Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling

7 March 2013 — 279 Comments

Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling
These rules were originally tweeted by Emma Coats, Pixar’s Story Artist. Number 9 on the list - When you’re stuck, make a list of what wouldn’t happen next – is a great one and can apply to writers in all genres.

  1. You admire a character for trying more than for their successes.
  2. You gotta keep in mind what’s interesting to you as an audience, not what’s fun to do as a writer. They can be very different.
  3. Trying for theme is important, but you won’t see what the story is actually about til you’re at the end of it. Now rewrite.
  4. Once upon a time there was ___. Every day, ___. One day ___. Because of that, ___. Because of that, ___. Until finally ___.
  5. Simplify. Focus. Combine characters. Hop over detours. You’ll feel like you’re losing valuable stuff but it sets you free.
  6. What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?
  7. Come up with your ending before you figure out your middle. Seriously. Endings are hard, get yours working up front.
  8. Finish your story, let go even if it’s not perfect. In an ideal world you have both, but move on. Do better next time.
  9. When you’re stuck, make a list of what WOULDN’T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.
  10. Pull apart the stories you like. What you like in them is a part of you; you’ve got to recognize it before you can use it.
  11. Putting it on paper lets you start fixing it. If it stays in your head, a perfect idea, you’ll never share it with anyone.
  12. Discount the 1st thing that comes to mind. And the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th – get the obvious out of the way. Surprise yourself.
  13. Give your characters opinions. Passive/malleable might seem likable to you as you write, but it’s poison to the audience.
  14. Why must you tell THIS story? What’s the belief burning within you that your story feeds off of? That’s the heart of it.
  15. If you were your character, in this situation, how would you feel? Honesty lends credibility to unbelievable situations.
  16. What are the stakes? Give us reason to root for the character. What happens if they don’t succeed? Stack the odds against.
  17. No work is ever wasted. If it’s not working, let go and move on – it’ll come back around to be useful later.
  18. You have to know yourself: the difference between doing your best & fussing. Story is testing, not refining.
  19. Coincidences to get characters into trouble are great; coincidences to get them out of it are cheating.
  20. Exercise: take the building blocks of a movie you dislike. How d’you rearrange them into what you DO like?
  21. You gotta identify with your situation/characters, can’t just write ‘cool’. What would make YOU act that way?
  22. What’s the essence of your story? Most economical telling of it? If you know that, you can build out from there.

 

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279 responses to Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling

  1. Oluwayomi 23 April 2013 at 2:56 am

    Daniel my son and I love Pixar stories. Infact, I still love watching cartoons at 28. Nice post here.

    Reply
  2. Locksmith Conroe Texas 7 May 2013 at 2:02 pm

    When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get several
    emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove
    people from that service? Cheers!

    Reply
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    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. [...]
  127. Rules for storytelling - 18 March 2013

    [...] film ever made, which is really quite extraordinary, when you think about it. Here is a list of Pixar’s 22 rules of storytelling. Which one appeals [...]
  128. Posts recomendados (11-17 de Marzo) | Diego's Blog - 18 March 2013

    [...] Pixar’w 22 rules of Storytelling. 7 de Marzo por Aerogramme Writers’ [...]
  129. The New Yorker: The Problem with Processed Storytelling | EN302: Egypt & the Occidental Orient - 18 March 2013

    [...] all to see. Emma Coats, a former storyboard artist at Pixar, sent out a list of the company’s “22 Rules of Storytelling.” I confess, I thought there was just one—“whatever works”—though it’s no surprise to [...]
  130. Link Love – 2 | Insomnia Chronicles - 19 March 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling by Emma Coats — as a pastor & leader, I must continually work on my ability to tell stories (Jesus’ modeled this throughout His ministry) and this list is so GOOD! [...]
  131. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling | Krios ConsultingKrios Consulting - 19 March 2013

    [...] See on aerogrammestudio.com [...]
  132. Help – Jake B Sorensen - 19 March 2013

    [...] This was helpful today, [...]
  133. pixar storytelling | p a_la bra - 19 March 2013

    [...] pixar storytelling [...]
  134. Lyndsee Cordes - 19 March 2013

    [...] – Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling [...]
  135. pixar's 22 rules of storytelling annotated: 13 rules for creatives | The Improvised Life - 19 March 2013

    [...] the past several months, Pixar’s former story artist Emma Coates‘ 22 Rules of Good Storytelling has been flying around the web. Although we find it to be excellent advice for writers, we found [...]
  136. Pixar’s storytelling tips | St. Eutychus - 19 March 2013

    [...] Image Credit: Aerogramme Studio [...]
  137. [Dailies] Pixar's Rules, Open Sources' LED, Samsung's Head Tracking, 35mm's Premature Burial - Blog - FWD:labs - 20 March 2013

    [...] "Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling" by Emma Coates, Pixar’s Story Artist (via Aerogramme Studio)"#6. What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?" [...]
  138. [Dailies] Pixar's Rules, Open Source's LED, Samsung's Head Tracking, 35mm's Premature Burial - Blog - FWD:labs - 20 March 2013

    [...] "Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling" by Emma Coates, Pixar’s Story Artist (via Aerogramme Studio)"#6. What is your character good at, comfortable with? Throw the polar opposite at them. Challenge them. How do they deal?" [...]
  139. Telling the story | classzoom.com.au - 20 March 2013

    [...] http://aerogrammestudio.com/2013/03/07/pixars-22-rules-of-storytelling/ [...]
  140. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling | The Blog of Mark Bryce (SilentFullback/Tyrer Sorrel) & Friends - 20 March 2013

    [...] http://aerogrammestudio.com/2013/03/07/pixars-22-rules-of-storytelling/ [...]
  141. The Problem with Processed Storyboarding | SID'S GAME - 20 March 2013

    [...] all to see. Emma Coats, a former storyboard artist at Pixar, sent out a list of the company’s “22 Rules of Storytelling.” I confess, I thought there was just one—“whatever works”—though it’s no surprise to [...]
  142. Huki-Links: March 20, 2013 | Hawaii Book Blog - 20 March 2013

    [...] -Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. [Aerogramme Writer's Studio] [...]
  143. Pixar on Storytelling | Jake Huber - 21 March 2013

    [...] for Wall-E and Finding Nemo) and he shares what he knows about storytelling. And below is a list of 22 Rules of Storytelling that was originally tweeted by Pixar’s Story Artist, Emma Coats (@lawnrocket). And since Pixar [...]
  144. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling « Aerogramme Writers’ Studio | Claudia Author Scientist - 21 March 2013

    [...] via Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling « Aerogramme Writers’ Studio. [...]
  145. How To Be More Creative | The Creative Mind - 21 March 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling [...]
  146. The Story Spine: Pixar’s 4th Rule of Storytelling « Aerogramme Writers' Studio - 22 March 2013

    [...] the hashtag #storybasics. The list circulated the internet for months gaining the popular title ‘Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling’. We reposted this list two weeks ago and the response has been phenomenal with thousands of likes, [...]
  147. Making bold choices toward the unexpected | Everything You Like Is Stupid - 22 March 2013

    [...] heard it put this way other places, but that Pixar’s rules of storytelling list that’s been floating around the internet (and is worth checking out) puts it like this: [...]
  148. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling | James Russell Ament - 22 March 2013

    [...] Aerogramme Writers’ Studio: “These rules were originally tweeted by Emma Coats, Pixar’s Story Artist. Number 9 on the [...]
  149. Setting the Foundations: How to Start Writing a Novel (Part 2) | Ground Up Novel - 23 March 2013

    [...] the Pixar method, which I found on a Aerogramme Writer’s Studio post. It goes as follows: Once upon a time there was a______. Every day _______. Until one day [...]
  150. This Week in Social Media | Deetslist "Training" - 24 March 2013

    [...] Our role as communicators and marketers is primarily to be story tellers.  How do you improve those skills? You could start by following Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. [...]
  151. Animated Prose | Stuff My Sisters Will Like - 25 March 2013

    [...] Pixar’s tips for story writing. [...]
  152. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling « Aerogramme Writers’ Studio | MaxTB.com - 25 March 2013

    [...] posted in Uncategorized on 21/03/2013 by Max Tatton-Brown SHARE (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/tr_TR/all.js#xfbml=1"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs); }(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); Tweet !function(d, s, id) { var js,fjs=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];if(!d.getElementById(id)){js=d.createElement(s);js.id=id;js.src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js";fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js,fjs);} }(document, "script", "twitter-wjs"); (function() { var po = document.createElement('script'); po.type = 'text/javascript'; po.async = true; po.src = 'https://apis.google.com/js/plusone.js&#039;; var s = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; s.parentNode.insertBefore(po, s); })(); Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling « Aerogramme Writers' Studio: [...]
  153. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling | Michael Bradley - Time Traveler - 25 March 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling [...]
  154. 4 Secrets to Inspiring Philanthropy through Storytelling - Clairification - 25 March 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 rules of fundraising, by guest blogger Andrew Rogers.  He takes another post, 22 Rules of Storytelling by Pixar story artist Emma Coates, and picks out the rules he finds particularly adaptable for [...]
  155. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling | Aerogramme Writers’ Studio | intelligent countess' scripts - 26 March 2013

    [...] http://aerogrammestudio.com/2013/03/07/pixars-22-rules-of-storytelling/ [...]
  156. Developing A New HR Talent | HR Examiner - 27 March 2013

    [...] those that prefer a more organized approach, there are various story-building models, Pixar’s “rule book” or this checklist on how to developing a story.  Remember that alignment is critical.  What [...]
  157. 17 Links I Loved To Pieces | Jenny Hansen's Blog - 27 March 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling – I heart this post! [...]
  158. 10 articles for a happy startup | Dumper - 27 March 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 rules of storytelling Primarily written for writers, but we think these questions parallel with business and startups. [...]
  159. Pixar, King of Stories | Andrew - 27 March 2013

    [...] was so pleased to see this article floating around my facebook newsfeed the other day.  Emma Coats, a “Story Artist” [...]
  160. Nonprofit Storytelling | Social Change Consulting - 28 March 2013

    [...] is a fantastic article making the rounds this week capturing the best storytelling advice from Pixar’s Story Artist, Emma Coats. Below are some of her best pieces of wisdom and how they can relate to the storyteller [...]
  161. Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling - PHILOSBOOKS | PHILOSBOOKS - 30 March 2013

    [...] I am tucking this list of Pixar’s "22 Rules of Storytelling" into my writer’s toolbox to pull out when I am working on my writing for Kindle. I can readily pick up some new ideas by quickly scanning the list, and referring back to these rules could truly get you out of some stuck-in-the-mud storylines. I’m fondly recalling Pixar’s Movie, "Up". If they used these rules in writing the love story of Carl and Ellie, then these rules would also work great for romance stories written for Kindle. Their beautiful story in the movie is the shortest, most eloquent and touching love story I think I have ever seen. Although it was between two digitally created characters, every time I watch it, I sob like a baby. Pixar knows of which they speak. This one is a keeper. ***This review was written by Penelope Silvers for her curated content on "Writing for Kindle"*** Link to the original article: http://aerogrammestudio.com/2013/03/07/pixars-22-rules-of-storytelling/ [...]
  162. How To Be More Creative - Part 2 | The Creative Mind - 30 March 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling [...]
  163. Around the Web in 31 Days — March ’13 « This Muse is Taken - 1 April 2013

    [...] methods from some of the best: Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling & Joss Whedon’s Top 10 Writing [...]
  164. Pixar’s 22 rules of storytelling | Joy V. Smith - 1 April 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 rules of storytelling: http://aerogrammestudio.com/2013/03/07/pixars-22-rules-of-storytelling/ [...]
  165. Internet Field Trip, April 2013 - 2 April 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling [...]
  166. Web Designer = Storyteller | ColorTurtle - 2 April 2013

    [...] of buzz around story telling among the UX community.  From personal convictions to Pixar’s guidelines… so many people are talking about the importance of crafting a good story and using it well. [...]
  167. » Story rules. The Advertising Companion by David Fowler - 3 April 2013

    [...] is limiting.  But if you do choose to tell a story that also happens to be an ad, take a look at Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling.  They’re great rules for structuring a tale, be it crass commercialism (an ad) or your [...]
  168. Too much, not enough and what’s in between « Corine In Production - 4 April 2013

    [...] but when does surfing the net stop being useful? If I didn’t surf, I wouldn’t have found Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling or the Orphan Black session. I need to find more scripts to read so I can better understand the [...]
  169. Zero Budget Film Making by Lady Jade Summers of the Airship Vindus | STEAMED! - 4 April 2013

    [...] You’ll be swimming in a sea of well-meaning advice from friends and family, too. Things like Pixar’s 22 Rules of Writing  make the rounds when you’re not even looking for them. I won’t go much into the finer [...]
  170. Late Night Writing Tips | tracycembor - 6 April 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling - Sorry, you’ll have to check that list out yourself.  That’s a bit too much for me to fit in here. [...]
  171. The Big List of Websites for Authors | Mike Spinak - 7 April 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling [...]
  172. Resources we’ve bookmarked recently - 12 April 2013

    [...] profile of Stumptown Coffee Roasters (video): A great example of a promotional video. It follows Pixar’s Rule #1: “You admire a character for trying more than for their [...]
  173. THE LATEST - TOM CRUISE, PIXAR AND ROGER EBERT - 4/11/13 | The Movie Guys - 12 April 2013

    [...] to bring you articles from the Pixar world. This is good stuff for any writer, filmmaker or artist: PIXAR’S 22 RULES OF STORYTELLING [...]
  174. [Link] 22 regras do Storytelling pela Pixar - 15 April 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. [...]
  175. Solving a problem - 18 April 2013

    [...] published a list of 22 top tips for storytelling. There are some great ideas in there (check it out here, though it’s been widely reported and reblogged, so is available in a variety of places). [...]
  176. For Writers: There Is No “One Best” Writing Checklist | Sexuality & Love in the Arts - 24 April 2013

    [...] http://aerogrammestudio.com/2013/03/07/pixars-22-rules-of-storytelling/ [...]
  177. Largely Literary Linkage: VIDA, transparency, Hamlet, and ereaders | Nico Mara-McKay - 25 April 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 rules of storytelling. [...]
  178. Baji Group » Daily Inspiration, 4.24.13 - 26 April 2013

    [...] “When you’re stuck, make a list of what WOULDN’T happen next. Lots of times the material to get you unstuck will show up.” From, “Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling” [...]
  179. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling ← Carlos Arraes - 26 April 2013

    [...] Tweeted by Emma Coats, Pixar’s Story Artist. Saw on Aerogramme Writers’ Studio. [...]
  180. What is This About? | NotionsCapital - 26 April 2013

    [...] “Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling,” Emma Coates via Aerogramme Writers’ Studio [...]
  181. 延伸皮克斯說故事的訣竅至設計經驗 : ALPHA Camp - 30 April 2013

    [...] 皮克斯是一家常賦予我們靈感的創意組織，Aerogramme的作者工作室最近整理了 Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling 的清單(list)，而這清單內容最早是由皮克斯理的一位故事藝術家─ Emma Coats所提出。 [...]
  182. This Week in Social Media | Tech. - 2 May 2013

    [...] Our role as communicators and marketers is primarily to be story tellers.  How do you improve those skills? You could start by following Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling. [...]
  183. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling - 3 May 2013

    [...] found this interesting list of 22 rules of storytelling tweeted by a former Pixar story artist, Emma Coates. If you’re stuck in your writing, these [...]
  184. Improve your Social Media with Storytelling - Social Media Contractors blog - 4 May 2013

    [...] say that about?) Recently, their former story artist (Twitter.com/lawnrocket) tweeted out a list of their 22 rules for storytelling, and they are [...]
  185. 5 Tips On Storytelling From Your Favorite Disney Movies | Barcinno - 8 May 2013

    [...] success of a blog like Pixar’s 22 rules of storytelling  is an example of how we want to get a better grasp on this creative tool.  Not only for writing [...]
  186. What’s the lesson in your narrative? — Kare Anderson | Curtis Narimatsu - 10 May 2013

    [...] week we posted Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling, a list of 22 golden tips first tweeted by Pixar Story Artist Emma Coats.The article [...]
  187. Brain Food | Daniel Zettl - 11 May 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling [...]
  188. Linkubator Sunday Roundup | Week of May 6 – 12 | Library as Incubator Project - 13 May 2013

    [...] Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling – perfect for breaking writer’s block. [...]
  189. Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling | Theresa Pham - 13 May 2013

    [...] Reblogged from Aerogramme Writers’ Studio: [...]
  190. Extending Pixar’s Rules of Storytelling to Experience Design | Nuixen Technology - 13 May 2013

    [...] often draw inspiration from. Aerogramme Writers’ Studio recently captured a list of Pixar’s 22 Rules of Storytelling, a list originally tweeted by Emma Coats, Pixar’s Story [...]
  191. Pixar’s 22 rules for storytelling | suvice - 16 May 2013

    [...] learn how to write a story? Take 22 pointers from the masters at Pixar. Found on Aerogramme Writers’ Studio, and originally tweeted by Emma Coats, a former story [...]
  192. Pixar's 22 Rules of Storytelling | Writing &amp... - 17 May 2013

    [...] These rules were originally tweeted by Emma Coats, Pixar's Story Artist. Number 9 on the list – When you’re stuck, make a list of what wouldn't happen next – is a great one and can apply to writers…  [...]

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