Today, we continue our series of insider looks at Disney-Pixar’s INSIDE OUT with some insights from Amy Poehler who plays Joy in the film! We’ll be exploring the film with a new article each day leading up to its theatrical release.

Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing our inside look with several key people involved in the film including director Pete Docter and producer Jonas Rivera as well as the film’s other key voice actors: Bill Hader, Phyllis Smith, Mindy Kaling, and Lewis Black.

INSIDE OUT opens minds in theatres June 19, 2015.

Amy Poehler – “Joy”

Not surprisingly, JOY the lead emotion for the film was the hardest one to cast. Filmmakers struggled not only on WHO to cast but on HOW to write the character. She needed to exude happiness ALMOST to the point of annoyance but still maintain a likable vibe. After a lot of strife, they found the solution in Amy Poehler. And she just gobbles up the role.

When you watch the film and you see Joy on screen, it’s almost hard to tell that it’s even Amy Poehler. She transforms her voice completely, becoming the squeaky clean always-positive leading inner-voice for Riley’s headquarters. She had a blast giving life to the character and knew instantly after seeing early test footage that it was going to be a special project.

The islands of personality are a key element inside the film, they are the unique foundations from which a full personality is built. Amy mused that the islands in her head would be Thousand Island, Skull Island, Kitchen Island and Fantasy Island.

THE END!

But wait, there’s more!

Check out our other insider looks at INSIDE OUT below.

• Pete Docter and Jonas Rivera