Contributor

Moving Up The Ladder

A Bug's Life Animation News Pixar Pixar Employees Ratatouille Toy Story Toy Story 2

The LA Times’ John Horn, writes about previous Pixar employees who have now gone on to direct animated feature films at other studios. 

Some of these people include Jimmy Hayward, an animator at Pixar who moved to Blue Sky Studios in 2002, and has just directed Horton Hears A Who! Then there is Ash Brannon, who is credited with story work on A Bug’s Life and Toy Story, and also the original director of Toy Story 2, he has since moved to Sony Pictures Animation to direct Open Season and Surf’s Up
Probably of most interest is the news of Jan Pinkava having left Pixar to direct animated features for other producers. 

Pinkava speaks highly of Pixar. "It’s a tremendous environment, a company based on everybody wanting to do great animation." But after "Ratatouille" he decided it was time to go. "I was never quite on the inside of Pixar — I was on the edge of the inner circle. But I have no complaints, really. None."

says the article. And all the other artists speak very highly of Pixar too. It’s worth the read of the entire article.

Last modified: March 12, 2008