Most great animators do NOT make great directors. This has been true throughout animation history. And some not-so-great animators have become terrific directors.
I think it’s good that Pixar isn’t discriminating based on department when they choose new directors as well. However, up to now all directors for feature films who have finished their film for Pixar have been animators, story artists or editors. So really, anyone could potentially be a great director and bring a unique perspective based on their skill set and life experience.
Why I didn’t think of this before, I don’t know, but Brett Coderre is another good candidate for the job; he has animating credits on many Pixar productions. I’d at least like to see him elevate to directing animator.
Brett Coderre would be an excellent director if the opportunity was available.
He’s made his intentions to join, or at the very least, collaborate with the studio known, so I’d also be interested in Terry Gilliam. He’s an auteur, and has a distictive stylistic vision. God only knows what he’d bring to the table, but to see him at the director’s chair would be intriguing, but unusual at the same time.
Pixar’s newest director has been announced, Bob Peterson. As you know, he was the co-director of Up. His film will be about dinosaurs.
I’m glad that Pete Sohn and Ronnie Del Carmen have become co-directors too, they definitely deserve it based on what I’ve seen of them.
Yes, I hope someday that Pete Sohn can direct his own feature as well.
I would be very interested to see anything be new or old directors. Except for a sequel that seems totally ridiculous.