Peter Docter on Pixar: “I Don’t Think of Pixar as Making Children’s Programming”
As he prepares for the release of Pixar’s Elemental on June 16th, chief create officer Pete Docter has taken some time to look back on the companies success.
One of the things that he points out to anyone who will listen is that Pixar isn’t just for kids. It is the unique blend of entertainment that appeals to both kids and adults that has led to the studio’s success.
Source: Pixar.fandom.com
“I don’t think of Pixar as making children’s programming,” he says.
“I do know kids and adults respond to different elements in our films. But,I remember watching Up with a family audience, and after the screening a kid tells me he really liked it but there was one part that made him sad. Assuming he was talking about the part where Carl’s wife, Ellie, dies, I was surprised when he said, “Yeah, when the bird hurt [her] foot, that was really sad.”
Early Influences
With that being said, early Docter favorites such as Sesame Street and The Muppets have continued to influence what Pixar head does. Growing up, Docter would dangle a tape recorder over the TV so he could listen to The Muppets again during the week.
“You can definitely see the influence of the Muppets in many of Pixar’s early films: They’re largely chaotic ensemble movies with broad comedic characters, but with a sense that deep down, everyone likes each other. ”
Pixar’s Best Film?
According to Docter, the film that he continues to receive the most feedback on is 2015’s Inside Out. The film about a young girl and the emotions inside her head, received rave reviews from critics and audiences alike.
Credit: Disney
“Inside Out continues to be one I hear about, from both kids and adults who say the film changed their lives. That’s always nice to hear. Though there’s a quote I like from a comedian who said something like, “If any of my monologues have ever inspired or made you think … I’ve failed you.” It’s a good reminder that our first job is to entertain people. If we don’t do that, there’s nothing else they’ll take from our stuff.”
Photo: Artella
Docter hopes that Pixar will continue its legacy of entertaining and inspiring when Elemental hits theaters on June 16.
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