Social Entrepreneurship: PIXAR Storytelling Rules

pixar in a box:    <click here>

Exercise 1: Expressing memories

Part A: Think of a memory that your remember vividly. It should be a memory that comes easily to you.

Part B: Why do you think you remember this so well? Try connecting one or more emotions to this memory.

Part C: Now try and express your memory and emotion in some way. The goal is to get it out of your head. Here are some ideas for what you could do.

• Verbally: Tell your memory to someone that you know. Can you make them feel the emotion?
• Written: Write your memory in less than a page. Do the emotions come out in your words?
• Visually: Express your memory using only lines and shapes. Do the emotions come out in your drawings? example

Exercise 2: Your three favorite films

Part A: Identify the three films that you would take to a deserted island....

Part B: Why do you think you connected with these stories? Come up with at least one reason for each.

Part C: What, if anything, do these three films have in common? How are they different?

Exercise 3: What if...

Part A: Return to your 3 favorite films and try reframing each of them in terms of a "what if" statement. Share these with someone (written or verbally) and see if they can guess what movie it is from!

Part B: Now it's your turn. Come up with 3-5 of your own “what if” ideas.

Exercise 4: Characters & Worlds

Part A: Return to your 3 films. Identify the worlds and characters in each. Write these down.

• Who are the main characters?
• Is there a character you identify with most?
• Where does the movie take place? Is it one world or multiple worlds?

Part B: Try mixing a character and world from different movies. Try this a few times and see what happens.

Part C: Return to your three "what if" statements from the previous exercises. Pick your favorite one. Can you imagine a possible character and world?

Part D: (optional) Draw or write about what life would be like in this world.