Animation is about creating the illusion of life. And you can't create it if you don't have one.
Interpretation
Animation captures life-like qualities, which can only be achieved through genuine experiences.
In this quote, Brad Bird emphasizes that the essence of animation lies in its ability to evoke real emotions and life-like qualities. He suggests that animators must draw from their own experiences and understanding of life to create engaging and believable characters and stories, as authenticity is key to the art of animation.
In practice
During a talk on animation techniques at a film school.
For me, I try as much as possible to just think about being in the movie theatre, having the lights dim, and what would I want to see on the screen. That puts me in the frame of mind that made me want to be in the movie business to begin with.
I never heard one word in Pixar about, 'Will kids get this?' I don't think it's important that they get everything. I think that it's important that they get engaged, interested.
When I look back and think how fortunate I've been to work with some wonderful people and had some marvelous experiences, then I can look at 'Star Trek' and think it's almost like the cream on the coffee. I don't approach it as anything but a magnificent plus.
I have always avoided photographing in the studio. A woman does not spend her life sitting or standing in front of a seamless white paper background. Although it makes my life more complicated, I prefer to take my camera out into the street... and places that are out of bounds for photographers have always had a special attraction for me.
This is no book. Whoever touches this touches a man.
Taste is the common sense of genius.
The thing that I love most about being on stage is making people happy...It's my job to do that, and I enjoy it.
My method of getting a play across the footlights is like a revolver shooting: every line has a bullet in it and comes with an explosion.
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