John Lasseter

John Lasseter 2002

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Ive Lasseter

George Lucas 66ème Festival de Venise (Mostra)

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John Lasseter is an influential figure in the animation industry, known for his work as a director, producer, and writer. Lasseter's contributions have significantly shaped the modern animation landscape, making him a pivotal figure in the transition from traditional 2D animation to computer-generated 3D animation.

Early Life and Education

John Lasseter was born on January 12, 1957, in Hollywood, California. From a young age, Lasseter showed a keen interest in animation, drawing inspiration from classic Disney films. He pursued his passion for animation by attending the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), where he studied under the guidance of several Disney animators who taught there. During his time at CalArts, Lasseter produced several animated shorts, which showcased his talent and creativity.

Career

Early Career

Lasseter's professional career began at The Walt Disney Company, where he initially worked as an animator. However, his interest in the possibilities of computer animation led him to join the computer graphics division of Lucasfilm, which later became Pixar Animation Studios. At Pixar, Lasseter was instrumental in developing the capabilities of computer-generated animation.

Pixar and Disney

As one of the founding members of Pixar, Lasseter directed groundbreaking films such as Toy Story (1995), the first feature-length film made entirely with computer-generated imagery (CGI). Following the success of Toy Story, Lasseter directed several other successful films, including A Bug's Life (1998), Toy Story 2 (1999), Cars (2006), and Cars 2 (2011).

Lasseter's work at Pixar played a crucial role in the studio's acquisition by Disney in 2006. Following the acquisition, Lasseter was appointed Chief Creative Officer of both Pixar and Walt Disney Animation Studios. In this role, he oversaw the production of numerous successful films and was instrumental in revitalizing Disney Animation with hits like Frozen (2013) and Zootopia (2016).

Later Career and Legacy

Lasseter's career has not been without controversy, including allegations of misconduct that led to his departure from Disney in 2018. Despite these controversies, his impact on the animation industry is undeniable. Lasseter's advocacy for creative storytelling and his pioneering work in computer animation have left an indelible mark on the field.

Impact and Contributions

John Lasseter's influence extends beyond his filmography. He is credited with popularizing CGI in animation and demonstrating its potential for storytelling. His films are noted for their emotional depth, memorable characters, and innovative animation techniques. Lasseter has also been a mentor to a new generation of animators and filmmakers, shaping the future of animation.

Awards and Honors

Over his career, Lasseter has received numerous awards, including two Academy Awards: a Special Achievement Award for Toy Story and an Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film for Tin Toy. His work has also earned him a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

See Also

• Pixar Animation Studios
• Walt Disney Animation Studios
• Computer-generated imagery
• Animation