cranky at 2013-12-04 19:29:04:
Not to be a naysayer, but here is a rebuttal (or rather a clarification) of Pixar's 22 rules for storytelling, with citations from the late, great pixar story man Joe Ranft. http://www.gamechangers.com/?p=3892
Traci Nell Peterson at 2013-12-04 20:48:17:
Wow, Stephan! You just scored some MAJOR karma points/blessings/good thoughts/eternal gratitude--take your pick! Thank you, thank you!
Matt Sinclair at 2013-12-04 21:06:02:
This, no doubt, is DYNAMITE! Thanks very much!
Stephan Vladimir Bugaj at 2013-12-04 22:46:06:
I'd recommend naysayers actually read the book. It's also intended to be a clarification of, as well as an expansion upon, the original list. In fact, the first clarification appears in the full title: Pixar's 22 Rules of Story (that aren't really Pixar's) Analyzed Many if not all of the points Gamechangers makes are in the book (which is a edited collection of blog posts I started writing last year, and started posting in March). The book disavows the rules as being Pixar's, rigid, or complete -- but good concepts nonetheless. Then it goes into more depth about how to think about the so-called rules, and apply them in ways that are helpful without being rigid or misleading.
Scott at 2013-12-04 22:48:04:
cranky, thanks so much for that piece on Joe Ranft. I agree wholeheartedly witness one of my 30 Things About Screenwriting: There are no screenwriting rules. Coats' aggregation was "story basics." If you read Stephan's ebook, while he says "rule," the spirit of his observations are very much open-ended, take what some might try to use literally and widen them out into a more metaphorical usage. At least that's my take. I encourage everyone following this thread to read the post on Ranft, not only to learn about Rule #23, but also about a talented creative whose life was cut short way too soon.
Stephan Vladimir Bugaj at 2013-12-04 22:48:32:
Everyone who reads and learns from the book: you are very welcome. If you like the book, you may want to check out my blog at www.bugaj.com for other thoughts about screenwriting, filmmaking in general, and other arts.
Stephan Vladimir Bugaj at 2013-12-04 22:52:56:
Definitely read Mike's post, and everything else you can find by or about Joe Ranft. He was a great story mind, and a wonderful human being.
Scott at 2013-12-05 00:07:21:
Stephan, I've added your site to my blogroll.
Stephan Vladimir Bugaj at 2013-12-05 00:35:22:
Scott, Thank you for the add, and for the article.
Aarthi Ramanathan at 2013-12-05 05:41:37:
Love this! And not just for pixarphiles like myself! Aah and it's free! Thanks Stephan and Scott! Can't wait to dig into it!
cranky at 2013-12-05 12:17:54:
I don't mean to discount the value of what you have contributed with your very thoughtful analysis. As Mike points out, however, it is often seducing to try and force creativity into an easy to define set of acceptable criteria, and that can be a frustrating thing. I also want to point out that I am consistently impressed by Pixar's continued dedication to delivering charming and emotionally resonant stories at the highest artistic standards.
Despina at 2013-12-05 13:36:52:
Fuck yeah! Just what I need... more distractions ;) Thanks so much for sharing!
Despina at 2013-12-05 13:38:35:
Lord help me... another blog to obsess over. Gah!
Steve Enloe at 2013-12-06 10:13:25:
This is wonderful stuff. Thanks Stefan and Scott!
simon at 2013-12-06 13:54:57:
Guys - thanks - that is a seriously useful insight. (BTW - there's a common typo error in Rule 4 - in case it matters).
Page 2: Breaking Bad, Bill Murray, Star Wars, Dumbo, Sherlock, Pacific Rim, He-man | Filmdot at 2013-12-06 16:09:38:
[…] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Story, Analyzed as a PDF eBook […]
Mark Walker at 2013-12-06 18:08:00:
Great stuff, thanks to Stephan and Scott for posting.....who doesn't adore Pixar? Looking forward to reading.
Page 2: Breaking Bad, Bill Murray, Star Wars, Dumbo, Sherlock, Pacific Rim, He-man | Music Movie Magic at 2013-12-06 23:00:50:
[…] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Story, Analyzed as a PDF eBook […]
14Shari at 2014-01-28 16:42:54:
The link to the pdf doesn't work.