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Katherine Sarafian

Senior Vice President, Talent and Producer, Pixar Animation Studios

Katherine Sarafian is a prominent figure in the animation industry, currently serving as the Senior Vice President of Talent at Pixar Animation Studios. She has been with Pixar since 1994 and has played a crucial role in the development of many iconic animated films.

Educational Background

Katherine Sarafian earned both her Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Master of Arts in Film and Television Critical Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). Her education laid the foundation for her successful career in film production and talent management.

Career at Pixar

Sarafian began her career at Pixar as a production coordinator on the studio's first feature film, Toy Story. Over the years, she has held various positions, including:

  • Production Manager on A Bug's Life
  • Director of Marketing
  • Production Supervisor on Monsters, Inc.
  • Production Manager on The Incredibles

She produced the Academy Award-winning film Brave and was also involved in producing the short film Lifted .1234 Her leadership and expertise have been instrumental in shaping Pixar's talent acquisition strategies and fostering a creative environment for animators and storytellers.

Contributions and Recognition

Sarafian is recognized not only for her production work but also for her commitment to education and outreach. She has represented Pixar in various educational initiatives across Asia, Europe, and the United States .2 Additionally, she is a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America, reflecting her influence and standing within the industry .3

Personal Life

Katherine Sarafian is of Armenian descent and has been active in her community. She lives in Oakland, California, with her husband, Meher Gourjian, a visual effects specialist, and they have two sons .4 Her upbringing in a religious household has influenced her leadership style, emphasizing empathy and understanding .3

Overall, Katherine Sarafian's extensive experience and dedication to nurturing talent have made her a respected leader at Pixar Animation Studios.

Highlights

Armenian Assembly Spotlights Keynote Speaker Katherine Sarafian
Armenian Assembly Spotlights Keynote Speaker Katherine Sarafian
Jun 5 · wired.com
Making Brave: Pixar's Katherine Sarafian - WIRED

Related Questions

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Katherine Sarafian
Katherine Sarafian, photo 1
Katherine Sarafian, photo 2
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Location

Emeryville, California, United States