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The lesson of Cars is to slow down. How mindful of that are you as you’re ambitious?
“Definitely, that’s exactly how I feel is that I’ve been very lucky to have a lot of things come early. I really try to embrace all of them and tackle the challenge. However, there is a point where you kind of just check yourself and just think, I’m in no rush.’ There are so many great films to be working on that I just feel like I’ve got a lot to learn, but definitely the film is a great example of that. There’s no hurry. If you’re doing the work right, hopefully the opportunity will come when it’s meant to come.”
Do you have any 2D experience?
“Yeah, a little bit. I actually have no computer experience. I studied as an illustrator and got a job working in 2D for a small commercial studio in Ohio called Character Builders. I did 2D animation there, but they pulled me off to do story. I think they just felt like that would be something I would be better at. Thank God they did because I loved it! So, really my animation chops aren’t really up to snuff. I never learned the computer and in story here, we don’t really use the computer so I’m pretty computer illiterate. I’m kind of skating on the one job that’s hand drawn.”
How many people are in story per film?
“I think it kind of fluctuates but it’ll get up to 10, maybe a little bit more. It’s usually a group of around 10.”
When actors contribute to story, like Bonnie Hunt, do they come in?
“No, not officially. Not in that regard. I think Bonnie and Don Lake, who’s her writing partner, wrote something separately. But it’s interesting, even in certain recording sessions when people will throw out some lines or improv some stuff, that’s always fun too.”
