Carrie Hobson and Michael Yates know that they have high standards to meet.
The co-creators of Win or Lose, which debuted on Disney+ on Wednesday, not only have to add to the legacy of Pixar and its decades of creative storytelling, but they also have to spearhead the first-ever original series in the history of the renowned animation studio.
“We grew up watching Pixar films so being able to be added to the legacy of the studio has been amazing, but also really big shoes to fill,” Hobson and Yates said. “As our Executive VP of Production, Jonas Rivera, once told us, ‘Pixar only gets so many ‘first-ever’ moments, so you know, just make sure our first-ever original series is as good as Toy Story.'”
Hobson and Yates added, “We came to work very sweaty after that.”
Win or Lose features the intertwined stories of eight different characters as they each prepare for their big championship softball game — the insecure kids, their helicopter parents, even a lovesick umpire. The series also includes the voice talents of Will Forte, Rosie Foss, Josh Thomson, and Milan Elizabeth Ray, among others.
“We knew from the beginning we wanted to have all the hallmarks of a Pixar film — humor, heart, and creativity,” the two said. “We came to the table also knowing we wanted to tell the types of stories we couldn’t tell in a film format. Which included multi-protagonists, nonlinear storytelling, and really just pushing the tone to be more outside of the box.”
Hobson and Yates explained that the intertwined storytelling was inspired by their time working at Pixar.
“Before making the show, we were office mates and we’d often walk out of a meeting with vastly different impressions of how it went,” they said. “We were fascinated with the idea that everyone kind of lives inside their own perspectives. We felt the only way to truly experience this was to intertwine the stories.”
While Win or Lose is a “first” for Pixar, it was inspired by “quite a few Disney/Pixar films,” according to Hobson and Yates.
“But if we have to pick a joint favorite that we both return to, it’s The Incredibles — the boldness of the storytelling stands alone even today.”
In terms of what the audience will take away from the new series, Hobson and Yates hope it helps viewers see the world through a different point-of-view.
“Win or Lose has always been about walking a mile in someone else’s shoes and seeing life the way they see it,” they said. “We hope the show gives people this opportunity in a way only animation can do. We also just hope you have a good time and relate to our characters.”
