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’.

— Mary Coleman

























RELATED LINKS:Go Into The Story: Interview with Mary Coleman (Part 1 & 2)Pixar Animation StudioDisney Pixar on TwitterName: Mary ColemanCurrent City: Berkeley CADOB: 11/1964What are you listening to right now? Florence and the MachineWhat movie changed your perspective? "Amadues," directed by Milos FormanWho is your career role model? Theatre director Anne BogartWhat is a tool you can't live without? Duct tapeHow do you take your tea? Jasmine green iced teaWhat is your spirit animal? OtterAny news/updates? I am beyond excited about our next Pixar film, INSIDE OUT, opening June 19th.CLIPS FEATURED IN SHOW:"Inside Out" TrailerSouth Pacific"Finding Nemo" clipPeter Gabriel “In Your Eyes” LiveToy Story “I’m a Picasso”Toy Story “You’ve Got a Friend in Me" CREDITSPRODUCED: Elaine Sheldon and Sarah GinsburgSOUND DESIGN: Billy WirasnikFIXER: Jason HeadleyMUSIC 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, 40KBeast: Oculus, YetGod Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson: Voice in my Throat, Lost in Singapore, VesselBlack Vessel EP: Manek and Ilona365 Project: Awake Like Me (Improvisation No. 2), Black Hole of Calcutta