The Storypowers Podcast
Tell Stories Like Pixar with Kenn Adams
Feb 27, 2023
Kenn Adams, Artistic Director of Synergy Theater and author of 'How to Improvise a Full-Length Play,' joins the discussion on the magic behind Pixar's storytelling. He dives into the evolution of the 'story spine,' a framework that enriches narratives while preserving authenticity. Kenn analyzes character development by using 'Romeo and Juliet' as a lens. He also shares insights on starting stories with climactic moments, explores the wonders of improv for creativity, and discusses the nuances of online friendships. Get ready for a storytelling masterclass!
01:01:49
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Quick takeaways
- Kenn Adams introduces the story spine, a narrative structure that simplifies the elements of compelling storytelling for better engagement.
- The podcast emphasizes that storytelling thrives on collaboration, allowing performers to build creativity and respond spontaneously to new ideas.
Deep dives
The Invention of the Story Spine
Ken Adams discusses the creation of the story spine, a narrative structure essential for storytelling, that he invented in the early 1990s while working with Freestyle Repertory Theater in New York City. This structure, which begins with 'Once upon a time' and follows through various narrative beats to 'Until finally,' condenses the essential elements of a compelling story. Adams emphasizes that while he didn't invent the concept of story structure, the story spine serves as a simplified guide that identifies how successful stories transition through their beginning, middle, and end. This structure ultimately gained enormous recognition as the 'Pixar pitch' when it made its way to Pixar through other improvisers who learned it from Adams.
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