A Spark Story

A_Spark_Story_Poster

A Spark Story

A Spark Story is a 2021 documentary film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Jason Sterman and Leanne Dare. The film provides an in-depth look at the creative process behind the development of Pixar's animated short films, specifically focusing on the SparkShorts program.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the lives and work of two Pixar directors, Aphton Corbin and Louis Gonzales, as they develop their respective SparkShorts projects. The SparkShorts program is an initiative by Pixar to discover new storytellers, explore new storytelling techniques, and experiment with new production workflows.

Production[edit | edit source]

A Spark Story was produced by Pixar Animation Studios in collaboration with Supper Club, a production company known for its documentary work. The film was released on Disney+ on September 24, 2021.

Featured Directors[edit | edit source]

Aphton Corbin[edit | edit source]

Aphton Corbin is a director and story artist at Pixar. In A Spark Story, she is shown working on her short film, "Twenty Something," which explores themes of adulthood and self-discovery.

Louis Gonzales[edit | edit source]

Louis Gonzales is another director featured in the documentary. He is seen developing his short film, "Nona," which tells the story of a grandmother who finds herself torn between her love for professional wrestling and her responsibilities as a caretaker.

SparkShorts Program[edit | edit source]

The SparkShorts program was launched by Pixar in 2019 as a way to give more opportunities to diverse voices within the studio. The program allows employees to pitch their ideas and, if selected, direct their own short films with a limited budget and a tight production schedule.

Release and Reception[edit | edit source]

A Spark Story was well-received by audiences and critics alike for its insightful look into the creative process at Pixar. The documentary highlights the challenges and triumphs of bringing new and innovative stories to life.