I spent half the afternoon in and around the Hat Building, where I fell into conversatin with a Disney veteran.
"What we need around here is our own John Lasseter type. John Lasseter is down here once in a while, but he's mostly at Pixar. Here he just visits. We need a full-time guy who's the creative leader.
"We're riding on Tangled's success rignt now, but we have to keep it going. Get more stuff in development. Get people to step up and take charge. Management says we don't need an official green light to do that, that people can go ahead and do that. ..."
Me, I'm always a wee bit skeptical of pronouncements from management: "Oh sure! Just develop stuff on your own! See what sticks to the wall! Don't need any official ok from us guys!"
The problem with that is, it's like the new exec who tells you to come to his office if there's any problems, any problems at all. "My door is always open."
So you take him up on the offer, and three weeks later you're laid off ...
Elsewhere in the building, I came across a story artist who liked the art direction, animation and look of Tangled well enough, but didn't care for the story. He thought (among other things) that the girl, after being locked up for eighteen years, should have been more frightened out in the wide world.
I argued (politely) with him.
Posts
23 comments:
What we really need is all of our animators, modelers, lighters, and other artists back from Dreamworks so we can develop stuff.
^
because they were developing so much before they left?
I strongly believe you DON'T need a replacement for John Lasseter and you take a lot more ownership of your film without him around. He comes in occasionally and at the right time to guide films.
If the Captain is not at the helm, the ship is going to run aground. Sure, let the crew run things. We'll see how long that works.
Seriously, somebody needs to run Disney Animation. If John doesn't have the time - then get somebody who does.
Not trying to do your job for you, Bob. I'm just sayin'...
How often did Walt pop in to look at films?
Seriously, somebody needs to run Disney Animation. If John doesn't have the time - then get somebody who does.
Agreed. I know we had a great amount of above average Disney films under John's regime, but like you said if he doesn't have the time then get someone else. Any suggestions?
My problem with WDAS right now is that they're barely working or developing enough projects. I mean look at what's been officially greenlit, Reboot Ralph and Ron & John's new project. (I heard about other projects, but don't know whether to classify as fact or fiction.) I bet they're many smart animators over there with great ideas for new projects.
They should take some chances if they allowed to do what they want. JL did it, even though it didn't work out initially, it was the best thing to happen for him.
Will JL be back more often once Cars 2 is done? Wasn't he called back to Emeryville to fix that project because it supposedly had problems?
Walt Disney wasn't always around, but darn it, it sure felt like he was. His notes were quite specific, so when he returned, you had better be ready.
Honestly, it was as though he was looking over your shoulder as you worked. Walt was always in charge whether in the studio or not.
Now that he's finishing up work on Cars 2 he should be spending more time there. He had to do a patch up job on that film and has spent much less time there than he did a year or so ago. Hopefully this'll change and have his hands in the process a little more for Reboot Ralph, Mort and King of the Elves.
Hopefully this'll change and have his hands in the process a little more for Reboot Ralph, Mort and King of the Elves.
So Mort is real? Well, it sounded to good to be true. I love the story and hope WDAS can do justice to the Discworld series. (Yes, I know it's only based on the one book) And I hope they don't make Death a villain. (Knowing Ron & John he might as well be)
Walt Disney wasn't always around, but darn it, it sure felt like he was. His notes were quite specific, so when he returned, you had better be ready.
Yes! This is the type of person the studio needs. No doubt that Lasseter has already done some of this, but the studio needs someone who can be there full time.
Someone who wants to tell stories and not be entirely caught up in the politics (Oscars) or business (Straight-to-Video Sequels)of the animation industry. But can still make a film that will be a hit.
Ah, one can dream...
If I was there I would take the reins and let the creativity flow. This might be a good chance to develop a lot of story ideas and see where it takes them. I know there is a lot of areas disney animation hasn't covered yet so this is a good chance to start exploring those ideas. Anyway good luck to those working there.
I totally agree, but that will be a management decision. Right now I'm not convinced Disney even cares about creativity and innovation - they care about their stock price.
Bottom line, a new culture rules at Disney, and it sure the hell ain't a creative one.
What I don't understand is why will Lasseter not just hire one of Pixar's better directors to be head of the studio?
There are some creative people out there in the industry who can probably handle the studio just as well. And yes someone who is not obsessed with getting awards or critical acclaim. It's one thing to make a good film, having an over-inflated ego is another.
Bottom line, a new culture rules at Disney, and it sure the hell ain't a creative one.
Actually thats not true Floyd. Right now Disney is in the best place (creatively) its been in years, other than being under-staffed.
But how would you know that? You arent there everyday like I am.
**Floyd Norman said:
If the Captain is not at the helm, the ship is going to run aground. Sure, let the crew run things. We'll see how long that works.
Seriously, somebody needs to run Disney Animation.
**
Given the Captain Floyd once sailed under, he knows whereof he speaks. ;)
[b]Actually thats not true Floyd. Right now Disney is in the best place (creatively) its been in years, other than being under-staffed.[/b]
I believe Floyd was referring to the Walt Disney Company as a whole, and not to the artists at WDAS.
The original comment that started the debate was regarding the role of John Lasseter (and I have to assume, by extension, Ed Catmull)
While not everyone would agree, I think John and Ed successfully led Disney with Tangled, and a full head of steam is building with the next upcoming projects.
Now, regarding the Walt Disney Company as a whole, Im not a fan of Iger and Ross at ALL, but I dont answer to them, nor do I care what they say. I trust John and Ed to be the proper buffers and creative leadership at the studio.
Actually thats not true Floyd. Right now Disney is in the best place (creatively) its been in years, other than being under-staffed.
Sure the artists are creative, but the company not so much. It sounds like the studio is not the busy hive of creativity it once was.
I would love to work at Disney as a director and direct some "mature" Disney films. (More on terms of Hunchback) But I know I don't got what it takes. Need to work on some concept art and educate myself more about the animation industry hence my purpose for following the blog.
it's so obvious coming on here how many people (including old veterans) don't know what's going on inside the building.
Half of those are inside FAS
"it's so obvious coming on here how many people (including old veterans) don't know what's going on inside the building."
Well, it's not like Disney has been the leading animation studio in the past few years. You can't blame people here being a bit concerned that animators aren't getting enough work.
it takes time to turn a ship... crusie liner (being the size of Disney) around but, I think it's headed the right direction.
Post a Comment