Craig Good started at Pixar as a janitor and security guard in 1982, when it was still a division of Lucasfilm, Ltd. An interest in computers led to some on-the-job training in programming and eventually the job he has today as a layout artist working on the upcoming feature Brave. He tells this story on today's episode.
Craig as an Improv coach at a benefit. © Pixar Animation Studios. All rights reserved.
In this episode, Craig also explains what a layout artist does and how Pixar's rendering software works. Craig was recorded in Pixar's sound studio, where voice actors record dialogue, so the sound quality is superb. Listen to hear him talk about "student" films he and his fellow Pixar employees have been involved in recently, and other great stories from his time at Pixar.
The following images are used by permission and may not be reproduced or distributed:
Craig at work in the graphics room at LFL in the 1980s. "I don't remember the occasion," he said, "but this was way before the Pixar Image Computer existed as hardware. The room is ... where, among other things, the Genesis Effect, 'The Adventures of André & Wally B.' and the stained glass knight from 'Young Sherlock Holmes' were produced." © Pixar Animation Studios. All rights reserved.
The Graphics Group in about 1985 or maybe 1984. From left: Loren Carpenter, Bill Reeves, Ed Catmull, Alvy Ray Smith, Rob Cook, John Lasseter, Eben Ostby, David Salesin, Craig Good, Sam Leffler © Pixar Animation Studios. All rights reserved.
The "Mad scientist" group launching water bottle rockets in about 1986. "We were launching the rocket for fun," Craig said. "I came back from a visit with Rob Cook at Cal Tech with stories about using liquid nitrogen to blow up pop bottles. Loren Carpenter figured out we could use it to pressurize Alhambra water bottles and the idea took off." From left, standing: Craig Good*, Loren Carpenter*, Rachel Carpenter, Bruce Young, John Seamons, Mark Leather (someone else hidden behind him), Jeff Mock. From left, kneeling: David Johansen, Neftali Alvarez*, Lane Molpus. *Still at Pixar. © Pixar Animation Studios. All rights reserved.
"The Saddest Pixar Employee Ever." "Someone posted a photo of an abandoned plush toy with the caption 'Saddest ever,'" Craig said. "People started posting other 'saddest ever' photos, including a stuffed pony hanging out of a dumpster, so I did this one." © Pixar Animation Studios. All rights reserved.
Thanks for listening! Email us: thepixarpodcast@gmail.com Call and leave a message: (801) 709-0652