Pixar and Disney get animated

Monsters Inc broke records worldwide

Pixar animation, makers of Monsters Inc, have unveiled three new computer animated films it is making for the Walt Disney Corporation.

The announcement continues the relationship between the two firms which began in 1995 with Toy Story, and has since included a Toy Story sequel, A Bug' s Life and most recently Monsters Inc.

Toy Story was Pixar's first feature film

Together the films have made more than $1.7bn (£1.1bn) worldwide.

The first new movie to come from the companies will be Finding Nemo, an underwater story set to be released next year.

It is being written and directed by Andrew Stanton, who was co-writer and co-director on A Bug's Life.

Succcess

In 2004, the firms will release The Incredibles, described as an action-adventure comedy centring on a family of superheroes who live in a quiet suburb.

Finally, in 2005 Pixar's co-founder John Lasseter will direct Cars, focussing on several motor vehicles who take a trip on the famous Route 66.

Both companies will be hoping to continue the success currently enjoyed by Monster's Inc, which has become the second most successful animated movie of all time, behind The Lion King.

The film has earned more than $500m (£345m) wordwide, setting box office records in Japan, the UK and Spain.

"It has been an extraordinary success all over the world and we are extremely proud it has become the second most popular animated film of all time," said Dick Cook, chairman of Walt Disney Studios.

Pixar was founded in 1986 when Steve Jobs, one of the creators of Apple Computers, bought the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm, founded by Star Wars director George Lucas, for $10m.

In its first years the company focussed on short films and commercials before signing a deal with Walt Disney in 1991.