Why it matters
Pixar’s Braintrust brings experienced filmmakers together every few months to review films in development. Because the group has no power to impose decisions, the director hears honest notes without losing ownership — candour without control.
How to run it
- Assemble the group. Experienced peers working on other projects, so nobody wants to take over.
- Show unfinished work. Early is better — that’s when notes can still change things.
- Give specific notes. What’s unclear, missing, unconvincing — not vague praise.
- Leave the decision with the owner. The group advises; it doesn’t direct.
Watch out for
- Reviewers with a stake in the outcome
- Turning notes into orders — the owner decides what to do with them
When not to use it
When the owner has no real latitude to change course — the feedback becomes theatre.
Sources
- Ed Catmull, Creativity, Inc. (2014)
- HBS Working Knowledge — How to be a rebel leader