Final answer:
Steve Jobs purchased the Graphics Group, which became Pixar, from Lucasfilm and was instrumental in its growth into a major animation studio. He negotiated a significant deal with Disney and led Pixar through its IPO, establishing it as a key player in the animation industry with films like 'Toy Story' and 'Brave.'
Step-by-step explanation:
Steve Jobs played a significant role in the success and development of Pixar Animation Studios. While Jobs is commonly known for his leadership at Apple, his contributions to Pixar are also noteworthy. In 1986, Jobs purchased the Graphics Group, which later became Pixar, from Lucasfilm's computer graphics division for $5 million and invested $5 million as capital into the company. As the majority shareholder, Jobs served as Chairman and significantly influenced Pixar's direction, overseeing its growth into a major animation studio.
Jobs was pivotal in Pixar developing its own hardware and eventually focusing solely on animation software, leading to the creation of its groundbreaking first feature film, Toy Story. He also negotiated a deal with Disney that propelled Pixar to prominence, resulting in a string of successful movies like Cars, The Incredibles, and Up. Moreover, Jobs's influence helped Pixar navigate its initial public offering in 1995, making it the first animation studio to go public since Walt Disney Productions in 1938.
While Pixar is known for producing animated films with mostly male leads and secondary female characters, it broke this mold with the release of Brave in 2012, featuring its first female protagonist. Jobs's leadership and visionary approach ensured Pixar's ability to continually push the boundaries of animation and storytelling, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.