Cinco Paul, a name synonymous with animated blockbusters like Despicable Me, might surprise you with his academic roots. Before captivating audiences worldwide with tales of reformed supervillains and mischievous minions, Paul was an English major at Yale University. This journey from the hallowed halls of Yale to the dazzling lights of Hollywood is a testament to his versatile talent and dedication to storytelling. He, along with his writing partner Ken Daurio, have become the creative “doctors” injecting humor and heart into beloved animated films.
Cinco Paul, Yale alumnus and co-creator of Despicable Me, pictured in an informal setting.
In a candid interview, Paul recounts his unexpected career trajectory, revealing the path that led him to co-write some of animation’s biggest hits, including Despicable Me, The Secret Life of Pets, and The Santa Clause 2. His story is one of unexpected turns, creative partnerships, and the enduring appeal of animated comedy.
From Yale to Screenwriting: An Unconventional Path
After graduating from Yale, Paul’s journey wasn’t a straight line to Hollywood. He initially embarked on a mission to Japan for the Mormon Church, followed by a stint in advertising, crafting jingles for furniture. However, the pull of storytelling proved too strong. He decided to pursue his passion for film, enrolling in USC’s film school and earning a master’s degree in screenwriting.
His “big break” came with the sale of a spec script for a substantial $275,000 – a significant leap from his advertising salary. This early script, a romantic comedy about a doctor who accidentally sews a ring into a patient, ultimately wasn’t produced. Despite this, it marked a crucial step in his screenwriting career, validating his talent and opening doors to future opportunities.
The Power of Partnership: Meeting Ken Daurio
A pivotal moment in Paul’s career was meeting his writing partner, Ken Daurio. Their collaboration began unexpectedly through a church musical Paul had written, where Daurio was cast. They formed a band, “The Otter Pops,” showcasing their shared creative energy. This camaraderie sparked the idea to write a screenplay together, launching their successful writing partnership.
While their early projects faced setbacks, including Bubble Boy, which Paul describes as a “failure in every possible way,” these experiences were crucial learning curves. They persevered, honing their craft and building resilience in the face of industry challenges. Their breakthrough arrived when Disney hired them for The Santa Clause 2, a film that achieved considerable commercial success, solidifying their reputation in Hollywood.
Finding a Home in Animation: The Appeal of Animated Storytelling
Paul explains their preference for animated films, highlighting the diminishing presence of comedy in live-action cinema, particularly for broad audiences. He points out that animated movies have become a vital space for comedy, especially with the global importance of international box office numbers.
The enduring appeal of animation lies in its ability to reach everyone and withstand repeated viewings. Paul expresses a unique satisfaction in knowing that generations are growing up with films like Despicable Me. This lasting impact and the opportunity to create films for a wide audience are key motivators for their continued work in animation.
The Collaborative Process: Weaving Cinematic Magic
Paul offers insights into their collaborative writing process with Daurio. They begin by outlining the entire movie together, then divide scenes based on their individual strengths. Daurio leans towards visual and action-oriented scenes, while Paul often takes on more emotional and dialogue-heavy sequences. Despite their slightly different focuses, they share a similar sense of humor, which is fundamental to their successful partnership.
He emphasizes the “economy of writing” in screenwriting, learning that “less is more” with experience. Comedy, in particular, is often refined through subtraction, by cutting out elements that don’t contribute to the humor. This disciplined approach to writing, honed over years of experience, is evident in the tight narratives and comedic timing of their films.
The Genesis of The Secret Life of Pets
Paul also shares the initial, darker concept for The Secret Life of Pets, which began as a Rear Window-esque plot involving pets witnessing a murder. This evolved into a North by Northwest-style thriller before finally settling on the core concept: “What do our pets do when we’re away?” This simple yet universally relatable idea became the foundation for a successful and heartwarming animated adventure.
Ukulele and Beyond: Creative Pursuits
Even amidst a thriving Hollywood career, Paul’s early passion for the ukulele remains. It’s a reminder of his diverse creative talents and the journey that began long before the bright lights of Hollywood beckoned – a journey that started at Yale and continues to evolve with each new story he and Ken Daurio bring to the screen. From crafting furniture jingles to scripting global animated hits, Cinco Paul’s career is a compelling narrative of unexpected success, driven by talent, partnership, and a dedication to making audiences laugh and feel.
