What are the clues to a great story?

Filmmaker Andrew Stanton shares his insights on the art of storytelling. Drawing from his experience in creating successful animations like ‘Toy Story’ and ‘WALL-E’, Stanton delves into the elements that make a story resonate with audiences.

Challenging established norms can lead to better storytelling.

Pixar’s approach of moving away from traditional elements like songs, ‘I want’ moments, happy villages, love stories, and villains has proven this.

A strong theme acts as a constant guideline and roadmap for the narrative.

It provides a coherent framework that ties together the various elements of the story.

Wonder is an integral part of storytelling.

This honest and innocent feeling can’t be artificially evoked.

It reaches people on a deep, cellular level and compels them to pass it on.

A well-told promise is like a pebble being pulled back in a slingshot and propels you forward through the story to the end. – Andrew Stanton

Personal experiences and truths are valuable sources of inspiration for storytelling.

Drawing from what you know and expressing your core values can create powerful narratives.

A well-told promise at the beginning of a story can engage the audience’s attention and propel them forward.

It’s like a pebble being pulled back in a slingshot that propels you forward through the story to the end.

Stories provide affirmations that our lives have meaning.

The connection formed through stories serves as a powerful affirmation of our existence.

The first lesson in storytelling is to use what you know.

Drawing from personal experiences to create meaningful stories can lead to narratives that resonate with audiences.

We all want affirmations that our lives have meaning. And nothing does a greater affirmation than when we connect through stories. – Andrew Stanton

The best stories are those that infuse wonder.

This element, which can’t be artificially evoked, reaches people on a deep, cellular level and compels them to pass it on.