Collaboration is difficult, possibly impossible, when you’re outsourcing
Collaboration is difficult, possibly impossible, when you’re outsourcing:
Between Pixar and Disney we have used a range of production strategies that span everything from complete in-house production to work entirely farmed out, with several mixed strategies in-between. I fully understand both the economic pressures that drive people to outsource work and, of course, the aspirational desires and talent of those doing the work.
Pixar makes its computer-animated films entirely at our studio in Emeryville, California, at what I believe is the highest standard in this industry. But we believe fairly strongly that there’s creativity in every step of our process and that the integration of all those steps – having everyone integrated together and co-located – is what allows us to make exceptional movies. I don’t think we could get to that level of quality if we separated the physical making of the film from the creation of the ideas. If we did, we would not make the same film.
When companies are driven to outsource for economic reasons, there is a disconnect between the creators and makers of products. There is a further disconnect between marketing and the creators. This curious disconnect disproportionately devalues the making and manufacturing of products. I believe that a stronger connection between creators and production leads to much better products.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:32 am
I think there are still ways to connect. With the emergence of high-tech computers, it is still possible to collaborate. Still, it depends on the products and the nature of business that is being outsourced.
October 28th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
thinker, I hope I was clear in distinguishing which projects could be out-sourced, and which can not. My point is that startups should avoid using remote workers. Other forms of business can get away with it.