The Pixar Touch: The Making of a Company by David A. Price

Summary

"The Pixar Touch" by David A. Price chronicles the riveting journey of Pixar Animation Studios from a struggling startup to a groundbreaking powerhouse in animated filmmaking. The book explores the creative, technical, and business challenges faced by key figures such as Ed Catmull, Steve Jobs, and John Lasseter, detailing their relentless pursuit of quality and innovation. Through behind-the-scenes stories and interviews, Price illuminates how Pixar revolutionized animation, merged art with technology, and changed Hollywood forever.

Life-Changing Lessons

1. Innovation emerges from persistence and willingness to fail; Pixar faced repeated setbacks and evolved through them.

2. Collaboration across diverse talents and disciplines can create groundbreaking results, as seen in the merging of artistry and technology at Pixar.

3. Adapting to rapidly changing technologies and market demands is essential for survival and success, demonstrated by Pixar’s shift from hardware to storytelling.

Publishing year and rating

The book was published in: 2008

AI Rating (from 0 to 100): 87

Practical Examples

1. Ed Catmull's Persistence

   Ed Catmull dreamed of making the first computer-animated feature film since his university days, but spent years working on small projects and advancing the technology at Lucasfilm before Pixar was even formed. His persistence laid the technical foundation for Pixar's future success, underscoring how visionary leadership often requires patience and resilience.

2. Steve Jobs’ Unexpected Role

   Initially, Steve Jobs invested in Pixar believing it would build innovative hardware for graphics processing. However, when hardware sales failed to take off, Jobs's willingness to pivot and invest capital kept the studio afloat during tough times and eventually led him to focus on story and content, changing the company’s trajectory.

3. John Lasseter’s Creative Leadership

   John Lasseter’s background as an animator and his storytelling ambitions shifted Pixar’s focus from technology to narrative-driven filmmaking. His direction of short films like 'Luxo Jr.' not only showcased the studio's technical abilities but also established the 'Pixar storytelling' ethos that made their movies beloved worldwide.

4. Overcoming ‘Toy Story’ Hurdles

   Production of 'Toy Story', the first fully computer-animated feature film, faced many setbacks including creative disagreements with Disney and underwhelming early drafts. Pixar’s team, through relentless iteration and improvement, turned it into a blockbuster, proving the strength of collaborative revision and tenacity.

5. Building a Unique Studio Culture

   Pixar fostered a studio culture where technical and creative staff worked side by side, breaking conventional Hollywood hierarchies. Open dialogue, frequent feedback sessions, and collective problem-solving became standard, cultivating a sense of shared purpose and encouraging innovation.

6. The Short Films’ Crucial Role

   Small projects and short films, such as 'Tin Toy' and 'Luxo Jr.', were crucial in attracting funding and validating their approach to animation. These shorts not only raised Pixar’s profile but also served as experimental platforms to refine storytelling and animation techniques that would be critical for feature success.