Inside Pixar - Inspired: Dan Scanlon, Where Ideas Come From (S1E5)
Inspiration can be hard to come by. Sometimes it takes years to find, while other times it's been right under your nose. Director Dan Scanlon takes us on a personal journey of inspiration that led to his film, Onward.
| Runtime (min) | 16 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2020-11-13 |
| Genres | Documentary |
| TV Rating | TV-G |
| Network(s) | Disney+ |
Storyline
In this episode of Inside Pixar, director Dan Scanlon shares the deeply personal story behind his film Onward. Scanlon reveals how the inspiration for the movie came from his own childhood experience of losing his father when he was very young. He explains that he and his brother grew up without memories of their dad, and years later discovered an old audio recording of their father's voice—a brief, precious fragment that became the emotional core of Onward's quest narrative.
Scanlon walks viewers through his creative process, showing how he transformed this intimate family story into a fantasy adventure about two elf brothers seeking one more day with their deceased father. The episode illustrates how personal loss and longing can fuel storytelling, and how sometimes the most powerful ideas aren't found in exotic locations or sudden flashes of genius, but in the quiet, unresolved emotions of our own lives. Scanlon's candid discussion demonstrates that inspiration often requires patience, reflection, and the courage to explore painful memories.
What kids learn
Children watching this episode learn that creativity often comes from personal experiences, including difficult ones. Dan Scanlon's story shows young viewers that feelings of loss, curiosity, and longing—emotions that can feel overwhelming or confusing—can be channeled into meaningful creative work. Kids see that it's okay to explore complicated feelings about family, absence, and memory, and that these emotions can become sources of strength and expression rather than just sadness.
The episode also teaches children that inspiration doesn't always arrive instantly. Scanlon's journey demonstrates that good ideas sometimes take years to develop and require patience, reflection, and willingness to revisit hard topics. Young viewers learn that creative work can be a way to honor people we've lost and to process experiences we don't fully understand. They see that asking questions about our past and our families—even when the answers are incomplete—is a valuable part of growing up.
Additionally, kids discover that professional artists draw from real life. Scanlon's openness about his personal story demystifies the creative process and shows children that their own experiences, memories, and questions matter and can become the foundation for stories worth telling.
Parents' top 5 questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is this episode appropriate for children who have experienced loss in their own families? | The episode handles the topic of parental loss with sensitivity and maturity. Dan Scanlon speaks honestly but gently about losing his father as a child, focusing on curiosity and creative transformation rather than dwelling on sadness. For children who have experienced similar losses, the episode can be affirming and validating, showing that their feelings are shared by others and can lead to meaningful expression. Parents may want to watch first or be prepared for follow-up conversations about family, memory, and grief. |
| Will my child understand the connection between Scanlon's personal story and the movie Onward? | Scanlon clearly explains how his childhood experience of not knowing his father inspired Onward's central quest. The episode uses straightforward language and shows clips from the film alongside Scanlon's narration, making the connection accessible to school-age children. Younger viewers may grasp the basic idea that stories can come from real life, while older kids and teens will better understand the emotional depth of transforming personal loss into a fantasy adventure about two brothers seeking their dad. |
| Does this episode encourage my child to think about their own creative ideas? | Yes, Scanlon's journey explicitly demonstrates that inspiration comes from personal experiences and emotions. The episode encourages children to look at their own lives—their questions, memories, relationships, and feelings—as potential sources for creative projects. By showing that a major Pixar film began with one person's childhood story, the episode validates children's experiences as worthy material for art, writing, or other creative expression, and teaches that meaningful ideas often come from within rather than from external sources. |
| How does the episode explain the creative process to children? | Scanlon presents creativity as a patient, reflective process rather than instant inspiration. He explains that the idea for Onward took years to develop and required him to think deeply about his own life and what he wanted to say. The episode shows children that good ideas need time, that it's okay to draw from difficult experiences, and that asking questions about our lives can lead to creative breakthroughs. This demystifies professional creativity and makes it feel accessible to young viewers. |
| Should I expect my child to have questions about death or absent parents after watching? | It's possible, especially if your child is reflective or has experienced loss themselves. Scanlon's story centers on growing up without a father, which may prompt questions about death, family structure, or memory. The episode treats these topics thoughtfully and doesn't sensationalize grief, but parents should be ready to talk about loss, absence, and how people remember loved ones. The conversation can be an opportunity to discuss family history and how we keep memories alive through stories and creativity. |
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Authenticity is essential to creating a film that is believable and relatable. Co-Director Kemp Powers discusses the real-life experiences that led him to propose a simple, yet pivotal scene in Soul. |
| 1 | 2 | Inspiration isn't instant. Coming up with unique and creative characters takes time and effort. Character Designer Deanna Marsigliese takes us through the process of character creation and the artistic detours that often come with it. |
| 1 | 3 | Growing up in a small town in Canada, Steven Hunter never felt like he saw himself represented in cartoons and comic books. After getting the opportunity to direct a Pixar SparkShort, Steven was inspired by his own life to create 'Out,' a unique and vulnerable story he wished he saw in his youth. |
| 1 | 4 | Script Supervisor Jessica Heidt manages endless lines of dialogue. Through her script access, she detected a disparity in male to female roles, motivating her to create a program to improve gender balance throughout Pixar's films and the greater film industry. |
| 1 | 5 | Inspiration can be hard to come by. Sometimes it takes years to find, while other times it's been right under your nose. Director Dan Scanlon takes us on a personal journey of inspiration that led to his film, Onward. |
| 1 | 6 | Director of International Production Cynthia Lusk takes us into the fascinating world of localization. From translations to graphics to even changes in animation, Cynthia and her team work to make sure that Pixar’s films can connect and resonate to fans and families throughout the world. |
| 1 | 7 | Marylou Jaso has the sweetest job at Pixar - literally. As Pixar's Pastry Chef, she spends each day creating the confections and sweet treats that delight, inspire, and help feed the studio's creativity. |
| 1 | 8 | As Production Assistant on Pixar's Soul, Rachelle Federico hard work might not always be that glamorous, but she considers it an important and essential need in the creation of an animated film. |
| 1 | 9 | As a Music Editor, Barney Jones uses these talents to help shape the storytelling and emotion of a Pixar film. |
| 1 | 10 | No two days are the same for Patty Bonfilio. Join her on a VIP tour of the grounds and all of its hidden gems. |
| 1 | 11 | How exactly are animated films made using computer graphics? Pixar’s creative minds introduce and break down how a movie is made through understandable explanations using metaphors and examples. |
| 1 | 12 | From cars to fish to toys to superheroes, Pixar characters have unique personalities, designs, and traits. Join Pixar’s character artists and designers as they break down the process of developing a new character. |
| 1 | 13 | Camerawork is just as crucial in animation as it is in live action. Pixar’s layout artists explain the craft behind camera and staging, showcasing how camera positioning enhances emotion within a story. |
| 1 | 14 | Animation brings characters to life by making them move, feel, think, and talk. Pixar animators take us through the artistry of how they breathe life into characters authentically and explain the importance of acting (and eyebrows) in their craft. |
| 1 | 15 | Light and color are essential in conveying the time of day, creating unique worlds, and even evoking emotion. Pixar lighting directors and artists reveal how they illuminate a scene and how they utilize light and color for everything from terrifying twists to signature Pixar tearjerkers. |
| 1 | 16 | How can the passage of time be utilized as a tool for emotional storytelling? |
| 1 | 17 | From Ernesto de La Cruz to Lotso to Hopper, foes of all shapes and sizes are essential to many of our favorite Pixar movies. But what makes a good villain? |
| 1 | 18 | Pixar characters strive to strike a balance between realistic and caricatured. |
| 1 | 19 | Beyond the world of Cars, vehicles of all kinds have made their mark throughout Pixar’s films. |
| 1 | 20 | Take a deep dive into the art of crowds animation. Each of your favorite Pixar characters live in worlds populated by fellow fish, cars, toys, and humans, but creating thousands of these fully animated background characters is no easy feat. |
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