The Pixar Pitch formula for storytelling

Photo credits: Pixar Studios

These are some of the highest-grossing movies of all time—all produced by Pixar, owned by Disney Studios.

Pixar, which specializes in animated movies, has produced more than 23 feature films, all blockbusters. These films won more than 26 Oscars and have raked in more than $3 billion in revenue. 

What makes Pixar films popular is not just the jaw-dropping visuals, but also their riveting and relatable stories.

Yet, these stories all follow a simple formula. 

Daniel Pink, author of To Sell is Human, reveals this formula in his trainings about persuasion. Why? Because, as the saying goes, “Information tells, but stories sell.”

The Pixar formula applies to non-fiction business books as well. For your ideal audience, your book takes them on a journey from business pain to business pleasure. It also shares your journey to becoming an expert on your topic. The journey just happens to be about business.

Here’s the Pixar Pitch formula:

1. Once upon a time…
2. Every day…
3. One day…
4. Because of that…
5. Because of that…
6. Until finally…

Think about it. Every Disney movie follows this formula. Every great story shares this journey.

Why does the formula work? Because in fact, it is the journey of life that we all experience, in myriad ways and myriad circumstances.

Your book—whether business, memoir or fiction—shares this story in one way or another.

Ready to talk about your book?

The structure may be a formula, but your story is not. Our templated book structure allows you to express yourself in the most original, elegant and compelling way—so you stand out with credibility and inspiration.

Let’s explore.