What are the clues to a great story?

Filmmaker Andrew Stanton shares his insights on the art of storytelling. Drawing from his experience in creating successful animations like ‘Toy Story’ and ‘WALL-E’, Stanton delves into the elements that make a story resonate with audiences.

The essence of storytelling

Storytelling is akin to joke telling, where a punchline confirms a truth about human nature.

It affirms our identities, gives meaning to our lives, and fosters connections with others.

A well-crafted promise at the start can captivate the audience and propel the narrative forward.

The power of silent storytelling

Storytelling without dialogue is the purest form of cinematic storytelling.

It challenges the audience to work for their meal, actively engaging them in piecing together the narrative.

This interactive aspect enhances their connection to the story.

Character construction in storytelling

Characters with a clear, driving goal or an inner motor make for compelling narratives.

These characters, even if selfish, become likable when they exhibit qualities like kindness, generosity, humor, and consideration under certain conditions.