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on "Director Driven Projects"
Dec. 8th, 2010 04:05 pmMR. FUN: (Floyd Norman, Disney animator and story man in the 60s, story consultant in the 80s, Pixar story consultant in the 90s - named a Disney Legend)
At least, unlike other studios, John's still willing to put in the money to get the project to completion even after a major rewrite and new director assignments. AND just like Walt's influence in the golden age (most of the time), it works (again, unlike other studios - how many writers and directors to make Superman and it still sucked big-time...).
There’s been a fair amount of chatter on the web about “director driven” projects at major animation studios. I still find the notion of director driven films, with a few exceptions, a major cartoon fantasy.This in reaction to all the stories about about John Lassester's veto-level control at both studios, having relieved Chris Saunders (Bolt formerly An American Dog), Glen Keane (Tangled, formerly Rapunzel), Jan Pinkava (Ratatoille), and most recently Brenda Chapman (Brave, formerly The Bear and the Bow) from their director's chairs since taking charge of all WDAS and Pixar projects. John really is Walt's Heir Apparent in a LOT of ways.
I first learned my lesson back in the sixties when as a young, green story artist I had to show a storyboard to my director, Woolie Reitherman. After staring at my board for a long while, he finally turned to me and said, “show the board to Walt.” At that point it was pretty clear who was really directing the movie.
Of course, there are a few director driven studios. Lucasfilm is a good example - as long as George Lucas is directing. Steven Spielberg is another name that comes to mind. In any case, these guys are the exception, not the rule.
A feature length motion picture represents the investment of a considerable sum of money. Naturally, the bank or the studio will continually be looking over the director’s shoulder. It’s not pleasant - but it’s to be expected. What’s truly silly is when executives at major motion picture studios speak as though it was otherwise.
At least, unlike other studios, John's still willing to put in the money to get the project to completion even after a major rewrite and new director assignments. AND just like Walt's influence in the golden age (most of the time), it works (again, unlike other studios - how many writers and directors to make Superman and it still sucked big-time...).
