Andrew Gordon
Keynote Speaker: Directing Animator at Pixar, Award-Winning Animator, Creative Educator
-
Travels From:
-
Speaking Fee:
-
Categories:
Andrew Gordon Biography
Master storyteller and directing animator at Pixar Animation Studios, Andrew Gordon leverages his extensive experience to teach business audiences how to harness storytelling and creativity for innovation and effective communication. With over 20 years at Pixar, Gordon has animated and directed beloved characters such as Mike Wazowski in "Monsters Inc." and Gill in "Finding Nemo." His work on "Finding Nemo" earned him the "Outstanding Character Animation in an Animated Motion Picture" award from the Visual Effects Society.
During his tenure at Pixar, Gordon contributed significantly to films including "A Bug’s Life," "The Incredibles," and others. Utilizing insights from Pixar’s filmmaking process, he illustrates how profound storytelling transcends the film industry and becomes an invaluable tool in business environments. His interactive workshops and keynotes, such as "The Anatomy of a Great Story" and "How to Crank Up Creativity – Even for Non-Creatives," provide practical tools that foster creativity, facilitate effective feedback, and underline the importance of learning from failure in achieving success.
Gordon is also deeply involved in educating and mentoring new generations of animators and storytellers. He has taught animation and storytelling since 2000, led the Pixar Animation Internship program multiple times, and co-founded The Animation Collaborative as well as the animation programs at California College of the Arts and The One Academy of Communication Design. He has collaborated with major companies like Facebook, Pinterest, and Deloitte, helping them cultivate a creative culture and implement innovative storytelling strategies in their leadership and management practices. Currently, Gordon is contributing his expertise to a new film project with Illumination Entertainment and continues to influence a wide range of professionals around the world by demystifying the story process and emphasizing its fundamental role in human culture.
Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Andrew Gordon and other top speakers and celebrities.
Andrew Gordon Speaking Topics
Discover why unforgettable stories aren’t born—they’re built. In this keynote, Andrew pulls back the curtain on the creative engine behind Pixar’s golden age, sharing insights from two decades spent shaping some of the world’s most beloved films. Audiences will learn the hidden mechanics of crafting stories that resonate: how to captivate from the first moment, how to create deep emotional alignment by placing viewers inside the characters’ shoes, and how to respect your audience by inviting them into the narrative.
We’ll explore Pixar’s famed iterative process—how “breaking” a story is the essential step to rebuilding it into something extraordinary—and reveal the secret sauce behind making any idea unforgettable.
Data informs—but stories transform. This session, designed originally for Deloitte Digital, shows how sustainability messaging becomes far more powerful when grounded in narrative. Andrew guides participants through real sustainability stories, deconstructing why some inspire action while others fall flat.
Using Pixar’s time-tested framework and an accessible iteration method, attendees will collaborate, experiment, and ultimately leave with a compelling sustainability story of their own. This talk empowers organizations to move beyond statistics and craft narratives that change minds—and the future.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, but the heart of storytelling remains human. In this session, Andrew dives into the craft of narrative using today’s cutting-edge A.I. tools—drawing from his experience creating 75 short films with emerging technologies.
Participants will learn what A.I. enhances, what it can’t replace, and how to avoid the pitfalls that lead to “content slop.” From premise to structure, from character to controlling idea, from tool selection to telegraphing narrative beats, this is a masterclass in building meaningful stories in a world overflowing with generative content. Walk away knowing how to turn A.I. from a gimmick into a genuine storytelling partner. Failure
Greatness isn’t achieved by avoiding failure—it’s built by embracing it. In this candid and inspiring talk, Andrew Gordon shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Pixar cultivated one of the most admired creative cultures in the world. Learn how psychological safety, the Braintrust model, and a relentless feedback process transformed setbacks into breakthroughs. Discover why films fail, how to mine crises for insight, and what an effective notes session really looks like. This keynote is ultimately about trusting the process—creating a culture where honest feedback fuels innovation, and where teams feel empowered to take risks that lead to excellence. This talk is based on his 20 years at Pixar and mentorship from the studios founder, Ed Catmull.
Andrew Gordon Videos
How do I book Andrew Gordon to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Andrew Gordon for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Andrew Gordon, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Andrew Gordon or any other speaker of your choice.
How much does it cost to book Andrew Gordon for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Andrew Gordon, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Andrew Gordon are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Andrew Gordon, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent.
What topics does Andrew Gordon speak about?
Andrew Gordon is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Storytelling, Creativity, Human Resources, Corporate Culture, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Art & Design, Motivational, Television & Film, Technology, Futurism, Virtual Reality, Modern Media and Artificial Intelligence.
Where does Andrew Gordon travel from?
Andrew Gordon generally travels from San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances.
Who is the agent for Andrew Gordon?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Andrew Gordon for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Andrew Gordon for your next private or corporate function.
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Andrew Gordon or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us.
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
Andrew Gordon is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics including Storytelling, Creativity and Human Resources. The estimated speaking fee range to book Andrew Gordon for live events is $20,000 - $30,000, and for virtual events $10,000 - $20,000. Andrew Gordon generally travels from San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Matthew Luhn, Duncan Wardle and Zack Kass. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Andrew Gordon for an upcoming event.
SPEAKING TOPICS
Andrew Gordon Speaking Topics
-
Storytelling and the Iteration Process of Pixar
Discover why unforgettable stories aren’t born—they’re built. In this keynote, Andrew pulls back the curtain on the creative engine behind Pixar’s golden age, sharing insights from two decades spent shaping some of the world’s most beloved films. Audiences will learn the hidden mechanics of crafting stories that resonate: how to captivate from the first moment, how to create deep emotional alignment by placing viewers inside the characters’ shoes, and how to respect your audience by inviting them into the narrative.
We’ll explore Pixar’s famed iterative process—how “breaking” a story is the essential step to rebuilding it into something extraordinary—and reveal the secret sauce behind making any idea unforgettable.
-
Storytelling in Sustainability
Data informs—but stories transform. This session, designed originally for Deloitte Digital, shows how sustainability messaging becomes far more powerful when grounded in narrative. Andrew guides participants through real sustainability stories, deconstructing why some inspire action while others fall flat.
Using Pixar’s time-tested framework and an accessible iteration method, attendees will collaborate, experiment, and ultimately leave with a compelling sustainability story of their own. This talk empowers organizations to move beyond statistics and craft narratives that change minds—and the future.
-
Storytelling in the Age of A.I.
Artificial intelligence is reshaping creativity, but the heart of storytelling remains human. In this session, Andrew dives into the craft of narrative using today’s cutting-edge A.I. tools—drawing from his experience creating 75 short films with emerging technologies.
Participants will learn what A.I. enhances, what it can’t replace, and how to avoid the pitfalls that lead to “content slop.” From premise to structure, from character to controlling idea, from tool selection to telegraphing narrative beats, this is a masterclass in building meaningful stories in a world overflowing with generative content. Walk away knowing how to turn A.I. from a gimmick into a genuine storytelling partner. Failure
-
Failure and Feedback and FUN: The Secret Behind Pixar’s Creative Culture
Greatness isn’t achieved by avoiding failure—it’s built by embracing it. In this candid and inspiring talk, Andrew Gordon shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Pixar cultivated one of the most admired creative cultures in the world. Learn how psychological safety, the Braintrust model, and a relentless feedback process transformed setbacks into breakthroughs. Discover why films fail, how to mine crises for insight, and what an effective notes session really looks like. This keynote is ultimately about trusting the process—creating a culture where honest feedback fuels innovation, and where teams feel empowered to take risks that lead to excellence. This talk is based on his 20 years at Pixar and mentorship from the studios founder, Ed Catmull.
VIDEO
Andrew Gordon Videos
NEWS
Andrew Gordon News
-
Fantasy Animated Drama 'Hawkmaster' In The Works At Fox From ...
Oct 4, 2021 ... EXCLUSIVE: Brave director Mark Andrews and his former Pixar colleague Andrew Gordon have teamed up with Israeli producer Oded Turgeman to develop an ...
FAQS
-
How do I book Andrew Gordon to speak at my event?
Our experienced booking agents have successfully helped clients around the world secure speakers like Andrew Gordon for speaking engagements, personal appearances, product endorsements, or corporate entertainment since 2002. Click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page to check availability for Andrew Gordon, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to discuss your upcoming event. One of our experienced agents will be happy to help you get speaking fee information and check availability for Andrew Gordon or any other speaker of your choice. -
How much does it cost to book Andrew Gordon for a speaking engagement?
Speaking fees for Andrew Gordon, or any other speakers and celebrities, are determined based on a number of factors and may change without notice. The estimated fees to book Andrew Gordon are $20,000 - $30,000 for live events and $10,000 - $20,000 for virtual events. For the most current speaking fee to hire Andrew Gordon, click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536 to speak directly with an experienced booking agent. -
What topics does Andrew Gordon speak about?
Andrew Gordon is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics such as Storytelling, Creativity, Human Resources, Corporate Culture, Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Art & Design, Motivational, Television & Film, Technology, Futurism, Virtual Reality, Modern Media and Artificial Intelligence. -
Where does Andrew Gordon travel from?
Andrew Gordon generally travels from San Francisco Bay Area, CA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. -
Who is the agent for Andrew Gordon?
AAE Speakers Bureau has successfully secured keynote speakers like Andrew Gordon for clients worldwide since 2002. As a full-service speaker booking agency, we have access to virtually any speaker or celebrity in the world. Our agents are happy and able to submit an offer to the speaker or celebrity of your choice, letting you benefit from our reputation and long-standing relationships in the industry. Please click the Check Schedule button above and complete the form on this page including the details of your event, or call our office at 1.800.698.2536, and one of our agents will assist you to book Andrew Gordon for your next private or corporate function. -
What is a full-service speaker booking agency?
AAE Speakers Bureau is a full-service speaker booking agency, meaning we can completely manage the speaker’s or celebrity’s engagement with your organization from the time of booking your speaker through the event’s completion. We provide all of the services you need to host Andrew Gordon or any other speaker of your choice, including offer negotiation, contractual assistance, accounting and billing, and event speaker travel and logistics services. When you book a speaker with us, we manage the process of hosting a speaker for you as an extension of your team. Our goal is to give our clients peace of mind and a best-in-class service experience when booking a speaker with us. -
Why is AAE Speakers Bureau different from other booking agencies?
If you’re looking for the best speaker recommendations, paired with a top-notch customer service experience, you’re in the right place. At AAE Speakers Bureau, we exclusively represent the interests of our clients - professional organizations, companies, universities, and associations. We intentionally do not represent the speakers we feature or book. That is so we can present our clients with the broadest and best performing set of speaker options in the market today, and we can make these recommendations without any obligation to promote a specific speaker over another. This is why when our agents suggest a speaker for your event, you can be assured that they are of the highest quality with a history of proven success with our other clients.
BOOK ANDREW GORDON
We are happy to assist you with your interest in booking a speaker or celebrity for your event, your organization, and the type of talent you would like to secure, and an agent will be in touch shortly.
Fill out the form below to or call us at 1-800-698-2536 if need immediate assistance.
We respond to most inquiries within 4 hours. Under special circumstances, it may take up to 24 hours.
We are happy to help! Call us to speak with a booking agent about your event or specific speaker request.
Gauge Interest and check availability for appearances, speaking engagements, or corporate events.
Provide you with speaking fee to book Andrew Gordon or other celebrity appearance fees
Give you personal recommendations for the best keynote speakers or celebrities
Assist you with any questions you have throughout the talent booking process
This website is a resource for event professionals and strives to provide the most comprehensive catalog of thought leaders and industry experts to consider for speaking engagements. A listing or profile on this website does not imply an agency affiliation or endorsement by the talent.
All American Entertainment (AAE) exclusively represents the interests of talent buyers, and does not claim to be the agency or management for any speaker or artist on this site. AAE is a talent booking agency for paid events only. We do not handle requests for donation of time or media requests for interviews, and cannot provide celebrity contact information.
