In a rare glimpse into the mind of a visionary entrepreneur and innovator, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs shares his thoughts on Pixar Animation Studios' groundbreaking debut feature, Toy Story. The 22-minute interview, conducted nearly a year after the film's release in 1995, offers an unprecedented look at how Jobs envisioned Pixar's role in the entertainment industry.
At the heart of Jobs' vision for Pixar was fostering an environment where talented individuals from both Hollywood and Silicon Valley could thrive together as peers. He saw Pixar as the only studio capable of attracting the "very best" talent, and its success was paramount to him. "We're a very hot place to be right now," he boasted, citing the studio's rapid expansion and need for consistency in quality across all staff and projects.
To maintain this high level of quality, Jobs advocated for an employee retention model reminiscent of Silicon Valley, where employees were valued so highly that they would never want to leave. In a tongue-in-cheek remark, Jobs said, "We don't take anybody for granted, because if they don't want to be here, then they should probably leave anyway." This approach allowed Pixar to stay ahead of the curve and maintain its position as a leader in animation.
The collaboration between Disney and Pixar also played a significant role in Jobs' vision. With access to resources and guidance from Disney, Pixar refined techniques like editing before production, which became a hallmark of their success. The partnership even led to speculation about future collaborations, including a potential reteaming with Disney after the initial three-picture deal.
Fast-forward to today, and it's clear that Jobs was correct in his predictions about Toy Story's shelf life. The franchise has not only endured but also continued to evolve, with multiple sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise. As Jobs once joked, its impact would last for 60 years, a sentiment now borne out by the release of Toy Story 3 just a year after his passing.
The interview serves as a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a visionary who saw the potential in Pixar's early days and backed it with unwavering support. With Toy Story 5 set to premiere in June 2026, fans can look forward to another installment in the beloved franchise, cementing its place in animation history alongside Jobs' enduring legacy.
At the heart of Jobs' vision for Pixar was fostering an environment where talented individuals from both Hollywood and Silicon Valley could thrive together as peers. He saw Pixar as the only studio capable of attracting the "very best" talent, and its success was paramount to him. "We're a very hot place to be right now," he boasted, citing the studio's rapid expansion and need for consistency in quality across all staff and projects.
To maintain this high level of quality, Jobs advocated for an employee retention model reminiscent of Silicon Valley, where employees were valued so highly that they would never want to leave. In a tongue-in-cheek remark, Jobs said, "We don't take anybody for granted, because if they don't want to be here, then they should probably leave anyway." This approach allowed Pixar to stay ahead of the curve and maintain its position as a leader in animation.
The collaboration between Disney and Pixar also played a significant role in Jobs' vision. With access to resources and guidance from Disney, Pixar refined techniques like editing before production, which became a hallmark of their success. The partnership even led to speculation about future collaborations, including a potential reteaming with Disney after the initial three-picture deal.
Fast-forward to today, and it's clear that Jobs was correct in his predictions about Toy Story's shelf life. The franchise has not only endured but also continued to evolve, with multiple sequels, spin-offs, and merchandise. As Jobs once joked, its impact would last for 60 years, a sentiment now borne out by the release of Toy Story 3 just a year after his passing.
The interview serves as a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a visionary who saw the potential in Pixar's early days and backed it with unwavering support. With Toy Story 5 set to premiere in June 2026, fans can look forward to another installment in the beloved franchise, cementing its place in animation history alongside Jobs' enduring legacy.