As the liaison between the director and the producer of Pixar's newest film Inside Out (which hits theaters June 19), Dana Murray has to coordinate the entire production department, including animation, lighting and layout, strategic teams, and trouble shoot. It's a big job.
Murray joined Pixar Animation Studios in June 2001 to work on Finding Nemo, and since then has had her hand in every aspect of their classic films. She served as the art and technology coordinator on several short films including Boundin', One Man Band, and Lifted, and as the lighting coordinator for Cars. Murray also held a management position for the Academy Award-winning films Ratatouille, Up, and Brave.
She took some time away from her family and her work to answer a few questions for 7x7:
What was the biggest challenge of working on Inside Out?
The greatest challenge was not getting fatigued. Inside Out was a five year journey, which is a good chunk of time! I had my two daughters during that time span, so coming to work every day, sometimes sleep deprived, definitely made leading a team challenging at times!
And the funniest thing that happened?
Every day was funny. The people I got to work closely with on this film made it fun and we would have a good laugh at least once a day.
Who is your favorite character and why?
Bing Bong. He has a heart of gold.
What is the scene you like the most?
Without giving away any spoilers—Bing Bong does one of the bravest things and it will break your heart.
Do you identify most with Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear or Disgust? What’s the main voice inside of your head?
Today I am feeling Disgust for sure - there are plenty of annoying and gross things out there and “Ewwww” is high up in my vocabulary.
What is your favorite thing to do on the weekend?
Spend time with family and friends.
What's your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to do in the Bay Area?
Discovery Museum with my kids and lunch at Cavallo Point.
What’s your hands-down, absolute favorite thing to eat?
The tuna from Michael Mina.
What's your perfect night on the town?
Dinner and a concert.
When you need a low-key afternoon, where do you go for down time?
A pool.
What's your favorite place to go on a day trip from the city?
Wine Country!
Quick-fire round
Burrito or Burger:
Burger
Presidio or Golden Gate Park:
Presidio
BiRite or Mitchell's:
BiRite
Bike or Muni:
Neither - I live in Oakland and I would kill myself riding a bike on these roads.
Fort Mason or Dolores Park:
Fort Mason
The Independent or the Fillmore:
The Independent
Baker Beach or Ocean Beach:
Baker, but not the nude part
Three words that describe your life in the Bay Area:
Family, Faith, and Film Making.
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