Pete Docter

Pete Docter is an American animation director, screenwriter, producer and the chief creative officer of Pixar Animation Studios. He directed the feature films Monsters Inc. (2001), Up (2009) and Inside Out (2015), with the latter two movies winning Docter Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature.

Born on October 9, 1968 in Bloomington, Minnesota, his middle name is Hans. His zodiac sign is Libra.

Pete Docter – His Religion

Docter is a Christian. He has spoken about his faith numerous times including the following comment:

“Years ago, when I first spoke at church, I was kind of nervous about talking about Christianity and my work,” Docter said to a member of the press. “It didn’t really connect. But more and more it seems to be connecting for me. I ask for God’s help, and it’s definitely affected what I’m doing. It’s helped me to calm down and focus. There were times when I got too stressed out with what I was doing, and now I just step back and say, ‘God, help me through this.’ It really helps you keep a perspective on things, not only in work, but in relationships.” (1)

Docter has also said that, “When people go to a movie, they want to see some sort of experience of themselves on the screen. They don’t come to be taught. So in that sense, and in terms of any sort of beliefs, I don’t want to feel as though I’m ever lecturing or putting an agenda forth,” in his films. (2)

Pete Docter – His Relationships

Docter is married to Amanda. Together the couple have two children, Nicholas and Elie. Docter’s daughter Elie was the inspiration for the character of Riley in Inside Out.

“She became a lot more reclusive and quiet [upon turning age 11]. We didn’t literally get eye-rolls, because she knew that would get her in trouble, but she gave off that kind of feeling. And that got me wondering, ‘What’s going on in her head?’ That’s when I thought of emotions as characters. This could be exactly what animation does best. And that’s what led us on this five-year journey.” (3)

Pete Docter – Quotes

“I’m a huge fan of cookies. I’ve perfected sugar cookies with buttercream frosting. I don’t know if I should give away my secret but I put a little vanilla extract and almond extract in the frosting.” (4)

“Walt Disney mortgaged his own life insurance to build Disneyland. He was not a wealthy man until the very end of his life. He went bankrupt three times. Anytime he made money he was like: ‘Great! Now we’re going to do something more!’ I think that’s awesome. The whole reason we’re here is to make cool stuff.” (4)

Sources:

1: The Christian Post

2: Christianity Today

3: Variety

4: The New York Times

Photo by Nicolas Genin. Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 2.0 International License.

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