TBT | 51. The Inspiration for Pixar’s SparkShort ”Float,” with Bobby Rubio

*THROWBACK EPISODE*

This conversation with Bobby Rubio was originally released on March 11, 2021. We are re-releasing it today to highlight a father's path to accepting his child's autism diagnosis. 

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there!

Discover what’s possible when a child can fly free.

Bobby Rubio is the writer and director of the Pixar SparkShort Float, which is a short animated film inspired by his relationship with his autistic son, Alex. Float is available for streaming on Disney+. 

Bobby is known for his work on Hercules, Atlantis: The Lost Empire, and Incredibles 2, which earned him an Annie Awards nomination for Outstanding Achievement for Storyboarding in an Animated Feature Production. Bobby is also the creator and owner of his independent comics and intellectual properties: Alcatraz High, 4 Gun Conclusion, and Neighborhood Legend. 

In today’s conversation, we discuss:

• Bobby’s journey of accepting his son’s autism
• The creative process of producing Float
• The stigma of mental health within the Filipino community
• Tips for parents whose children have received an autism diagnosis 

To learn more about Bobby Rubio, you can check out his Instagram: @bobbyrubio.

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