A Spark Story
| A Spark Story | |
|---|---|
 Official release poster | |
| Directed by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | David Bolen |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Jeremy Turner |
Production companies |
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| Distributed by | Disney+ |
Release date |
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Running time | 90 minutes[1] |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
A Spark Storyis a 2021 Americandocumentary filmdirected by Jason Sterman and Leanne Dare. Focusing onSparkShortsdirectors Aphton Corbin and Louis Gonzales, the film is a co-production betweenPixarand Supper Club, and marks the former's first fully live-action project. The film was released on September 24, 2021, onDisney+.The film was to be removed from Disney+ on May 26, 2023, but it was kept after demand by fans.[2]
Synopsis[edit]
The film centers onSparkShortsdirectors Aphton Corbin and Louis Gonzales as they work to bring their projectsTwenty SomethingandNonato the screen.[3]
Cast[edit]
- Aphton Corbin as herself
- Louis Gonzales as himself
- Pete Docteras himself[4]
Development[edit]
On January 29, 2020,The Walt Disney Companyannounced that an untitled documentary series focusing on theSparkShortsseries was in development forDisney+.[5]The series, which provides "an immersive look at the next generation ofPixarfilmmaker[s] ", was executive-produced byBrian McGinn,Jason Sterman, andDavid Gelb.[6]On July 21, 2021, it was reported that the project was being redeveloped as a feature film under the nameA Spark Story,with McGinn, Sterman, and Gelb as producers.[3]Sterman also directed the film alongside Leanne Dare.[3]Pixar produced the project alongside Supper Club.[3]
Release[edit]
A Spark Storywas released on September 24, 2021, as aDisney+exclusive film.[3]
Reception[edit]
Meredith Woerner ofVarietystated 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.[7]Tony Betti ofThe Laughing Placegave 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."[8]Sabrina McFarland ofCommon Sense Mediarated 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.[9]
References[edit]
- ^"A Spark Story (2021)".Rotten Tomatoes.Fandango.RetrievedApril 26,2022.
- ^Weatherbed, Jess (May 19, 2023)."Disney will remove over 50 shows from Disney Plus and Hulu this month".The Verge.RetrievedMay 19,2023.
- ^abcdeGrobar, Matt (July 21, 2021)."SparkShorts: Disney+ Unveils Two New Shorts & A Feature-Length Doc From Pixar, Sets September Premiere Dates".Deadline Hollywood.RetrievedJuly 22,2021.
- ^Wolsos, Julie (September 24, 2021)."'A Spark Story' Documentary Explores the Successes & Challenges of Making a Pixar SparkShort ".Pixar Post.RetrievedSeptember 27,2021.
- ^Schneider, Michael (January 29, 2020)."'The Quest' Revived as Disney Plus Brings Back ABC Fantasy Reality Show ".Variety.Archivedfrom the original on January 29, 2020.RetrievedDecember 29,2020.
- ^Hersko, Tyler (January 29, 2020)."Disney+ Sets New Unscripted Slate, Including One Short-Lived ABC Reality Show".IndieWire.RetrievedJuly 25,2020.
- ^Woerner, Meredith (September 20, 2021)."Go Behind the Scenes at Pixar in 'A Spark Story' (EXCLUSIVE)".Variety.RetrievedSeptember 27,2021.
- ^Betti, Tony (September 24, 2021)."'A Spark Story' Skips Over Usual Pixar And Animation Documentary Fare To Focus on Directors of Latest Pixar SparkShorts ".Laughing Place.RetrievedSeptember 27,2021.
- ^"A Spark Story Movie Review | Common Sense Media".www.commonsensemedia.org.RetrievedMay 18,2022.
