Cinematic San Francisco: Inside Out

This Friday, San Francisco hits the big screen again in the new Pixar/Disney feature, Inside Out. The story focuses on 11-year old Riley and her parents, who have just moved from Minnesota to San Francisco. Riley's emotions  ("Fear", "Sadness", "Joy", "Disgust", and "Anger") become main characters in the film as she deals with all the changes in her life.

Inside Out may be animated, but the film captures San Francisco well. While working on the film, Pixar interns brought the studio over 4,000 digital photos of the city. As a result, many of the film's scenes set in San Francisco are instantly recognizable.

Lombard Street according to Pixar  for Inside Out

Lombard Street postcard (1976) from the San Francisco History Center Postcard Collection, SFPL.

Although not named in the film, Riley's school looks a lot like James Lick Middle School.

Riley's school in Inside Out (Pixar)

James Lick Middle School - currently under construction (2015) L. Weddle

Artistic rendering of James Lick Junior High, from the 1981 James Lick Pirates yearbook. 

Courtesy of the San Francisco Public Library.

The indoor ice rink that Riley goes to does not exist in real life. However, the Walt Disney Family Museum happens to be located very near the rink's made-up location in the Presidio.

Inside Out's indoor ice rink in the Presidio (Pixar)

"Armed Forces Day Exhibits" at the Presidio May 17, 1962,
from the San Francisco Historical Photograph Collection, SFPL.

It takes a while for Riley to adjust to her new surroundings. Perhaps a trip to the library could have sped up the process. The San Francisco History Center has a couple of city guidebooks just for kids:

• The Lobster Kid's Guide to Exploring San Francisco (2001) by David Cole
• Kidding Around San Francisco: A Young Person's Guide to the City (1989) by Rosemary Zibart

Reading those guidebooks would definitely count if Riley decided to join the San Francisco Public Library's summer reading program, "Summer Stride". She could check out all the events happening on the library's second floor, including the opening of the new teen center, The Mix.

For more kids films set in San Francisco, check out these titles:

• The Love Bug (1968) and Herbie Rides Again (1974)
• Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey (1993) and Homeward Bound 2: Lost in San Francisco (1996)
• Monsters vs. Aliens (2009)
• Cats and Dogs: The Revenge of Kitty Galore (2010)

Coming Soon: Terminator: Genysis
Previous "Cinematic San Francisco" posts: San Andreas, At the Oscars, Noir City, Big Eyes