I Spoke with The Land Before Time Producer John Pomeroy

There are some conversations that stay with you, and this was one of them.

I recently had the absolute privilege of speaking with John Pomeroy — the original producer and supervising animator behind The Land Before Time. For me, this was one of those full-circle moments that felt bigger than just an interview. The Land Before Time was a huge part of my childhood, and like so many people, it shaped how I think about emotion, storytelling, and what animated films can actually do. So to sit down with one of the people who helped bring that world to life was honestly incredible.

John Pomeroy is a legend in animation. He began his career at Disney in the 1970s, working on projects like The Rescuers and Pete’s Dragon, before co-founding Don Bluth Studios with Don Bluth and Gary Goldman. That team went on to create some of the most beloved animated films of all time, including The Secret of NIMH, An American Tail, The Land Before Time, and more. John later returned to Disney and worked on films like Pocahontas and Atlantis: The Lost Empire. He’s one of those rare artists whose work has touched multiple generations, and it was an honour to talk to him.

What made this conversation especially meaningful is that it wasn’t just about looking back. It was about sharing ideas, talking about process, and reflecting on the power of animation as a storytelling medium. John spoke with real warmth about the original film, about the emotional weight of Littlefoot’s journey, and about the importance of making stories that connect deeply with audiences. That really resonated with me, because that’s exactly the kind of filmmaking I’m trying to do with my own LITTLEFOOT project.

We also spoke about how much care goes into translating a classic film into a new format. Our version of LITTLEFOOT is a CG tribute, and while it stays faithful to the spirit of the original, it also has its own identity. It was fascinating hearing John’s thoughts on animation choices, character performance, and how to keep the heart of a story alive while adapting it into something new. He had so many generous insights, and I came away from the interview feeling inspired and encouraged.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TEzr8IGReUw

One of the most special parts of the conversation was hearing John reflect on the original film’s emotional impact. The Land Before Time never shied away from grief, fear, or loss, and that honesty is part of why it still means so much to people today. John understood that deeply, and he talked about how powerful it can be to let a story go to dark places before bringing it back into the light. That’s something I’ve always believed in as well, and hearing him talk about it felt like a huge reminder of why this film mattered in the first place.

I’m also so grateful that John took the time to speak with us about our own LITTLEFOOT project. He watched our work, responded with such kindness, and gave us the kind of encouragement every independent filmmaker dreams of receiving. For a project built on love, nostalgia, and a huge amount of effort from a small team, that meant the world.

This is only a small part of a much bigger conversation, and I’m excited for people to see more of it. If you love The Land Before Time, animation, or behind-the-scenes filmmaking stories, I really think you’ll enjoy it.

A massive thank you to John Pomeroy for his time, generosity, and support. It was an absolute privilege to speak with him.