A Pixar Double Feature of Class

In October of 2002, I attended a special pass holder event at Disneyland to celebrate the Grand Opening of A Bug's Land at Disney's California Adventure. The evening was fun, the food was great, and the rides brought out the kid in everyone! We entered the "It's Tough to Be a Bug" attraction for a special showing of the multi-media show. Suddenly, the evening was capped off with a trio of unexpected guests...John Lasseter, Joe Ranft (Heimlich), and Michael Mc Shane (voice of Tuck and Roll)!

I was truly excited to see who I believe is the Spielberg of modern day animation, John Lasseter! There were only about 200 people in attendance and John was glad to take questions from the audience. I asked about the paper airplane contest I saw in the Special Features of Monsters Inc. He was amused and appreciated my off-beat question. John concluded the Q & A, and the three joined us to watch the show.

After the show, I happened to be walking by John and Joe and struck up a conversation with them as we exited the auditorium. We got outside and kept chatting. We talked about all sorts of things from the event to working at Pixar. Both were humble, genuine and engaging. I could tell John was grateful for the praise and admiration those in attendance gave him. I'm sure it was a highlight of his career, to have something he helped create, become a major attraction at Disneyland! I never ask for autographs, but felt compelled to ask John to personalize a special pin I was given at the event. He asked a Disney Suit to get him a sharpie, and gladly signed the pin for me. My friend took this picture of John and I on her phone's camera (thus the so, so pic).

I'm going to keep this positive and as upbeat as I can. I was truly sad to hear about Joe Ranft's passing. The short time we talked, spoke volumes about his character and being. Joe was very encouraging in response to my saying I had a genuine interest in working for Pixar. He didn't scoff at me when I told him I wasn't an animator or computer graphics wiz. He didn't grow impatient with me as I babbled about not knowing what I'd like to do at Pixar. I could tell he didn't make political, canned remarks to just placate a stupid fan. He struck me as a very gentle, empathetic, and happy person. I'm very glad I had the privilege of meeting and having a memorable conversation with Joe Ranft!

So, what does this have to do with Cars?! Everything! These were the two key people behind the movie, from development to execution. John Directed, while Joe was Assistant Director. And if you didn't know, Joe voiced the Peterbuilt Truck at the beginning of the film who yelled at Lightning when first gets lost on Route 66 and thinks the Peterbuilt is Mack. I'd like to see a die-cast of this truck come out in honor of Joe. Pixar properly dedicated Cars to Joe.

I just wanted to write about meeting these two regular guys. A pair that have inspired me, and entertained millions while keeping their heads on right. I can't wait to see what the projects John is working on at Disneyland will yield. Indications seem to be that he may get to transform the debaucle that is DCA (Disney's California Adventure), into The World of Pixar in five years! He has the passion and vision. Now, let's hope the Disney Board stays out of his way like Jobs and Catmul did while they were independant.

http://carsdiecasttoys.blogspot.com/