The Psychology Podcast Ed Catmull || The Soul of Pixar
May 6, 2021
In this engaging conversation, Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar and former president of Disney Animation, shares insights from his illustrious career. He discusses the unique blend of art and technology that sparked the evolution of computer graphics. Ed recounts his collaborations with legends like Steve Jobs and emphasizes the importance of a sustainable creative culture. He delves into the allure of animation, the challenges of leading through change, and the need for diversity in storytelling, all while navigating the complexities of creativity.
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Childhood Inspiration and Imagination
- As a child, Ed Catmull was deeply inspired by Disney movies, particularly Pinocchio and Peter Pan.
- Later, he realized his vivid memories of these films included imagined scenes, highlighting the power of imagination.
Path to Computer Graphics
- Ed Catmull's initial goal was to be a Disney animator but found traditional art too challenging, which led to his interest in the emerging field of computer graphics.
- His entry point was in grad school at the University of Utah, where he worked on creating curved surfaces with computers.
The Animated Hand
- In 1972, Ed Catmull created an animated hand, a crude but groundbreaking project for its time.
- This was featured in the film Futureworld, marking an early influence of computer animation in movies.
