Pixar’s Chief Creative Officer Skeptical About AI’s Impact on Animation, Sees Potential for Enhancing Creativity

Pete Docter, Pixar's chief creative officer, has expressed skepticism about the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in the realm of animation. During an appearance on comedian Mike Birbiglia's "Working It Out" podcast, Docter described AI as "the least impressive blah average of things," emphasizing his belief that it won’t fully replace human animators. Docter's remarks come amid growing concerns in Hollywood about the potential impact of AI on job security across the entertainment industry. The technology has been a contentious issue, with critics arguing that it could eliminate roles for creatives. This concern was highlighted during the 2023 Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, which lasted nearly five months, in part due to fear over AI replacing human labor. From Docter's perspective, while the rise of AI is troubling, it is unlikely to erase humans from the animated filmmaking process. He pointed out that in the past, only a handful of individuals had the exceptional skills needed for hand-drawn animation, including a deep understanding of movement, character acting, and artistic sensibilities. The advent of computers, he noted, made animation more accessible, allowing more people to enter the field even if they weren’t adept at traditional drawing techniques. Docter believes that AI could potentially assist animators by handling some of the more tedious and repetitive aspects of the job, much like how computers have already streamlined certain processes. "I was wondering whether AI will continue to help us lift some of the heavy burdens that we have to carry as an animator and maybe put the focus more on the performance," he said. Disney, which owns Pixar, did not respond to a request for comment on Docter’s views. Industry insiders largely agree with Docter's assessment, suggesting that AI is more likely to augment rather than replace human creativity. While AI can handle routine tasks, the nuanced artistry and emotional depth required for compelling storytelling and character development are still firmly within the domain of human expertise. Pixar, known for its innovation and storytelling excellence, continues to prioritize the integration of technology in ways that enhance, rather than diminish, the role of its talented animators.