Ep 1. Inspired: Kemp Powers, Writing Something Real

Inside: Pixar takes viewers behind the scenes of the renowned animation studio, exploring the creative process and the people who bring Pixar's stories to life. The first episode of season 1, entitled "Inspired: Kemp Powers, Writing Something Real," follows writer and co-director Kemp Powers as he discusses his approach to writing and creating authentic, relatable characters.

Powers, who has worked on films such as Soul and One Night in Miami, discusses his background and how it has influenced his writing. He shares personal stories of his experiences growing up in Brooklyn and how they have informed the characters and themes in his work. Through interviews with Powers and his colleagues at Pixar, viewers gain insights into the collaborative process of filmmaking and the role of research and personal experience in creating compelling stories.

One of the key insights of the episode is how Powers approaches writing characters that feel real and authentic. He highlights the importance of research and listening to real-world experiences to create characters that are multidimensional and empathetic. Powers also shares how he works collaboratively with other artists and animators at Pixar to bring his characters to life on screen, discussing the process of refining and iterating on character designs and animation.

Throughout the episode, viewers get a glimpse into the Pixar studio and its unique creative culture. Powers and other animators and artists discuss the studio's commitment to storytelling and the level of detail and care that goes into every aspect of a Pixar film, from the script to the animation to the music. They also share some of the challenges they face in bringing their stories to life, such as finding the right voice actors and dealing with unexpected creative changes during production.

But above all, this episode is a celebration of the power of storytelling and the importance of empathy and human connection – themes that are central to many Pixar films. Powers shares how he hopes his work can inspire audiences to connect with each other and with themselves, and how the collaborative process at Pixar allows him and his colleagues to create films that have a positive impact on viewers.

Overall, "Inspired: Kemp Powers, Writing Something Real" is a fascinating and insightful look into the creative process at Pixar, highlighting the role of research, collaboration, and personal experience in creating compelling stories and characters. Anyone interested in storytelling, animation, or filmmaking will find this episode both educational and inspiring.