How Disney Sells Stupid Simple Stories

When you look back at your list of favorite movies growing up, I’d be willing to bet that at least one Disney movie made it somewhere on there.

For me? That movie was Treasure Planet, the adventurous and entertaining twist on the classic Treasure Island (but this one takes place in space, so it's much better haha).

Seriously though, there’s just something about Disney and their ability to captivate your attention through masterful storytelling, making you fall in love with not only their movies, but also the brand itself.

It’s genius if you ask me.

But you want to know the most genius part of it all? They use a stupid simple storytelling structure in every one of their movies.

Yep. Every. Single. One.

And that’s not just by accident. There’s a reason Disney has used stories to build one of the most loved brands in the world.

Let’s explore, shall we?

Here’s what you’ll learn today:

• The simple storytelling structure Disney uses to make you fall in love with their brand

• Why it works so well

• How you can use it

So sit back, relax, and let me introduce you to the world of masterful storytelling.

Disney's Stupid Simple Storytelling Structure 📖

Like that alliteration? Yeah, me too. I thought it was pretty clever ;)

Anyyyyyways, Disney has built a global media empire off of telling you great stories. But not just that. They’ve built a global media empire off of selling you those great stories.

Here’s a quote from Steve Jobs that shows exactly what I mean:

We all know that Disney are master storytellers. I mean, come on. Their movies take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion and their theme parks make you feel like you’re quite literally entering a different world.

But look closely at any Disney movie and you’ll notice that every single one follows the same exact storytelling structure.

Why? Because it works so damn well.

Here’s what it looks like:

• Once upon a time there was [BLANK].

• Every day they did [BLANK].

• But one day they discovered a problem. This leads them to [BLANK] situation.

• They seek help and meet a guide who helps them solve [BLANK] problem.

So Connor, you’re telling me this is THE structure one of the biggest brands in the world uses? Isn’t this simple enough that a kindergartner could have invented it?

Yes, and that’s exactly the point.

The best stories in the world are often the most simple.

Here’s why the structure works so well:

Why It Works So Well 🤔

Let’s take a step back and quickly look at things from a psychology perspective.

At the end of the day, humans just want to connect with one another. We want to feel heard. We want to be seen. We want to laugh and cry together and share our experiences with one another.

At the simplest level, we just want to relate to each other.

And that’s exactly what Disney provides with their storytelling framework.

First, the context. Setting the stage and providing details about what, where, and when the story takes place.

Next, describing the current situation. We’re all living different lives and experiencing life in different ways. Routines, habits, situations. We all do certain things every day (sometimes without even thinking twice about it).

Third, the problem. We all face different problems every day. Some big and some small. But we all know what it’s like to face challenges or feel defeated or hopeless, leading us to a crossroads.

Finally, the solution. We often seek for help from others, even when we don’t want to. These “guides” have been in our shoes before, facing the same exact things that we are. They’re just two steps ahead of us and know how to solve the problem we’re currently facing.

There you have it. Simple, right?

Background. Context. Problem. Solution.

It plays into human psychology because we all want to be inspired and entertained. We see a part of ourselves in these story characters and can’t help but root for them.

And if you can use this storytelling structure to relate to your audience and tap into human psychology? Well, you might just become a master storyteller like Disney.

Okay, okay. Not alllll of us can use stories to become the next Disney (at least not yet). But here’s how you can use Disney’s stupid simple storytelling structure for your own brand:

How to Use It 📝

Every brand needs a great story to tell. Because as I always like to think:

People don’t buy products. They buy the stories your products sell.

So whether it’s telling your entire brand story in a video, writing copy for your product landing page, or sharing a case study of how your product helped someone, always remember to tap into human psychology.

After all, your customer should be the hero of the story.

• Background: Once upon a time, there was the customer

• Context: Every day, they did this and this and this…

• Problem: But one day they faced a problem they just couldn’t seem to solve

• Solution: That’s why they sought help from [YOUR PRODUCT] to help them solve their problem

Simple, isn’t it?

If you’re able to paint your product and your brand as the solution to your customer’s problem?

Then congrats! You’ve successfully tapped into human psychology and will never run out of customers to sell to.

Alright, that’s about it from me. Oh, and one last thing. Next time you watch a Disney movie, be sure to look for this storytelling structure.

Once you see it, you can never unsee it :)

Take care,

Connor “tell stupid simple stories” Flynn

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