How Collaboration, Intuition, and Staying True to Your Ideals Can Redefine Your Path

A few years ago, I read Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration and I got to know some stories behind the creation of Pixar and its movies.

In the world of creativity, stories often begin rough, abrasive, and far from the polished narratives we come to love. Such was the case with Pixar’s Toy Story and its early conception of Woody, a character who initially embodied cruelty rather than charm. Woody was an asshole.

Woody was a far cry from the lovable cowboy we know today. Initially envisioned as a sarcastic and authoritarian ventriloquist’s dummy, Woody ruled Andy’s toys with manipulative cruelty. In one scene, Woody maliciously pushed Buzz out of a window.

The film’s tone was equally problematic, lacking the humor, heart, and warmth that would later define Pixar’s storytelling. Buzz Lightyear, too, was underdeveloped, written as a generic action hero with little depth or humor.

When Disney executives viewed this early version—dubbed the “Black Friday Reel”—they nearly canceled the project.

How the story got into this path?

The movie’s storytelling took an edgy and aggressive turn following feedback from high-level executives, leading the team to make significant adjustments. This highlights an important lesson: never underestimate the power of intuition. Below part of the feedback received during the film’s production.

The Braintrust Effect

Pixar’s Braintrust, a collaborative team of directors and writers, became the film’s secret weapon. By combining artistic intuition with candid feedback, Toy Story became a testament to the power of collaboration, transforming a flawed narrative into a beloved classic.

Faced with potential disaster, the Braintrust helped reimagine Woody and Toy Story’s core narrative, focusing on emotional resonance and character development. Key changes included:

1. Woody’s Redesign: Woody evolved into a flawed but well-meaning leader, grappling with jealousy and fear of being replaced. His rivalry with Buzz was softened, making him more relatable.
2. Buzz’s Personality Shift: Buzz became a delusional yet endearing space ranger, adding humor and depth to his character arc.
3. Thematic Focus: The film embraced themes of friendship, acceptance, and growth. Woody and Buzz’s journey from rivals to allies became its emotional core.
4. Emotional Resonance: The Braintrust emphasized relatability and warmth, ensuring the story connected deeply with audiences.

These changes not only salvaged the project but also set a new standard for Pixar’s storytelling approach.

My Journey with Letter B

When I started creating Letter B, I began by sketching the brand’s story, a wacky world, where animals dressed as humans became vivid metaphors for our artistic selves, bringing the narrative to life. Each character comes with their own story, highlighting their favorite hobbies and a touch of their personal background. The first animal I drew was a rabbit, chosen because it symbolises renewal, being one of the first creatures to emerge after winter in the spring. Interestingly, some people compared the drawings to those of Beatrix Potter, the renowned English children’s author.

Intrigued by the comparison, I delved into her story and discovered that she faced numerous challenges and rejections before finally publishing her beloved books. Her perseverance and creativity have since become a source of inspiration.

A Shared Lesson

The origin of Toy Story and Beatrix Potter’s literary journey remind us that everything starts as a rough draft. Through collaboration, innovation, and perseverance, creators can transform even the most unpolished beginnings into stories that endure for generations.

Beijos,

Babi

letter-b.com

https://barbaracraveiro.substack.com/p/the-cruel-woody