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Creativity, Inc.

an inspiring look at how creativity can - and should - be harnessed for business success by the founder of Pixar
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( 96,269 ratings, 5,777 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull explores the behind-the-scenes journey of Pixar Animation Studios. The book delves into the management principles and creative processes that foster innovation and resilience within a company. It offers insights on cultivating a creative culture and overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of excellence.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might like this book if you are fascinated by the creative processes behind successful companies like Pixar and want to learn valuable lessons about leadership, innovation, and fostering a creative culture.

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Creativity, Inc.

Nine years later and against all odds, Toy Story was released, changing animation forever.

Since then, Pixar has dominated the world of animation, producing such beloved films as Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Up, and WALL-E, which have gone on to set box-office records and garner twenty-seven Academy Awards.

Part autobiography, part history of Pixar, part business book, Creativity Inc is an inspiring look at the role creativity plays in one of the most successful media businesses the world has ever seen

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull is an exceptional exploration of the creative process behind one of the world's most successful animation studios, Pixar. Seamlessly blending autobiography, business insights, and a detailed history of Pixar, this book offers readers an intimate view from one of the industry's most influential figures. Fully updated to include recent developments, Creativity, Inc. provides a deeper understanding of the principles and philosophies that have driven Pixar's groundbreaking success.

The book begins by delving into Ed Catmull's early aspiration to create the first computer-animated film, a dream nurtured during his time as a Ph.D. student. His journey from academic to industry leader saw him partner with George Lucas and eventually co-found Pixar alongside Steve Jobs and John Lasseter. Pixar’s innovation truly began to shine with the release of Toy Story in 1995, a film that not only changed the landscape of animation but also set new standards for storytelling and creative collaboration.

Over the years, Pixar has captivated audiences with beloved films such as Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Up, and WALL-E, accumulating thirty Academy Awards and numerous box-office records. The common thread through all of these successes is the unique culture at Pixar—a culture fiercely protective of creativity, originality, and storytelling excellence.

Catmull details the management philosophies that underpin this culture, sharing profound insights such as: "It's not the manager's job to prevent risks; it's the manager's job to make it safe for others to take them." He argues that the cost of preventing mistakes often outweighs the cost of correcting them and emphasises the necessity of transparent communication across all levels of an organisation. At Pixar, everyone is encouraged to share ideas without hierarchical constraints, fostering an environment in which creativity can flourish.

This updated edition of Creativity, Inc. features a new introduction, two new chapters, and additional reflections. These additions not only bring the story of Pixar up to date but also delve further into how the studio continues to evolve while maintaining its foundational principles of honesty, communication, and originality. Catmull's exploration of these themes offers practical lessons for anyone leading a team or striving to cultivate a creative environment.

The book has received rave reviews, with readers describing it as "incredibly inspirational" and "one of the best books I’ve read in a long time." Many have praised it for its deep insights into both the creative and business worlds, making it a valuable read for managers and leaders across industries.

Creativity, Inc. isn't just a book about animation or business; it's an inspiring testament to the power of maintaining a creative vision and the relentless pursuit of excellence. Whether you're a fan of Pixar, a business leader, or a creative professional, this book is an essential addition to your reading list.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Ed Catmull presents his extensive experience and insight into creativity as a blend of individuals rather than just ideas. With honesty and specificity, the book offers examples of achieving a creative synergy in art, business, and innovation. It has been praised for its wisdom, modesty, and the practical steps outlined to foster a creative organisation, making it a must-read for anyone in management.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780593070109

Publisher: Transworld Publishers Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 08 April 2014

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Bantam Press

Audience: Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 36.0mm

Width: 153.0mm

Height: 234.0mm

Weight: 610g

Pages: 496

About the Author

Ed Catmull is co-founder of Pixar Animation Studios, and before his retirement in 2019 was president of Pixar Animation and Disney Animation. He has been honoured with five Academy Awards, including the Gordon E. Sawyer Award for lifetime achievement in the field of computer graphics. In 2019, he received a Turing Award-often called the Nobel Prize of computing-for his pioneering work on computer-generated imagery. He received his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Utah. He lives in San Francisco with his wife, Susan. www.CreativityIncBook.com @DisneyPixar

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