If you are anything like me, you have watched every Pixar movie approximately ten times each. I absolutely love Pixar movies, because they relate to every demographic. Whether you are a kid, a parent, or a 20-year-old, you personally identify with at least one aspect in each film. How do the creators of Pixar make such relatable plots and characters?
I recently watched a video from the writer of Monster's Inc., Pete Docter. He explained the process and importance of storytelling in regards to both movies and life in general.
"To make a movie here at Pixar takes YEARS, but it all starts with a story."
Stories have the ability to connect with people on an emotional level. This more personal connection elevates the overall plot of movies. When the connection is strong, viewers feel like they are in the movie with the characters. They are able to better understand each character and rationalize their actions, and even root for them throughout the movie. Instead of simply watching a screen, you are living with the characters.
Creating such relatable, yet entertaining stories can be difficult. In his workshop, Pete Docter explains how to do so using his writing process for Monster's Inc. The key is to include aspects of your own life, such as your experiences and emotions. His initial pitch for Monster's Inc. was simple-- Monsters who scare children for a living. While everybody chuckled at this idea, they could not envision how the idea could become a successful movie. Docter went back to the drawing board and decided to put elements of his life into the pitch. He used his experiences as a new father to create more well-rounded characters. After doing so, people really began to identify with his story.
You do not have to work at Pixar to tell your story. Storytelling can be done in numerous ways, such as through journaling, acting, singing, painting, etc. How will you tell your story?
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