Pixar in a Box: the art of storytelling

Re:Pixar in a Box: the art of storytelling by onion2k on Wednesday February 17, 2021 @08:27AM (#26166027)

Pixar does this iteration using a technique called "plussing". When you see someone's work you accept it regardless of whether you think it's good. You're encouraged to do what you can to make your colleagues look good. Work is always a starting point for the next iteration. When you do need to be critical of something you should always add something about how to make it better.

There's a good video on YT about it - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhXJe8ANws8

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pixar in a Box: the art of storytelling by NortySpock on Wednesday February 17, 2021 @11:40AM (#26168344)

Sounds similar to the improv skit mantra of "Yes, and...", where any improvisation ("and then I found the cat on the shelf!") must be accepted and built on.

(e.g. "Oh BooBoo, how did you get on the shelf you silly cat?")

If an actor instead said "No, the cat wasn't on the shelf, the cat wasn't even in the room" the skit ends awkwardly.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pixar in a Box: the art of storytelling by whatshisface on Wednesday February 17, 2021 @02:09PM (#26170208)

"Yes, and next let's change everything."

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pixar in a Box: the art of storytelling by josephg on Wednesday February 17, 2021 @04:53PM (#26172303)

“Yes and” doesn’t always mean literally saying yes. It’s about accepting the premise, not the proposal. The way it was taught to me, if you offer me a live hand grenade, I can accept the premise by saying “oh god he’s got a bomb!”, even though I’m saying no to the concrete offer to take your hand grenade.

“Let’s change everything” - depending on context - can be a no to the premise. It’s the same as the Pixar idea - improv is about making your scene partners look good by supporting their choices, and building on them in turn.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pixar in a Box: the art of storytelling by Taylor_OD on Wednesday February 17, 2021 @11:17AM (#26168062)

This skill, or at least the ability to consider pulsing, is so valuable. A lot of things in life are not good. Even more are just okay. Very few are good and almost none are perfect or great.

Having the ability to be in a situation or see something that is just okay and go, "Okay well it's not perfect but that is okay. Can I make it a little better?" is really helpful. It also makes life a lot less frustrating.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pixar in a Box: the art of storytelling by jtr1 on Wednesday February 17, 2021 @12:32PM (#26168981)

Agreed. I'd almost go so far as to say that it's an essential tool for aggregating intelligence. Sifting for and refining ideas just strikes me as so much more efficient than attacking and defending them.

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pixar in a Box: the art of storytelling by bennysonething on Wednesday February 17, 2021 @01:10PM (#26169522)

Yep, it's pretty much the key to be able to work with people

[ Parent | on HN ]

Re:Pixar in a Box: the art of storytelling by lostsoul8282 on Wednesday February 17, 2021 @10:10AM (#26167131)

This single comment sent me on a hour long search of Randy Nelson and the interesting world of story telling from writters at pixar and disney.

[ Parent | on HN ]