SparkShorts

PixarSparkShortsLogo

SparkShorts is a series of animated short films produced by Pixar Animation Studios. The series is part of an experimental storytelling initiative that allows Pixar employees to create their own short films. The program aims to discover new storytellers, explore new storytelling techniques, and experiment with new production workflows.

Overview[edit | edit source]

The SparkShorts program was announced by Pixar in 2018. The initiative provides a platform for Pixar employees to pitch their ideas and, if selected, direct their own short films. Each project is given a limited budget and a six-month production timeline. The goal is to encourage innovation and creativity within the studio, allowing for a diverse range of voices and stories to be heard.

Release[edit | edit source]

The first three SparkShorts—Purl, Smash and Grab, and Kitbull—were released on YouTube in early 2019. Subsequent shorts have been released on the Disney+ streaming service.

Notable Shorts[edit | edit source]

Purl - Directed by Kristen Lester, this short film tells the story of an enthusiastic ball of yarn named Purl who starts a new job at a fast-paced, male-dominated company.
Smash and Grab - Directed by Brian Larsen, this short follows two antiquated robots who risk everything for freedom after years of toiling away inside the engine room of a towering locomotive.
Kitbull - Directed by Rosana Sullivan, this short film is about an unlikely connection between a fiercely independent stray kitten and a pit bull.

Production[edit | edit source]

The SparkShorts program is designed to be a more flexible and experimental approach to filmmaking compared to Pixar's feature-length films. The limited budget and time constraints encourage filmmakers to think creatively and find innovative solutions to production challenges. This approach allows for a wide variety of animation styles and storytelling techniques to be explored.

Impact[edit | edit source]

SparkShorts has been praised for its diversity and inclusivity, both in terms of the stories being told and the filmmakers behind them. The program has provided opportunities for new voices within Pixar to be heard and has resulted in a number of critically acclaimed short films.