INSIDE OUT 2 Director Kelsey Mann Explains He Consulted an Advisory Group of Teen Girls When Making the Film

The animated Pixar film Inside Out 2 has become this year’s biggest hit at the box office. Fans and critics alike have glowing reviews of the film, and one consistent piece of feedback is that the movie is so relatable to teens and the parents who are raising them. Even us adults were taken back to our teen years, and even our current anxieties and emotions.

As it turns out, one reason why the film feels so authentic is because of the advisory group the film’s director was able to consult with while making the movie. During a recent interview with CinemaBlend, director Kelsey Mann explained:

“They're really an advisory group. I had that idea pretty early on because I want to make sure the story that we're telling is authentic and real. It's been a while since I've been 13, and I was never a 13 year old girl.

So I pitch to them, ‘Can I have an advisory group of teenage girls?’ And they're like, ‘Sure.’ I thought I had to sell them on it, but they're like, ‘How many do you want?’ I was like, ‘Oh, nine?’”

This is how “Riley’s Crew” came to be, and it was clearly a major payoff for the sequel. Mann went on to explain that they also wanted diversity amongst the group of nine, so they came from all over the country.

This was such a smart way to go to hear the real life experiences of current teenagers. If you haven’t seen the film yet, do yourself a favor, and check it out.

Inside Out 2 is currently playing in theatres everywhere.