Worklife with Adam Grant

How Pixar’s Ed Catmull and Pete Docter make magic on and off screen

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.

39:21

Creator website

Episode guests

Pete Docter

Ed Catmull

Highlights

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Building a Dream Team: Culture vs. Talent

00:50

The Balance of Holding On and Letting Go

01:32

Steve Jobs' Involvement in Film Feedback and Decision-Making Process

01:24

Intro

2min

The Evolution of Creativity and Learning from Mistakes

2min

Navigating the Creative Process

25min

Navigating Creative Discourse and Reframing Failure

2min

The Psychology of Creativity and Recognition in Animation

2min

Building Stronger Teams Through Culture

8min

As they dreamed up iconic characters like Buzz and Woody, Pixar reinvented how animated movies are made. But first, they had to build a culture to make this magic possible. Pixar's co-founder and longtime president Ed Catmull and Oscar-winning Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter talk with Adam about how to spark and sustain creative collaboration. They also reveal the secret to great storytelling, discuss how to maintain and evolve a vision, and reflect on the lessons learned from working closely with the ever-enigmatic Steve Jobs. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.