Innovation and New Product Development Case Study

Pixar - A Creative Powerhouse!

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Abstract:
Pixar Animation Studios is an Academy Award winning computer animation studio with technical, creative and production capabilities to create a new generation of animated feature films, merchandise and other related products. Pixar has the enviable reputation of producing nine successive animation hits in a row. It had sensationalised the animation category since 1995 with the release of Toy Story I. The hallmark of any Pixar movie is its strong story with emotional appeal. Their software application RenderMan product remains the standard in visual effects and has been honoured with an Academy Award for technical achievement. The application of the cutting edge animation technology is well fabricated with the story and it had become a pioneer in its chosen field. Their reach to the pinnacle of success is through the fostering of collective creativity among its team members. And in the process community-driven Pixar had achieved excellence and expertise. Unlike the Hollywood model, Pixar is a tight-knit company and its continued success is attributed to its innovation and collective creativity. Their work cultures help foster collective creativity. This case helps to study how to build a sustainable creative organisational culture in a creative organisation.

Pedagogical Objectives:

• To analyse the growth and the potential of the animation industry.
• To study Pixar's formula for success.
• To analyse the future of Pixar.

Keywords :  Pixar Animation Studios, RenderMan, Collective creativity, Organisational culture, The leader in the animation industry, The Pixar process, WALL.E , Pixar's success formula, 3-D format movies, Ed Catmull, Disney's animated studios, Pixar University, Designing of the Pixar building, Team dynamics, Nine winning films in a row