Oscar-winning filmmaker, animator and manga artist Hayao Miyazaki recently stressed the importance of test screenings before the release of films during a discussion with Pete Docter, Chief Creative Officer of Pixar Animation Studios. Docter said such screenings help Pixar gauge audience reaction and make necessary changes before release, but Miyazaki disagreed.

The two legends had a conversation on Tokyo FM’s radio program ‘Ghibli Sweety’. The discussion was around test screenings, a method that Pixar often uses before the release of its films. When Docter asked if he agrees that this is a method that Pixar often uses before the release of its films? Animator famous for his acting, director of ‘Boy and the Heron’ He said, “No. It is impossible for all audiences to understand a film. We take the responsibility, so we can’t leave it to someone who is there.”

Pete Docter then added, “In our method, test screenings are useful. Since we’re in the middle of production, we can determine if this part is not resonating at all, or the emotions we want to feel are not being felt, so we can make adjustments. It’s true that when I’m listening to opinions, I sometimes let it go from right to left, but in previews, we watch it together. That way, I can feel it when they’re bored or when they’re engrossed in the screen, and I trust that their reactions are genuine. I believe it’s our responsibility to adjust the film so that it can resonate with as many people as possible when they watch it.”

Pixar and Studio Ghibli have always had a good relationship. Pixar oversaw the English dubbing of the American version of ‘Spirited Away,’ and Totoro from ‘My Neighbor Totoro’ made a cameo in ‘Toy Story 3.’ Pete Docter was present along with ‘Inside Out 2’ director Kelsey Mann and producer Mark Nielsen.

Hayao Miyazaki last directed ‘The Boy and the Heron’Which also won an Oscar.