Pixar & WDAS name Morris and Millstein new GMs

[ALIASd]

Jim Morris Named General Manager
for Pixar Animation Studios;
Andrew Millstein Named General Manager
for Disney Animation Studios

BURBANK, Calif., Sept. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Disney animation executive Andrew Millstein has been named general manager for Walt Disney Animation Studios, and renowned industry effects production veteran Jim Morris will take on a parallel role as general manager for Pixar Animation Studios, it was announced today by Ed Catmull, president of Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios. Both executives will be responsible for guiding overall operations of their respective studios, and will continue to oversee all aspects of production related to animated features, short films and special animated projects. They will report directly to Catmull.

Commenting on the announcement, Catmull said, "Jim and Andrew are two of the most talented, capable, and experienced production executives working in animation today, and we're fortunate to have them running the day-to-day operations of our two animation studios. Andrew has been a key player at Disney for over 11 years and has had experience running studios and dealing with all of the technical and creative issues associated with that role. Jim is one of the most respected figures in the world of special effects and was instrumental in creating some of ILM's greatest achievements. Most recently, he did an incredible job producing 'WALL-E' for Pixar, and has assumed an important role in that studio's overall operations. As general managers, Andrew and Jim will continue to lend their guidance and expertise to all of our upcoming production efforts."

Walt Disney Studios :: Jim Morris Named General Manager for Pixar Animation Studios; Andrew Millstein Named General Manager for Disney Animation Studios

[Queentitania19]

I wonder what the official job position of Lasseter and Stanton are in this mix. Or if perhaps even though Catmull is in charge if Jim and Andrew will find themselves answering to the Brain Trust no matter what.

[Uncle Bob]

That's kinda what I would think too Queen. My guess is that this is a move to relieve some of the day to day management responsibility off of the "Brain Trust" so that they can focus on creative decisions for the whole company. It should be interesting to see what opinions are offered about this from the animation community.