Liz Warren | Storyteller

Story Advice from Pixar by Kathy Eastman

Pixar Animation Studios has produced 14 very successful feature length films; among them is the Toy Story series and Finding Nemo.  Pixar has movies reaching into the top 50 highest grossing films ever produced.  Using computer animation graphics and great storytelling they have achieved wonders. We know many famous scholars, such as Joseph Campbell and have read their work, theories and patterns for story.  However, as storytellers we should also take note of less scholarly sources for insights and advice.  Pixar has a list of advice compiled by storyboard artist Emma Coats.  It is neatly listed out. The link is included below. I have found the rules useful when crafting personal stories or a story for performance.

The 22 Rules of Storytelling According to Pixar

Here’s the list with images from Pixar movies.

And in Legos! 

2 responses to “Story Advice from Pixar by Kathy Eastman”

  1. Rosanna Fierros Avatar
    Rosanna Fierros

    Thank you Kathy, these are great tips from Pixar.
    Upon reading the list of tips I could recognize the connection between telling a story using oral tradition and telling an on screen version of a story. The rules are relative in both traditions. I can see that the story must catch your attention through a character or situation; you must relate to the story and use your passion to translate the story and put yourself into the performance.
    When you wish to teach a group of individuals a valuable lesson, there is no better way than through story.

    Reply
  2. kathy Avatar
    kathy

    Thank you Rosanna – sometimes I just need that little push to think of a story differently.

    Reply

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