John Lasseter. If you don't know that name you haven't been paying attention for a long time. According to his Wiki he's played a major role in Disney films since as far back as Lady & the Tramp . That was a new one for me even. I've known Lasseter as the "father" of Pixar. If not, definitely the "daddy". He's been there to steer Pixar to greatness the whole way. November last year he stepped away on sabbatical for "missteps" with employees. It was announced this year that he will be finishing out the year, but only as a creative consultant. This leaves some really big shoes to fill. It's been years since Disney has seen uncertainty like this. Yesterday, the first steps were announced with Lasetter's former Chief Creative Officer (CCO) position being split in two. Jennifer Lee will be assuming CCO of Walt Disney Animation, while Pete Docter will be assuming the role at Pixar Animation Studios. Lee is best known for co-writing Wreck-it Ralph & writing/co-directing Frozen . Meanwhile, Docter was one of Pixar's first employees, & among many things responsible for writing/directing Up!, Inside Out, & Monster's INC. . Obviously there's a lot of talent between these two, but still only time will tell. They have some major weight to pull. These seem to be the driving forces behind a lot of the current hits. If they can keep up that pace we're in good hands. All in all, Disney's had its share of changes, so I'm sure that will not be as noticeable as Pixar's. Pixar has had the same head for awhile. I'm curious to see if there's not a major change in feel. This is exciting! An adventure into the unknown for Disney & Pixar animation. Can't wait to see what's next. What's your thoughts on the change? Are we in good hands? Put it in the comments, like, & share.
Not John Lasseter?!?
I had a bad feeling this recent Hollywood madness going on would hit Disney. I just never thought it would be like this. If you don't know here's the rundown. John Lasseter, co-founder of Pixar very important Disney entity, has taken "a six-month sabbatical" after "missteps" resulted in some staffers feeling "disrespected or uncomfortable". This was in an email that also included, "I especially want to apologize to anyone who ever has been on the receiving end of an unwanted hug or any other gesture they felt crossed the line in any way shape or form." Following this THR reported that "grabbing, kissing, making comments about attributes" were behaviors that were reoccurring with Lasseter. Also in the same report, THR stated Rashida Jones had left after "an unwanted advance" from Lasseter. However, in a statement to the New York Times Jones has stated her & writing partner McCormack didn't leave for unwanted advances, but instead for "creative and, more importantly, philosophical differences." The statement went on to mention Pixar is "a culture where women & people of color do not have an equal voice." So, now you're caught up, & I really don't know what to make of this. I mean, reports that nullify other reports. Lasseter seems to be reacting out of what feels like the fear his motives might have been misconstrued. I hope this don't turn into a witch hunt. I've got a lot of mixed feelings about this. Abuse of authority is horrible, but so is damning someone over something said over proved. Then you have to take into consideration how would one even prove something like this? Making it almost impossible to really get ahold of it. All & all, it's just a sad, sad situation. In which I'm not sure I even want to see where this goes. I hope this only goes as far as being hugs & mis-readings. I would hate for this to be malicious, as some of these cases brought to recent light have been. I can't wait until all of this gets weeded out. I hope none of this effects the studios to much. I can't help but think that'd be near impossible though. Anyway, I would love some of y'all's opinions on this to bounce off. Put 'em in the comments, like, & share.
