As part of the ongoing [the films of] series, Kees van Dijkhuizen released a super cut of Pixar and it’s captivating.

If I mention Pixar what do you think of? It is their story capability, their business savvy or their critical acclaim?

Pixar is an easy example of a group that understands the concept and execution of story. The realism that they can bring to fanciful characters and the ability to evoke emotions from an audience more than any other studio.

Their savvy as a studio is of serious note when you think that they’ve made more money with fewer films than any other studio in the history of film.

With over 40 Oscar nominations and nearly a dozen wins on their feature films, their critical acclaim is nothing to balk at either. So what’s the secret to balancing a formula with great artistic creativity? It’s part art and part science and it depends on who’s in the mix every time. A project being helmed by John Lasseter is going to look and feel slightly different than when it’s being helmed by Andrew Stanton or Brett Bird. The science or principles of story are broad strokes and the art is in the fine details.

So how do they score so consistently?

They Focus
Instead of trying to release several films a year like some other studios they focus on one. Doing one thing well tells me more than several decent things. That’s not to say that what some of the other studios are doing is bad, it’s not. What’s the enemy of the best? It’s not the bad – it’s the good.

They Risk
Pixar has a distinct culture, in part because they aren’t in Southern California. They’re sequestered away with the rest of silicon valley. This didn’t happen overnight. Their culture has been cultivated over 20 years by constantly asking what works and improving on their systems. Remember Pixar was on the ropes for many years before Toy Story’s success. They know what it’s like to win Oscars and still be sweating the electric bill. The entrepreneurial spirit is part of their DNA and they aren’t afraid to take risks. Explain the story of Wall-E in a few sentences and mention that their’s no dialog for the first 40 minutes but instead we’ll be drawn into the emotions of the characters solitude. I’ve been in pitch meetings and I can’t imagine that working. It’s so risky. Pixar made a bold move and we love them for it.

They Lead
I can’t tell you how many times I’m seeing their story experts leading a seminar or workshop (and on occasion, I’ve attended). I think I receive an email about it at least once a month. I couldn’t tell you the last time I got an invite from another studio hailing their story experts.

They Innovate
When was the last time you were looking forward to a short in front of a movie? I bet it was before a Pixar movie. What started as a way to test out new technology for their films has become an added bonus for us as viewers. R&D is going to happen for every company but how many have turned that into something with added value for their customers/their tribe? Below is a behind the scenes look at the short Night & Day.

So How do you get started telling a better story about your company or your organization? Sign up for the Portnoy Media Group email list and I’ll give you the introduction and first chapter to my new book ahead of the release date – It comes out in the next few weeks!

PS. A day in the life of John Lasseter

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