Animation is about creating the illusion of life. And you can't create it if you don't have one.
Interpretation
Animation captures life-like qualities, which can only be achieved through genuine experiences.
In this quote, Brad Bird emphasizes that the essence of animation lies in its ability to evoke real emotions and life-like qualities. He suggests that animators must draw from their own experiences and understanding of life to create engaging and believable characters and stories, as authenticity is key to the art of animation.
In practice
During a talk on animation techniques at a film school.
For me, I try as much as possible to just think about being in the movie theatre, having the lights dim, and what would I want to see on the screen. That puts me in the frame of mind that made me want to be in the movie business to begin with.
I never heard one word in Pixar about, 'Will kids get this?' I don't think it's important that they get everything. I think that it's important that they get engaged, interested.
Every man, and for stronger reasons, every artist, wants to be recognized. So do I.
Purple Haze all in my brain, lately things don't seem the same. Actin' funny but I don't know why. 'Scuse me while I kiss the sky.
A writer - and, I believe, generally all persons - must think that whatever happens to him or her is a resource. All things have been given to us for a purpose, and an artist must feel this more intensely. All that happens to us, including our humiliations, our misfortunes, our embarrassments, all is given to us as raw material, as clay, so that we may shape our art.
I'd prostitute my talents if it would further my cause, steal if there was no way out, killing my friends or anyone else if it would help my art.
It's difficult because nothing's preordained by plan and you can't control it. That's one of those joys and thrills and nerve-racking realities of being an actor. A lot has to do with luck, no matter what your talent or contribution can be.
My father was a painter and he taught art. He once said to me, 'I never knew an Indian child who could not draw.'
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