Storytelling lessons from Pixar
With screenwriter and best selling author Dean Movshovitz
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Youtube.
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Pixar is synonymous with great storytelling. Screenwriter Dean Movshovitz, author of Amazon Bestselling book Pixar Storytelling joined the Tuesdays with Morrisey podcast to discuss Pixar’s framework, process and why their stories are so effective. This was one of my favorite conversations to date as the lessons and stories that Dean shares resonate at such a deep, human level.
See the top takeaways below.
Top Takeaways
Pixar’s framework includes (1) adventurous life or death action, (2) an interpersonal bonding story and (3) a character’s inner struggle.
It’s not a formula as Pixar generally breaks or bends of the rules in each story. Some examples: in Inside Out, the bonding story is between a young girl and her emotions, in Ratatouille, the life or death action is a rat cooking in a French restaurant.
The effectiveness of Pixar in storytelling is that it leans into emotions and scenarios that are core to the human experience. They don’t shy away from topics that are meaningful and challenging.
Resources:
Full List of Topics Covered:
The origin of the book
Why Pixar’s stories matter and resonate
Pixar’s storytelling framework
Differences between Pixar’s framework and others (e.g. Joseph Campbell’s heroes journey)
Pixar’s process and craft
Multi-layered stories
Dean’s screenwriting journey and dream projects
Applying Pixar’s lessons to our lives
Hope you enjoy the conversation, feel free to share and let me know if anything resonates with you in the comments.
-Adam