adventure. Their journey, filled with risks and excitement, encapsulates the value of freedom over monotonous confinement.

Making / Production

Directed by Brian Larsen and produced by David Lally, "Smash and Grab" is Pixar's second film under the experimental short film program which allows employees to create their projects using the company's resources. The film's unique aspect lies in its blending of different animation techniques. It combines both hand-drawn and computer-generated effects to express dynamic emotions of the robotic characters, despite inanimate faces.

Actors

• Smash (Robot designed for Breaking rocks): Despite being a non-speaking role, the animations imbue Smash with a strong, muscular appearance representing its power and determination.
• Grab (Robot designed for Collecting orbs): Grab's design and animation depict it as a nimble, agile, and quick-thinking character, balancing Smash's brute strength.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• "Smash and Grab" is the second film created under the SparkShorts Program of Pixar after "Purl."
• The film is noted for its lack of dialogue, relying instead on visual storytelling and character animation to convey its narrative.
• It took approximately 15 months to make "Smash and Grab" from the initial development stage to the final output.

Awards

As of now, "Smash and Grab" has not received any individual awards, yet it is considered a significant achievement of Pixar's SparkShorts program.

Quotes

• “Beep Beep Beep” - Smash and Grab express their emotions in the movie, using only robotic sounds, a unique approach from Pixar.

Music / Soundtrack

• The film's music and sound design play a crucial role in storytelling, given its lack of dialogue. It utilizes various sound effects and rhythmic musical elements to convey the characters' emotions,fear, excitement, and determination.