The Power of Storytelling

Tune in for a quick introduction to Pixar's storytelling process. After watching the video, ask yourself: Why is it important for a story to be more than just monsters and explosions? How does the director of Monsters, Inc. (2001) tell a story that other people can relate to? If you were going to tell a story from your life, what would it be?

Every great movie starts with a great script. It's where the story you'll see on the big screen is written out, including notes about what the characters are doing, where they're doing it, and what's happening around them. See how it works in this video, which shows the script behind a scene from the movie Zootopia.

Watch the preview for Pixar's Coco (2017). After watching, jot in a journal or on a scrap paper: How does the clip tell a relatable story in just a few minutes?

Here's one more to check out: the Oscar-winning short film Hair Love (2019). When you're done, reflect on the emotions evoked in the film: What emotions does the main character reveal? Have you ever felt this way before? When?

Shhhh, here's Pixar's secret formula for making perfect films.

It takes more than a good story to make a great movie. What else do you need? Find out in this article from Wonderopolis.

Think of an especially vivid memory—the kind of memory that comes easily to you. Maybe this was a defining moment in your life, or something that makes you who you are today. Why do you think you remember this so well? How did you feel at the time? Try connecting one or more emotions to this memory.

Now let's get your memory out of your head. Express your memory in whatever way works best for you. For example, you could:

1. Share your memory out loud with someone you know, like a sibling or parent.
Can you make them feel the emotion you felt in that moment? If you have a voice memo function on your phone or tablet, record yourself verbally expressing this memory.

2. Write your memory in less than a page.
If you turned your memory into a script, what would it look like? Who are the characters? What are they saying and doing?

3. Visualize your memory in a drawing.
How do the emotions come out visually, through the lines, shapes, and colors you draw?

It's time to make your storyboard! Check out the storyboard from Lilo and Stitch (2002) as an example.

When you're ready, take a blank piece of paper and draw 6 squares. (Here's an example.)

Sketch out one important scene from your memory in each square. At the bottom of each box, write in any important details describing each scene. Remember, it doesn't have to look perfect—even stick figures are fine. Focus on the story!

Bring it all to life by adding some color to your illustrations.

Take a walk with your sibling or a family member today. With an adult's permission and supervision, take your phone with you and film the walk as you go. As you walk, talk about your personal story—your "story of self."

- How did you become the person you are today?

- What people and experiences have shaped you?

- What about your walking buddy: How have they influenced your life?

Observe your neighborhood as you're walking, and ask yourself what kinds of stories you see around you.