Are you a movie buff? If you are, then you probably need no introduction to the quality of story-writing that goes on behind the scenes in every Pixar movie. The characters, plot, and the emotional quotient of the movies made at Pixar are a class apart. Undoubtedly, all you writers can learn a lot from Pixar movies. Here are some of the things that Pixar movies teach writers.
Simplest Things Become The Greatest Stories
One of the most important things that Pixar movies teach you as a writer is to never ignore the small things in life. Some of the most beautiful and soul stirring stories can be conjured up from the smallest of sources. Who would have ever thought that just a bunch of simple toys would have such amazing lives, and end up changing our lives forever? Toy story is an example of how a simple idea of toys having lives, which is not at all ground-breaking, could give us a story of friendship, love, loss, and hope. Such stories arising from “small” topics often touch the hearts of the readers.
More Than One Central Character
The general idea while writing a story is to have one main central character that the story revolves around. But, Pixar taught us that it is ok to have more than one such character. Buzz and Woody, Mike and Sully, or even Marlin and Nemo; all of these are some of the most memorable friendships in Pixar movies. If you use more than one main character in your story, there is much more scope to build upon. Your story does not necessarily need to have just one main character to give it a driving force. Relationship dynamics between the two central characters can become a major aspect of the story too. Such relationships between two or more central characters are often loved by the audience. So, if you want to add another central character to your current story, go ahead. Do not hesitate!
Happiness & Sadness Go Hand in Hand
Pixar movies are often a mixture of various emotions. Some scenes are filled with laughter and happiness, while some others are riddled with sadness and tears. It is the combination of these emotions that makes a story click. You, as a writer, must not be afraid to make sacrifices. This will make your readers more involved and invested in your stories. If you have seen the movie “UP”, or at least the first 5 minutes of it, I am sure you agree that it is one of the most tragic bits of storytelling you have ever seen. But, did this put you off as a viewer? No, it only made you love the movie even more. Similarly, your readers will love and adore your characters during the happy parts, and then they will shed a tear or two when the witness the sacrifices their beloved characters have to make. This roller coaster of emotions will make them love the story even more.
Secondary Characters
Secondary characters are often a very important part of storytelling, but are neglected. Pixar movies have shown us that the secondary characters can be an important part of the story too, in their own sweet way, if given the write screen time and attention. Just because the characters are not on the screen (or page) for a long time doesn’t mean the characters cannot be well-developed. If you write your secondary characters well, they can turn into memorable characters, loved by all your readers.
Image credit: Playing Futures: Applied Nomadology on flickr and reproduced under Creative Commons 2.0[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://writingtipsoasis.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/Pranay.jpg[/author_image][author_info]Pranay Kanagat is a freelance writer who has a love for writing on various subjects. In particular, he enjoys creative writing. He is also studying for an Engineering degree.[/author_info] [/author]