PR Machine Pulls Brad Away I got this e-mail last night. I think we can all understand just how busy this opening has made Brad Bird.

Dear Fellow Animation Lovers:

I was really looking forward to participating in the ASIFA screening and Q&A for "The Incredibles". It is a rare to get direct feedback from an entire room full of people who are as passionate about this art form as I am, and I was very excited to hear all of your comments and reactions following the screening.

As we all know, opening a film is both a blessing and a curse: A blessing because you are finally delivering the vision that's taken so long to bring to life. A curse because things like schedules tend to get so stacked up that things become a bit crazy.

THE INCREDIBLES will be opened virtually everywhere in the world by the end of the year (the most condensed release schedule Disney/Pixar has ever done) and that has been a monster to deal with.

Unfortunately, I just found out that I will have to depart a day earlier than expected for an international press tour for this film. Both we and your ASIFA-Hollywood scheduling team scrambled to see about moving this presentation one day earlier. However, there wasn't a theater that could accommodate us on such short notice.

That said, I have asked fellow Pixar director and animator, Pete Docter to moderate a panel with two of my great INCREDIBLES animators, Dave DeVan and Mike Venturini in my place.

With Pete's great passion for animation along with Dave and Mike's endless hours put in to making "The Incredibles", I think and hope you will find this an interesting event that can address all of your questions. I know that they are all looking forward to the evening and being able to discuss the film with all of you.

When I return from the tour (and my mouth has recovered from excessive yakking), I would love to have an opportunity to schedule a follow up evening with you all.

Until then, I really appreciate your support and hope you enjoy viewing the "The Incredibles" as much as we enjoyed making it.

Enjoy the screening!

Brad Bird

  ¶ 5:53 AM