Enrico Casarosa

Enrico Casarosa was born in Venice, Italy, and developed an early passion for drawing and storytelling. He moved to the United States to pursue animation studies at the California Institute of the Arts, where he honed his craft and eventually joined Pixar Animation Studios. His artistic background is deeply rooted in European illustration and design, which he seamlessly integrates into his animated works.

At Pixar, Casarosa began his career as a storyboard artist and character designer, contributing to films such as 'Monsters, Inc.', 'The Incredibles', and 'Ratatouille'. His visual development work helped shape the aesthetic of these beloved films, showcasing his ability to create richly detailed environments and expressive characters. His unique perspective as both an artist and storyteller quickly made him a valuable member of the Pixar team.

In 2011, Casarosa wrote and directed the Pixar short film 'La Luna', a beautifully crafted tale about a young boy coming of age under the guidance of his grandfather and father. The film was nominated for an Academy Award and won numerous awards at animation festivals worldwide. 'La Luna' demonstrated Casarosa's mastery of visual storytelling and his ability to convey deep emotional themes through minimalist yet powerful animation.

Casarosa then co-directed the 2017 Pixar feature film 'Coco', alongside Lee Unkrich. The film tells the story of a young boy who enters the Land of the Dead to uncover his family's history. 'Coco' was a critical and commercial success, earning over $800 million at the global box office and winning the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The film's celebration of Mexican culture and Día de los Muertos was praised for its respectful representation and stunning visual artistry.

Beyond his directing work, Casarosa has contributed to the animation community through teaching and mentoring. He has served as a jury member at various international animation festivals and continues to advocate for the importance of cultural authenticity and artistic diversity in animated storytelling. His work consistently bridges the gap between traditional hand-drawn animation techniques and modern computer-generated imagery.

Currently, Casarosa continues to develop new projects at Pixar, bringing his distinctive European-influenced aesthetic and heartfelt storytelling approach to new audiences. His contributions to the field of animation have established him as one of the most respected voices in contemporary animated cinema.