This is by Ed Catmull, President of Pixar and Disney Animation. It's the story of how he got started as a computer scientist and animator when the computer animation industry didn't even exist yet. It goes through the technological breakthroughs that needed to happen in order to make computer animated movies possible. Then he takes us through the story of how Pixar got started, how it became successful, and what they do today to ensure it's survival long after he (and other senior talent like John Lasseter) is gone.
It's a great summer reading book, heavier on business management than I anticipated (I don't really care about business management/leadership books at this point in my life) but still a great read. I thoroughly enjoyed the story of how Pixar got started and the ups and downs of making each individual movie. I also enjoyed learning how computer animation and the brain work.
I was impressed that Ed, being a scientist by trade, learned how to be a great leader instead. I think he has a significant advantage in that he is a scientist at heart, so he is able to connect (and effectively lead) with other scientists in their organization in a way that a regular business guy probably wouldn't. It's also obvious from reading the book just how important John Lasseter is, as he is the true storyteller and creative genius.
Although I'm not into business management, the teamwork aspect of Pixar is something we can all get ideas from, and aspire to. Their ability to be candid with each other, while not offending each other - and keeping the focus on the problem, not the person - is inspiring.
Anywhoos, if you are a business person, or creative person, or movie buff, or just need some interesting summer reading, I think you'll like it.
