Mary Coleman is the Senior Development Executive at Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios. For the past 16 years, she has worked with directors and writers to dig into their personal memories and create stories that adults and kids can relate to. Mary got her start in theatre, performing on stage, working behind the scenes and a stint as a director. She talks about time spent with her grandmother who fostered her creative side, how ‘faking it ‘till you make it’ left her dissatisfied, how live performance influences her process at Pixar, and her efforts to make sure Pixar fosters a woman director in the coming years. Pixar's latest film, "Inside Out," will be released in theaters on June 19.
“What I took from live performance, that really shaped the way I approach creative work, is being able to make a decision in the moment and go for it. When it’s live you have to be really nimble and responsive. Pixar movies are very masterfully crafted, but the creation of them involves a ton of people being ready to say, ‘Wow, I never thought of it that way. I’m willing to pivot now and try something totally different’.”
Name: Mary Coleman
Current City: Berkeley CA
DOB: 11/1964
What are you listening to right now? Florence and the Machine
What movie changed your perspective? "Amadues," directed by Milos Forman
Who is your career role model? Theatre director Anne Bogart
What is a tool you can't live without? Duct tape
How do you take your tea? Jasmine green iced tea
What is your spirit animal? Otter
Any news/updates? I am beyond excited about our next Pixar film, INSIDE OUT, opening June 19th.
CLIPS FEATURED IN SHOW:
"Finding Nemo" clip
Peter Gabriel “In Your Eyes” Live
Toy Story “I’m a Picasso”
Toy Story “You’ve Got a Friend in Me"
CREDITS
PRODUCED: Elaine Sheldon and Sarah Ginsburg
SOUND DESIGN: Billy Wirasnik
FIXER: Jason Headley
MUSIC FEATURED IN SHOW:
Learn more about Pearl and the Beard, our featured musicmaker of the week, here.
Killing the Darlings: Reverend, Sweetness, The Lament of Coronado Brown, Swimming, 40K
Beast: Oculus, Yet
God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson: Voice in my Throat, Lost in Singapore, Vessel
Black Vessel EP: Manek and Ilona
365 Project: Awake Like Me (Improvisation No. 2), Black Hole of Calcutta