Instead of tech-talk, SIGGRAPH veteran, Ed Catmull is back at the convention he calls his “home community” to talk about managing Pixar’s creative environment.
He spoke at the convention about the early days and how he’s tried and failed and learned from his mistakes to build such an outstanding company (Pixar) to what it is today. Catmull says Pixar’s success comes from change, and how they always do something new.
One thing the technical guru and WDAS/Pixar president says will not change anytime soon, is the fact that Pixar is an animation studio, and they plan to focus on that. As you may know, Pixar directors Brad Bird and Andrew Stanton are venturing into the live-action medium and involving Pixar in some way. Just like in WALL-E, Catmull shares that Pixar won’t do the special effects or live-action on these films: “…we don’t want to turn Pixar into a live action studio. In fact, the intent is that the special effects will not be done at Pixar.” Instead, Pixar plans to support the directors vision in any way possible.
In which way will this be? We’ll find out in time. Read this article from AWN for more information on Ed’s keynote speech.
Article written by martini883. Thanks martini883.
Last modified: August 12, 2008
That third paragraph makes me happy!
I admit, I was slightly worried that Pixar would start doing more and more live-action, even though it’s called Pixar ANIMATION Studios.
The amount of live-action in WALL-E should be the most they ever put in a movie.
Wow. . . but that’s great! (So glad to hear it. Wasn’t so sure for a while.)
I also have to wonder at what he means by ‘support’. I guess we’ll be finding that out as they progress. . . . But I’m so glad that Pixar is sticking to animated film only.
Nice article, martini!
– Euphreana
I don’t understand why people are ‘worried’. It is in a business’s interest to grow and change and develop new things. If you don’t you will not grow and get stuck.
As long as they continue to develop great cgi animated films and be the leader in doing that, then they can and should also do anything they want.
“Only” keeps one living in a box.
There is a big world to explore.
“One thing the technical guru and WDAS/Pixar president says will not change anytime soon, is the fact that Pixar is an animation studio, and they plan to focus on that.”
… and to that I say, “Thank goodness.”
To the Anonymous at 4:55 PM:
It’s definitely in a business’ interest to grow and develop new things, and that’s what Pixar has been doing.
If Pixar went into the live-action business however, I’d consider it a giant step back. Not because live-action movies are worse than animated ones, but because animation is what Pixar is a master at.
It takes a lot of hard work and determination (sorry for the cliché) to learn how to animate, and it’s good to know that while poorly animated films like Space Chimps are being pumped out into theaters, there’s alway Pixar to fall back on.
Pixar should grow and develop new things (like they always have), but should still staying in the realm of animation in my opinion.
YES!
THANK YOU PIXAR. How could I ever doubt you? I’m sorry! (hugs Luxo Jr)