Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration

by Ed Catmull

“Story Is King,”

The Braintrust, which meets every few months or so to assess each movie we’re making, is our primary delivery system for straight talk.

You may be thinking, How is the Braintrust different from any other feedback mechanism? There are two key differences, as I see it. The first is that the Braintrust is made up of people with a deep understanding of storytelling and, usually, people who have been through the process themselves.

The second difference is that the Braintrust has no authority.

“fail early and fail fast”

Part of the answer is simple: If we as leaders can talk about our mistakes and our part in them, then we make it safe for others.

The criteria we use is that we step in if a director loses the confidence of his or her crew.

To my mind, randomness is not just inevitable; it is part of the beauty of life. Acknowledging it and appreciating it helps us respond constructively when we are surprised.