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We encourage our people to build their ideas from scratch, and we give them the resources - and, crucially, the candid feedback - that are required to transform the first wisps of a story into a truly compelling film.
Edwin Catmull
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Interpretation

What this quote means

Encouraging creativity and providing essential support leads to great storytelling in film.

This quote emphasizes the importance of nurturing creativity and innovation within a team. By empowering individuals to develop their ideas from the ground up, and by providing them with both the resources and honest feedback, it is possible to refine raw concepts into excellent works of art, particularly in the context of filmmaking. The collaborative atmosphere fosters growth and success, illustrating how guidance and support are vital in the creative process.

Themes

CreativityFeedbackStorytellingFilmResources

In practice

Example use cases

In a workshop on filmmaking, this quote can be used to inspire budding filmmakers.

More from Edwin Catmull

Beware of being blinded by your own success.
Edwin CatmullRead
I started off life at Pixar with interesting technical problems. But as time has moved on, I found that the social and management problem was far more complex and interesting.
Edwin CatmullRead
We need business leaders who have a respect for technical issues even if they don't have technical backgrounds. In a lot of U.S. industries, including cars and even computers, many managers don't think of technology as a core competency, and this attitude leads them to farm out technical issues.
Edwin CatmullRead
A hallmark of a healthy creative culture is that its people feel free to share ideas, opinions, and criticisms. Our decision-making is better when we draw on the collective knowledge and unvarnished opinions of the group.
Edwin CatmullRead
It is only by trying new things that we can hope to create products that are original. Don't just say those words; act like you believe them.
Edwin CatmullRead
The trick is, in everything we do, there are things we love. And sometimes the things we love get us stuck. And it's only if we let go of some of those things that we free the movie up to become greater.
Edwin CatmullRead

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