Pixar co-founder Ed Catmull argues that strong visuals alone do not make a strong story. Technology and storytelling need to develop together in filmmaking.
Images and story
In an independent 2024 interview, Catmull said an abundance of visual possibilities can distract filmmakers from the hard work of getting the story right.
Pixar’s own history places the development of computer animation alongside its storytelling and production work. Technology can make a scene possible; the creative team decides what purpose it serves in the story.
Working with AI
A separate Google event featuring Catmull discusses AI as a possible tool for storytellers. That does not mean every tool automatically produces a good result.
Creators can review character continuity, lighting, pacing and when the audience receives information. These remain storytelling decisions for people to make after images are generated.
