Pixar Storytelling

PIXAR STORYTELLING is the first book to offer an in-depth analysis of the screenwriting techniques and patterns that make Pixar’s immensely popular classic films so successful and moving. Each chapter of the book explores an aspect of storytelling that Pixar excels at. what do Pixar’s story ideas all have in common? How do they create such compelling, memorable characters? What makes their films’ resolutions so emotionally satisfying?

First released in October 2015, the book has sold over 35,000 copies without any marketing or PR. It has over 800 organic ratings on Amazon with a 4.6 star average, and is nearly always among the top 3 Kindle books about animation—usually among the top 20 Kindle screenwriting books overall. PIXAR STORYTELLING is taught on campuses worldwide, from Norway to Argentina, to Northwestern’s Qatar extension, and is cited in works and books from Finland to the US to Russia. It has been translated into Vietnamese, Russian, Hebrew and Korean.

You can purchase PIXAR STORYTELLING on Amazon, Ingram spark, or contact me for a direct order.

What people are saying about PIXAR STORYTELLING

  • “'Pixar Storytelling” is one of my favorite screenwriting books. It’s not specific to animation. All screenwriters can benefit from reading it. It breaks down storytelling techniques and principles using Pixar films. So helpful.”

    — Kirk A. Moore (Writer/Producer: JACK RYAN, 13 REASONS WHY)

  • This [Pixar Storytelling] should be in every writer / director / storyteller's library TBH."

    Travon Free, Academy Award Winning Writer and Director

  • “A great textbook that teaches you what Pixar’s core story ideas all have in common and examines their character development process, unique, intricate story structure and use of theme, all of which are key to the studio’s storytelling achievements.”

    — The Animation Bibles (Animataurus)

  • “The book is a fun, useful read. At just 122 pages, you can digest the whole thing in a weekend and be ready on Monday to bring some new life to your latest script. One of the benefits of examining script techniques through a specific set of films is that the lessons all become immediately applicable. Dean has an example for virtually every point he makes, so if you’ve seen even half of Pixar’s movies, you’ll be able to get the most possible out of this book.”

    — LA Screenwriter

  • “No studio in history has cranked out as many hits in a row as Pixar that not only succeeded with global audiences but also with typically irascible film critics. This book spells out their formula in language even we marketers can understand!”

    —9 Resources for Brand Storytellers (Renegade)

  • “The last one on this list is undoubtedly Pixar Storytelling which gives you an effective set of rules for excellent storytelling based on Pixar’s greatest films. This book divided into 10 chapters gives the aspiring author an insight into the common core of Pixar’s works—story ideas, creation of a conflict that is both moving and gripping and the ultimate resolution that comes about fulfilling the emotional needs of the readers and viewers.”

    —7 Books You Must Read To Become An Author (Twenty19)