This week marks a significant milestone—the original Toy Story celebrates its 30th anniversary. To commemorate this momentous occasion, the Steve Jobs Archive has unveiled an exclusive, previously unreleased interview featuring the late Apple co-founder, who at the time held a majority share in Pixar, discussing the studio’s groundbreaking debut feature.
The Vision Behind Pixar
In this 22-minute interview—recorded a year after Toy Story’s release—Jobs elaborates on his vision for creating an environment where Pixar employees could thrive and collaborate as equals. He noted that Pixar uniquely attracted top talent from both Hollywood and Silicon Valley, making it a “very hot place to be” at that time. He proudly pointed out the growing team and emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality standards across the board.
Employee Retention and Culture
Jobs discussed his approach to employee retention, echoing sentiments reminiscent of Disney’s ethos. He envisioned Pixar as a company “nobody will ever want to leave,” reinforcing that employee satisfaction was paramount. “We don’t take anybody for granted,” he said, indicating that if someone wasn’t fully committed, it might be best for them to part ways, contract or not.
Collaboration with Disney
During the chat, Jobs revealed that Pixar had achieved enough success to become the first external studio Disney approached for animation projects. He held high praise for this collaboration, mentioning how Pixar adopted Disney’s sophisticated methodologies—like their practice of “editing your film before you make it”—which led to significant advancements in animation quality. Reflecting on their partnership, he speculated about the studio’s future post their initial three-picture deal, hinting at possible projects like A Bug’s Life.
Toy Story’s Enduring Legacy
Interestingly, Job’s prediction about Toy Story‘s longevity proved insightful—he believed it would remain relevant for 60 years, attributing this to its compelling narrative. This projection also stemmed from Pixar’s strategy of continuously expanding the franchise, with Toy Story 3 debuting just a year before his passing. The franchise’s next chapter, Toy Story 5, is scheduled to hit theaters on June 19, 2026.
What impact did Toy Story have on animation? Toy Story revolutionized animation by being the first fully computer-animated feature film, setting a benchmark for creativity and innovation in the industry.
How did Pixar’s relationship with Disney influence its success? Pixar leveraged Disney’s resources and expertise early on, which significantly contributed to its artistic and commercial success, helping to shape its iconic films.
What lessons can companies learn from Pixar’s culture? Companies can learn the importance of fostering a collaborative, supportive environment where employees feel valued and engaged, which is crucial for long-term success.
Why is Toy Story considered timeless? Its universal themes of friendship and belonging, along with relatable characters, ensure Toy Story resonates across generations, keeping it fresh and relevant.
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