Masha Ellsworth Shares the Bold Decision to Change Little t's Ending Just Weeks Before Completion

In a recent interview with We Are Moving Stories, director and Pixar animator Masha Ellsworth opened up about a pivotal moment in the making of her award-winning short film Little t: the choice to change the ending just one month before completing the film.

“I had a version of the film that was pretty much done, but something didn’t sit right. I couldn’t stop thinking about it,” Ellsworth shared in the interview. “The tone wasn’t matching what I truly wanted the audience to walk away with. I had to trust my gut.”

Little t explores the emotional journey of facing one’s inner critic—a voice born from early wounds and shaped by perfectionism and fear. The film had already been resonating with test viewers, but Ellsworth felt the original ending didn't offer enough resolution or emotional clarity. So, despite the pressure of deadlines and production wrap, she rewrote and reanimated the final scenes to land in a place of hope, healing, and emotional truth.

“Changing the ending so close to the finish line was scary,” she said. “But once I did it, I knew it was the right choice.”

This decision is a testament to Ellsworth’s deep creative integrity and her commitment to telling stories that truly speak to the human experience—especially those rooted in mental health, vulnerability, and transformation.

The interview also touches on the challenges of juggling independent filmmaking with her role at Pixar, the evolution of the film’s visual style, and what she hopes audiences will carry with them after watching Little t.

http://www.wearemovingstories.com/we-are-moving-stories-films/2024/02/28/little-t