‘Pirates’ Director, Master Animator Peter Lord Really Digs Clay

With that in mind, how do you maintain enthusiasm when you’re literally working one frame at a time?

Well, that’s my job as the director – to keep everyone focused and enthusiastic and on message the whole time. Whatever work you do, you love doing it. The animators love to achieve great shots or even a great moment. That’s when they’re happy. They’re very self-critical and they just… they kind of love it. They have great passion for it, great energy. […] People think it’s boring. It’s not usually boring. I always say, “You’re working way too hard to be bored.” Every minute you’re working is a challenge.