Disney Promotes Two of Its Filmmakers Behind Hits FROZEN and INSIDE OUT In Wake of Lasseter’s Departure

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In the wake of John Lasseter’s impending departure from Walt Disney Studios, the company has announced that his duties will be split into two. Frozen co-director Jennifer Lee has been named Chief Creative Officer at Walt Disney Animation Studios, while Inside Out director Pete Docter will be the new Chief Creative Officer at Pixar Animation Studios.

Lee stated:

“Animation is the most collaborative art form in the world, and it is with the partnership of my fellow filmmakers, artists, and innovators that we look ahead to the future. My hope is to support the incredible talent we have, find new voices, and work together to tell original stories.”

Docter added:

“I started here 28 years ago. I am fortunate to work alongside some of the most talented people on the planet, and together we will keep pushing animation in new directions, using the latest technology to tell stories we hope will surprise and delight audiences around the world.”

All things considered, both Lee and Docter make excellent picks for their respective studios. Aside from co-directing what is now arguably Disney’s most iconic modern animated film, Lee joined Walt Disney Studios in 2011 as a co-writer for one of their other modern hits Wreck-It-Ralph. Despite the nostalgia that’s still among many adult audiences for Disney’s classic 2D animation films of old, it’s hard to argue against the success Disney has had for the past eight years with its CGI animated films. While Lee didn’t start that movement, she’s played a key role in their continued success and can help continue to steer the studio forward into the next decade.

Meanwhile Docter is one of Pixar’s first members, having been with the studio for almost three decades now, and has helmed several of their most poignant and thought-provoking films (Monsters Inc., Up and Inside Out). Between Docter’s promotion and the massive success of Brad Bird’s The Incredibles 2 this past weekend breaking records at the box office, this is a very exciting time to be a Pixar fan.

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SOURCE: Variety