“If I start on a film and right away know the structure—where it’s going, the plot—I don’t trust it. I feel like the only reason we’re able to find some of these unique ideas, characters, and story twists is through discovery. And, by definition, ‘discovery’ means you don’t know the answer when you start. This could just be my Lutheran, Scandinavian upbringing, but I believe life should not be easy. We’re meant to push ourselves and try new things—which will definitely make us feel uncomfortable. Living through a few big catastrophes helps. After people survived A Bug’s Life and Toy Story 2 (both of which were near disasters, until they weren’t), they realized the pressure led to some pretty cool ideas.”
Peter “Pete” Docter, Director, Animator, Screenwriter, Producer, Voice Over and Minnesotan
Heather Choate Davis 