'Up' Director and Producer say Disney Hasn't Stifled Creativity at Pixar

Pete Doctor and Jonas Rivera said that Disney's acquire of Pixar has not stifled the creativity at the animation studio, even though it was something they feared in the beginning.

"Yeah, there was a day or two when it was pretty nerve-racking and we were all kind of waiting to see what happened," he says. "But then it was fine.

"In fact, if you want to extend the Star Wars scenario, they ended up giving Princess Leia Darth Vader's job," referring to Pixar's John Lasseter being named head of Disney animation.

At this, Up producer Jonas Rivera leans forward.

"It's funny, but if anything the atmosphere is a little more free," Rivera says. "I mean, I can't imagine going anywhere else and trying to make Up."

It isn't surprising. When Disney had the foresight to appoint Lasseter to head all the animation effort at Disney, one kinda expect that he would let Pixar do what it has been doing so well. Even Disney in-house animation branch is getting a good dose of self-confidence and creativity.

Now, if only someone could rescue their live-action production....

Zz.