Worklife with Adam Grant How Pixar’s Ed Catmull and Pete Docter make magic on and off screen
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Jul 25, 2023 
Join Ed Catmull, co-founder of Pixar and Disney Animation, alongside Pete Docter, the creative genius behind iconic films, as they delve into the secrets of Pixar's success. They discuss the pivotal role of team culture in fostering creativity and collaboration. Learn about the importance of storytelling, embracing failure as a learning opportunity, and the creative processes that shaped beloved characters. Their insights on mentorship and evolving vision highlight how adaptability fuels genius in the ever-changing animation landscape.
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Ed Catmull's 50-Year Journey
- Ed Catmull's journey with Pixar began over 50 years ago, starting with a valuable lesson from his computer science teacher, Alan Kay.
- Kay emphasized that things change more dramatically than anticipated, a principle Catmull carried throughout his career.
Creativity as Problem-Solving
- Creative problem-solving is an iterative process, not a stroke of genius.
- Ideas evolve step by step, much like the story of Dumbo, where the concept developed gradually from a flying elephant to a circus setting.
Directing: A Dark Tunnel
- Directing is like entering a dark tunnel, with initial clarity giving way to uncertainty as the project progresses.
- Holding onto a core vision is crucial but also requires letting go to re-evaluate and ensure it remains the guiding principle.
