Although Planes (2013) is a spin-off of the Pixar Animation Studios film, Cars (2006) and its sequel Cars 2 (2011), it was not produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It was produced by the DisneyToon Studios production company, known mostly for making direct-to-video spin-offs and sequels of Walt Disney Animation Studios films. However, John Lasseter (writer and director of both Cars movies) served as an executive producer.