Pete Docter has been named chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios, and Jennifer Lee has been named chief creative officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios. As one of the first employees of Pixar Animation Studios, Pete Docter has been an integral part of the studio for nearly three decades, “I am excited and humbled to be asked to take on this role,” said Docter.
“It is not something I take lightly; making films at Pixar has been my chronic obsession since I started here 28 years ago. I am fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented people on the planet, and together we will keep pushing animation in new directions, using the latest technology to tell stories we hope will surprise and delight audiences around the world.”
Both Docter and Lee have long been rumored to take over the role of chief creative officer within their studios since the allegations surrounding Lasseter’s “missteps” this past fall. Earlier this month after Lasseter’s extended sabbatical, the Walt Disney Company released a statement noting that Lasseter will be placed into a consulting role with the company until December 31, 2018, at which he will then formally exit.
The duo will report directly to Walt Disney Chairman, Alan Horn who shared,
“Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two of the most gifted filmmakers and storytellers I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” said Horn. “Pete, the genius creative force behind Up, Inside Out, and Monsters, Inc., has been an integral part of Pixar almost since the beginning and is a huge part of its industry-leading success. Jenn, in bringing her bold vision to the boundary-breaking Frozen, has helped infuse Disney Animation with a new and exciting perspective. Each of them embodies the unique spirit, culture, and values of these renowned animation studios, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them to lead us into the future.”
We are thrilled for Docter’s new role within the studio and couldn’t be happier for the teams at both Pixar Animation Studios and Walt Disney Animation Studios, as this new chapter promises an exciting future for animation. What are your thoughts regarding the announcement? Leave a comment below, or talk about it with other Pixar fans in the Pixar Post Forum.
Pixar Post — T.J. & Julie
