''A Spark Story'' is a 2021 American

documentary film A documentary film (often described simply as a documentary) is a nonfiction Film, motion picture intended to "document reality, primarily for instruction, education or maintaining a Recorded history, historical record". The American author and ...

directed by Jason Sterman and Leanne Dare. Focusing on ''

SparkShorts ''SparkShorts'' is a series of American independent animated short films produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It consists of a program in which Pixar's employees are given six months and limited budgets to develop animated short films that were o ...

'' directors Aphton Corbin and Louis Gonzales, the film is a co-production between

Pixar Pixar (), doing business as Pixar Animation Studios, is an American animation studio based in Emeryville, California, known for its critically and commercially successful computer-animated feature films. Pixar is a subsidiary of Walt Disney ...

and Supper Club, and marks the former's first fully live-action project. The film was released on September 24, 2021, on

Disney+ The Walt Disney Company, commonly referred to as simply Disney, is an American multinational mass media and entertainment industry, entertainment conglomerate (company), conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios (Burbank), Walt Di ...

. The film was to be removed from Disney+ on May 26, 2023, but it was kept after demand by fans.

Synopsis

The film centers on ''

'' directors Aphton Corbin and Louis Gonzales as they work to bring their projects '' Twenty Something'' and '' Nona'' to the screen.

Cast

* Aphton Corbin as herself * Louis Gonzales as himself *

Pete Docter Peter Hans Docter (born October 9, 1968) is an American filmmaker and animator, who has served as chief creative officer (CCO) of Pixar since 2018. He has directed the company's animated films ''Monsters, Inc.'' (2001), ''Up (2009 film), Up'' ( ...

as himself

Development

On January 29, 2020,

The Walt Disney Company The Walt Disney Company, commonly referred to as simply Disney, is an American multinational mass media and entertainment conglomerate headquartered at the Walt Disney Studios complex in Burbank, California. Disney was founded on October 16 ...

announced that an untitled documentary series focusing on the ''

'' series was in development for

. The series, which provides "an immersive look at the next generation of

filmmaker , was executive-produced by Brian McGinn, Jason Sterman, and

David Gelb David Gelb (born October 16, 1983) is an American director of film and television. He is most known for his documentary work on the subject of food and cuisine, including the 2011 film '' Jiro Dreams of Sushi'', the Netflix series '' Chef's T ...

. On July 21, 2021, it was reported that the project was being redeveloped as a feature film under the name ''A Spark Story'', with McGinn, Sterman, and Gelb as producers. Sterman also directed the film alongside Leanne Dare. Pixar produced the project alongside Supper Club.

Release

''A Spark Story'' was released on September 24, 2021, as a

exclusive film.

Reception

Meredith Woerner of ''

Variety Variety may refer to: Arts and entertainment Entertainment formats * Variety (radio) * Variety show, in theater and television Films * ''Variety'' (1925 film), a German silent film directed by Ewald Andre Dupont * ''Variety'' (1935 film), ...

'' stated that the documentary film manages to attract attention on talented Pixar's employees and their stories, allowing the audience to know better about their journey as creators. Tony Betti of ''The Laughing Place'' gave the film a positive review, saying "at times, the cinematic nature overpowered the actual content. Dramatic camera pans of the directors thinking while sitting at a table, in a screening room, or even in their own home while cooking breakfast almost take away from the credibility of the subject matter at hand. That said, the same dramatic shots of the Pixar campus are a highlight, especially for fans, who otherwise aren't allowed anywhere near these buildings." Sabrina McFarland of ''

Common Sense Media Common Sense Media (CSM) is an American nonprofit organization that reviews and provides ratings for media and technology with the goal of providing information on their suitability for children.

'' rated the movie 4 out of 5 stars, praised the positive messages and role models, stating the film promotes perseverance, dedication, and ambition, while complimenting the movie for its depiction of diversity.

References

External links

* * {{DEFAULTSORT:Spark Story, A 2020s American films 2020s English-language films 2021 films American documentary films Disney documentary films SparkShorts English-language documentary films