Ka-Chow! Cars 3 Press Conference

Ka-Chow!

The Cars 3 press conference, held in Anaheim California on June 10 2017 was a green-light-means-go-good-time! Unlike most Hollywood film press conferences which are typically held in Los Angeles, the press conference for Cars 3 was held at the Anaheim Convention Center. It was a breath of fresh air to hop, skip and jump to work instead of drive in 2 hours worth of traffic. In true Disney Pixar style, all the red-light stops were pulled to create not just a press conference, but a press conference experience. 

Surrounded by what seemed like miles of red carpet and curtains sat full-sized models of Lightening McQueen, Jackson Storm and Cruz Ramirez. In front of the full-sized car models were directors chairs. Perhaps it was being in the right place at the right time or perhaps the Cars gods were smiling down at me, but I somehow scored a front row seat to one of the best press conferences I’ve ever been to. 

I had front row seats to the hilarity that ensued when the likes of Owen Wilson (voice of “Lightning McQueen”), Kerry Washington (voice of “Natalie Certain”), Cristela Alonzo (voice of “Cruz Ramirez”), Armie Hammer (voice of “Jackson Storm”), Nathan Fillion (voice of “Sterling”), Larry the Cable Guy (voice of “Mater”), Lea DeLaria (voice of “Miss Fritter”), Isiah Whitlock Jr. (voice of “River Scott”) and Director Brian Fee, Producer Kevin Reher got together and sat before me. There was a rich sense of community and friendship amongst that talent that was palpable.

The official Cars 3 synopsis: “Blindsided by a new generation of blazing-fast racers, the legendary Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) is suddenly pushed out of the sport he loves. To get back in the game, he will need the help of an eager young race technician, Cruz Ramirez (voice of Cristela Alonzo), with her own plan to win, plus inspiration from the late Fabulous Hudson Hornet and a few unexpected turns. Proving that #95 isn’t through yet will test the heart of a champion on Piston Cup Racing’s biggest stage!”

Directed by Brian Fee (storyboard artist “Cars,” “Cars 2“) and produced by Kevin Reher (“A Bug’s Life,” “La Luna”
short), “Cars 3” cruises into theaters on June 16, 2017.

Cristela Alonzo was a phenomenal talent to watch in person, she appears to be so warm and genuine. She spoke at length during the press conference of how her own personal life closely reflected the life of her character in Cars 3, Cruz Ramirez. Cristela Alonzo comes from a small town where “making it” isn’t the norm. She hopes this film will help inspire everyone to reach for their dreams. 

During the press conference Larry the Cable Guy joked that without Mater there would be no “Cars” and you know what? I’d have to agree. 

Cars 3 will be in theaters nationwide Friday June 16th 2017.