Pixar, a Disney-owned animation studio, has announced that it will be offering a free online course on its forte: storytelling. The studio is partnering with online education provider Khan Academy.
Tech Crunch reported that Pixar is helping other animators and producers learn the secrets of great storytelling. The studio and Khan Academy have collaborated to develop "Pixar in a Box."
Its series' third installment has lessons that are sourced from Pixar directors and story artists. Included in the roster are "Inside Out" and "Up" director Peter Docter, "Brave" director Mark Andrews, "Inside Out" story artist Domee Shi as well as "Ratatouille" animator Sanjay Patel.
The first lesson is already available and provides an introduction to storytelling. It also helps students hone their initial creation of animation factors such as setting and character.
Lessons will include both videos and activities that students can complete. Plus, the lessons provide a general basis on which to build stories on.
The second installment will be focusing on character creation. Other segments in the "Pixar in a Box" series will tackle storyboarding and emotional appeal, among others. Releases have been scheduled for this year.
According to Variety, Pixar and Khan Academy's "Pixar in a Box" will consist of six free online lessons. Entitled "The Art of Storytelling," the series will be providing tips to students on how to create stories with emotional appeal as well as develop characters and unique worlds.
"Inside Out" and "Up" director Peter Docter expressed his hope that the free online lessons will inspire students from all over the world. He also expects them to "tell their own stories."
This is the third season of "Pixar in a Box" on Khan Academy. It first launched on the site two years ago. Previous lessons featured simulation, color science, virtual cameras, character modeling as well as rendering. Funds for the collaboration between Pixar and Khan Academy are provided by Disney.
