What Pixar Can Teach MrBeast

I have an editing class! Sign up here: hayden-hillier...
KZbinrs are the modern storytellers, and even though creators like MrBeast are getting more views than Film and TV, there's still so much we can learn from them. I studied Pixar's Finding Nemo to explore what it does so well, and what we as KZbinrs could learn from. #TeamSeas
FOLLOW ME:
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Business Inquiries: [e-mail]
Sources & Research:
Finding Nemo Movie - www.imdb.com/t...
Andrew Stanton: The clues to a great story - • The clues to a great s...
Save the Cat Book: www.amazon.com...
‪@ScreenCrush‬ Why Pixar's Most Crucial Scene is in Finding Nemo - • Why Pixar's Most Cruci...
Special Thanks:
‪@AshleyJWoods‬ Co-Writer
‪@zealous‬ For The Video Idea Suggestion.
‪@LiamThompsonOfficial‬ for Text Animations.
‪@ryan‬ for Title and Thumbnail feedback.
Additional Music by ‪@tomfoxmusic‬
I'm Hayden Hillier-Smith. On this channel I will break down what makes good editing...pulling back the curtain on how editors make the choices to keep YOU, THE AUDIENCE, engaged. This includes showcasing the creative choices I have made. I hope you can learn something new and inspire you to edit.

[@HillierSmith]

I have an editing class! Sign up here: hayden-hillier-smith.mykajabi.com/edit-like-an-artist

[@xivofx]

Is it free?

[@ANDREWLEVITT]

4 is also faster to make. On a platform that rewards volume, it's easier for creators to create entertaining content that leans more on spectacle than storytelling. It's easy to replicate. 2+2 takes time, forethought, and changes from video to video. But the payoff is so much greater. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that you inspire the next generation of creators Hayden!

[@HillierSmith]

I share the exact same thoughts.

[@bruceleeeditz]

Love this. It’s content like this that maximize retention therefore optimization. Thanks again!

[@Lethcode]

I think this actually is an advantage for smaller "hobby" channels. Who have more time to think about the format of the video than actual time to execute on the video. For smaller channels they can probably grow faster thinking about the 2+2 rather than just saying the 4. There is a huge difference between what Mr. Beast can put on film with his team and what I can do solo.

[@andrew-does-marketing]

He’s inspiring this aspiring creator. I appreciate the comment fellow Andrew. I also appreciate the video. Thank you.

[@dasarcanaeum]

For that reason I'M in on big videos which need several month to do. I've started documentaries and I love the storytelling about it. And the 2+2 is almost necessary to create a curvature to get all the information into the documentary in the first place. @HillierSmith did a great job showing that! :) It works b/c Jame Jani does this as well. Got almost 1M subs with about 10+ Videos instead ot 500 videos ;)

[@akaMilo]

This man is a KZbinrs KZbinr. amazing job

[@Derpled]

this was so good. never thought finding nemo would give me so much information

[@HillierSmith]

It's a film where everytime you watch it you fall in love with it even more.

[@Derpled]

@@HillierSmith litterally fax, i liked how u put the funny fast paced intro as a finding nemo version. brilliant 😅

[@ItsMutix]

@@Derpled and it's so accurate too lmao

[@deepaparakkal4241]

DERPLED HERE?

Hahaha! Same

[@brettjosh]

Amazing video! In the original storyboard of nemo the audience didn't get to find out that marlins wife died till the end, the result was the audience not liking marlin...his WHY was not as strong. This ties into your video about not submitting your first edit! Even some of the most talented storytellers in the world at pixar don't get it right first try🙂

[@PakYanaNi]

cant believe i found you here lol

[@DarioKesegiG0CA]

Amazing video 😄!! You should have incorporated some examples, like taking apart mr.beasts videos. What would you do differently, how would you shoot 1mil $ circle video. I think this video needs part 2 😄

[@MatthewBeem]

Well done 👏

[@AnthonyMai]

thanks

[@JaredHathaway]

I see you made an appearence Matthew!

[@dylanking000archive]

I can't get over how well this was edited

[@MitchFrickingClark]

This is one of the greatest KZbin videos I've seen this year! KZbinr's have kicked against traditional media and become a new age content machine, but are we kicking too far? Stories have gripped people for generations and we KNOW the perfect structure to craft them, so why are so many KZbinrs abandoning this? Does KZbin not allow for 2+2 stories as it promotes based on attention? Or have KZbinrs been unable to find a 2+2 structure that fits the site? Either way I hope more creators take this incredible insight, I know I will!

[@dvdaltizer]

This is so needed in our industry and I’m so thankful for you Hayden and this video! You told your story here beautifully. Everyone can learn from this. So fun ❤️

[@3DPrinterAcademy]

Beautifully told, Pixar were amazing storytellers. "Aggressive KZbin Content" is getting tiring....

[@Anon101sss]

Yeah 👍🏻

[@Daniel_Batal]

Random fact-of-the-day: I learned at a recent tour of Paisley Park that Finding Nemo was Prince’s all-time favorite movie.

[@Trizzy_Draws]

You deserve so many more subscribers. Thank you for this!

[@BasicallyHomeless]

Yo Hillier I had a thought and q for you on this one. With a video titled "Finding Nemo," the CTR would obviously be very low on YT. Although, the people who did choose to click and watch would not have an expectation of any specific thing to happen in the video. They clicked not knowing what would happen, other than someone is probably finding nemo. In my experience, this would mean the viewer is more likely to watch a longer 2+2 type intro that we see in Finding Nemo. On the flip side, if we use the title you used as an example in your intro, "SWIMMING 1300 MILES TO SAVE MY SON," the viewer clicked with an expectation of seeing someone swimming a long distance, quickly, with intense purpose. So even with a long, well told, 2+2 introduction, wouldn't you think a viewer would click off? Since they haven't been "hooked," and haven't been immediately given what they clicked for, don't you think a lot of viewers would find the video frustrating and leave? This leads to my question. Without "Mr. Beastifying" the intro, which I think most of us find pretty watered down, and without sacrificing CTR, what are your thoughts on how to hook someone into a 2+2 intro and increase the audience retention of a video with a title such as your example? Also I'm curious of the CTR on this video, and can't help but wonder if a different title would negatively effect audience retention but increase CTR. Would putting snippets of marvin fighting the sharks or battling jellyfish right at the beginning work in your opinion? Or, could the current intro be sped up enough to save the storytelling aspects but increase retention? Hopefully this makes sense, would love to hear your thoughts!

[@aayushrawat688]

Bro your videos already are banger... I think you does a pretty good job at ur space

[@fogartyfox592]

Personally, I would title the video: "Saving my son."

[@njmc]

This has to be my favourite video on KZbin. Already, one of my favourite movies of all time, you’ve managed to articulate what many of us have felt but haven’t had words for. You’re a brilliant storyteller and with ideas like these I wouldn’t be surprised to see you telling your own large scale spectacular stories in the not too distant future. Love your work.

[@saadzain]

Love how there was this entire comparison that created for a alternative narrative which "made me care" about why finding nemo was such a masterpiece

[@kwesiray2914]

this comment has gone over my head so many times, but I think I finally get it lol. He's basically utilizing the format in his own video, and showing us through Finding Nemo.

[@Nalter]

One of my favorite videos of the year. I learn something every time I watch one of your videos!

[@johnzhibai]

No doubt

[@MikeStallone]

Let’s go Hayden! So excited for this one

[@jean-francoisnobert6906]

Let’s go!

[@HinterClinter]

hayden on the nemo outfit is legendary 😂

[@Tokaint]

I've been trying to explain this sort of thing for Mrbeast and ZHC videos. I saw one argument saying that youtube is like a movie spread out into different videos, which is why I think most youtubers get more views than subscribers. I think if we adopted these techniques and put them into a shorter form it could really make a difference.

[@KameTrick]

Big question for you, Hayden! I love hearing your thoughts on story-driven “vlog style” editing...Would you try to **inject** story into a how-to or explainer type video? If so, what are some strategies you’d use to go about it? If not, what are strategies you’d use to help retention without relying on having storylines?

[@richaprasad6737]

This video of Hayden's is an explainer video itself. So if we can tune out of the stuff he is saying and observe how he structured this video, there might be something there.

[@KwesiRay]

@@richaprasad6737 that’s a good point. Now somebody has to dissect this video of Hayden dissecting Finding Nemo lol

[@richaprasad6737]

@@KwesiRay LOL. Inception!

[@zabbwolfe]

In a how to video, you could narrate a story about a character attempting to achieve what the audience is attempting to achieve, and the steps needed for this character to do this. And as Hayden said, you'd want to make sure to include a compelling reason why the character must achieve this how to, ideally having it relate with the audience's why.

[@SamTheSomebody]

We are the protagonist, so a 'how to' / 'explainer' affirms what we want, need and our flaws (the want is knowing the thing, the need is the goal outcome from knowing the thing and the flaw may be our lack of knowledge). These sorts of videos could do their best to clarify these to the viewer, with added benefits or bonuses. Hayden's brand as a whole represents this. When I ask "why do I watch his videos?'' the answer is because I want to be a better content creator, which all of his videos are in service of. 'How to' / 'explainer' videos inherently address the second '2' too. The audience already might know what they want, what will happen if they don't get it and what they are willing to do to get what they want. These videos can benefit by either emphasizing this to the viewer or show/prove to them that this is something they should care about. The journey this video takes to get there is basically "the story of the storytelling of nemo" but maintains relevencey by adding context to KZbinr (us as the audience). Tbh I didn't see the story in this video when I started writing this comment, but as I'm unpacking it it's becoming clearer and clearer :P I mean heck it even has conflict! KZbinrs vs Pixar! The battle of retention! Deeper meaning vs engagement! It consistently ties back to that, show shots of KZbinr intros against the intro of Nemo (at least in the first act) And I've just realized that there are acts. The first act proving that pixar > youtube. The second is why is pixar good, what can we learn. The third is takeaways.

Man I've just watched the replay of your talk at Vidsummit 2021, and I have to say that I am ming blown of how accuate and insightful I find it to be. I was by far the best replay that I have watched yet, better (personnaly) than Mr.Beast's, Mark Rober's and Airrack's. Keep delevering such value to us small creators man, I really accpreciate your work!

[@smartereveryday]

Great video.

[@HillierSmith]

Hey you! Thank you for watching, appreciate it.

[@ninjajeb]

hi smartereveryday, im a avid watcher

[@ihatethisstupidyoutubefeat1672]

0:31 the contrasting edit that scene provides throughout the video is great

[@OreoSpeedwagonR_T]

This is something I've really been struggling with on my channel....how to make people care. Production, editing, videography can only take you so far. Thank you so much this!!!!! You earned a sub.

[@scilabus]

Very interesting! That's gonna change my perspective. I'm left with a question: don't you think that somehow, youtubers are in fact creating a character with wants and needs and why already but the personna building is streched across multiple videos? A standalone video would not make you care that much but when you've been following someone, as the audience, you know its why so you immediately care a lot more.

[@kwesiray2914]

I was thinking about this also. Like after watching this video I went back and thought about why I watched the vloggers that I did for the past few years or so, and haven't come up with a definitive reason just yet aside from watching their content over a long period of time and getting to know them

[@LeCoinDesYouTubeurs]

Good point! On KZbin, just like on a TV show, there's that sense of Stories inside Stories inside a "Grand Story". Episodes inside Seasons inside Characters. In a way this is the same on KZbin. Having a "Grand Story" is important but so is creating little stories to care about and to make new viewers connect. [Sylvain]

[@MrDreamax]

Heureusement que y'a Scilabus pour remonter le niveau intellectuel du KZbin francophone ! J'adore tes vidéos

[@TheHappyHummy]

I mean... "stakes" could be the reason. They are doing something we ourselves have never done before, so we see ourselves in them and want them to be successful. The same way we relate to Marvin as a parent and want him to be successful. The character flaws we hold are temporarily subsided in our minds when we enjoy their content, because they have no perceptible flaws in the video we are projecting ourselves into. Just a theory 😌

[@MaxwellReadsFantasy]

I have to say you've ignited my passion for telling stories on KZbin, I'm a storyteller at heart and have always wanted to be a content creator. Usually I get bogged down with metrics and lack of attention but since discovering your channel I've been finding passion in how to tell stories in each video, no longer do I worry about the numbers, I'm more involved in figuring out how to both entertain and inform my audience. Thanks so much for this, your passion for editing is helping me create about my passion for screenwriting :) Have a lovely day

[@lavaweb1]

Honestly I think this was your best video yet. A story telling 101 for a whole new generation. And the people at Pixar are freaking MASTERS! Thank you!

[@KelsAndJay]

I love how you challenge every KZbinr to be better. We need more people like you on here!!

[@JaredHathaway]

I see you Kelsey!

[@KelsAndJay]

@@JaredHathaway haha yess hii Jared!! 👀

[@JaredHathaway]

@@KelsAndJay HEY HEY! nice seeing you in the comments!

[@DaveKatague]

Holy Guacamole, you just earnt a slot in my gigantic board of people breaking down story, editing, and filmmaking. This is amazing man.

[@de_handleiding]

This video is a masterclass in storytelling, and highly underrated. It completely changed my perspective on anything from public speaking to creating videos.

[@DivinesLegacy]

2+2 without giving the 4 is wanting a girlfriend and going through all the steps, learning things, going through sad times and finally reaching the goal, But giving the 4 is like just getting the girlfriend without any work. And people are lazy af. Meaning it’s quick dopamine, But won’t have you rethinking your life unlike movies that don’t give you the 4. You ever come out of a movie feeling like a different person? Well that’s the exact opposite of mrbeast, he just gives you what you want and it’s over.

[@DanDavisHistory]

This might be your best video yet. The mechanics of storytelling is still relatively unexplored in terms of YT content but the core lessons are true for all mediums. Thanks for the video.

[@Egelc]

I just got hooked onto your videos. What you create is truly unique. A real artist creating these special moments. Not even 10 minutes and I feel I learned so much. Not even 10 minutes and it surely stays more with me than the last mr beast videos all together.

[@AnthonyRecenello]

This is the video that I think encapsulates why you're such a valuable teacher. I've been thinking about this change I'll be making in my vids for the past month so its perfectly timed. Saving and referring back to this as often as possible. THANK YOU

[@davifacanha9827]

I think that Yes Theory is pretty good at doing 2 + 2's, every single video they tell a story that locks you in, all of a sudden you are watching 30 min of somebody's life in a random place across the world

[@GetGooder]

Now scrapping my entire video to reshoot it after watching this! Thanks Hillier!...I think..!

[@Jonah92008]

This is probably the first time a high school student has taken notes on a youtube video... but yes I did! This is a true masterpiece that everyone can learn from. I hope you make more videos like this.

[@MattMort]

I want you to imagine the standing ovation you got at VidSummit, but bigger because this video makes me feel even more pumped about storytelling & making videos for youtube than that. Bravo 👏👏👏

[@Cinogard]

This is such a good video, I loved the explanations and of course the segue at the end I love how you managed to create a story within the explanation of a story, you made us care about the characters more than we originally have while learning a valuable lesson to shape our careers. Thank you Hillier, for this legendary video

[@RaineXVI]

Great video, I was engaged from start to finish and sent this to literally 10 friends of mine. It’s so important for “depth” to exist in story telling and YT over the last few years has kind of stripped more depth from videos and creators. So I’m happy that you shared your analysis of videos starting more at 4 and skipping the 2+2. I also love how good of a storyteller you are Hayden. Keep up the great work 🍻

[@FragTix]

Thanks

[@Beesechurger_73]

Thank you for the insight 🥳

[@LeYohan]

Hello cringe mf please change your content😄

[@itsawid315]

Such a shame this video only reached 33k views so far. Appreciate the good content 🙏🙏

[@MassPerfection7]

This was really well said and it's definitely the difference between creators who make "content" and creators who make art

[@RealJamieBarclay]

Very meta how he explains the concept of 2 + 2 = 4, by giving it to us in terms of 2 + 2.

[@Rachel.Karalnik]

This was such an incredible breakdown! I had goosebumps. Thank you for pushing story, it's something we need more than ever in this space.

[@jean-francoisnobert6906]

Rachel, Legend!

[@AshleyJWoods]

Such a fun video to work on! Can’t wait to write the next one with you. Also your music selection is so perfectly Pixar in this. **chefs kiss**

[@kwesiray2914]

You two make an epic duo, thanks Ashley!

[@justeuan]

This channel never fails to have my full engagement! Smashed it again mate!!

[@purplegi0n]

My guy really wrote an in-depth book report on finding Nemo. & It was _great!_

[@Oozern]

Havent been on this channel in a minute but man have you upped the quality. Super great info as always and hilarious stuff, love all the vids

[@ddoshii]

hot cock on a rock is that Oozern?

[@ChlorophilG]

It's fascinating how movies still have a sense of occasion because they take so long to make and cost so much. There is only one Finding Nemo movie every few years, and due to that scarcity, audiences are more prepared to sit down and watch it because of that lack of choice. Whereas KZbin has so many videos and so much choice, creators feel as though we have to force-feed viewers with as much sugar as possible to keep a viewer's attention. I wonder how #shorts will evolve over the coming years? Is this trend only set to worsen as video volume increases and things get shorter...I hope not... It seems a shame! Thanks for the video. They are very insightful.

[@yannirakko]

Amazing work. Every time. Again you see the picture much deeper and how it could be. I think the new generation of youtubers really have a great opportunity to create a more refined youtube experience.

[@SnakeCakeExotics]

This is some of your finest work, I love it soo much can't believe it hasn't got the most love on your channel!

[@YenoMediaX]

The best 10 minutes video I ever watched. Thank you HillerSmith

[@HillierSmith]

AY! That's amazing to hear, thank you!

[@Protagnst]

FIRE breakdown. Thanks again Hayden

[@tikunolamisaaclev]

Love when you talk about storytelling ‼️

[@TheJan]

loving this perspective man

[@ItsDilpreet]

This is a highly underrated video. Small concepts can be great on KZbin with good storytelling. I will be the living proof that what he said in this video about to 2+2 is a great thing that can be done on KZbin.

[@cadenandkylan]

OMG HAYDEN THANK YOU!!! this is my new favorite video on youtube

[@MikeStallone]

Saved this and will re watch this for sure before I film my next vid

[@HillierSmith]

Love to hear that! Have a great shoot! :)

[@griffinbeels]

One thought on the opening to this video: why should I care that "Finding Nemo is the Perfect KZbin Video?" To me, that wasn't answered prior to making the statement, but the vast focus of the video was using Finding Nemo as an explanation for storytelling structure. I would have loved to see an intro that hooked me deeper into why I should care about that first statement.

[@TubeBuddy]

so well done and explained! 🐠

[@animashinka]

Recently started my own youtube channel about 3D Animation tutorials and I was researching how to make my videos more fun and accessible for the general public. I am so glad I found your channel! Better late than never :) Thank you!

[@HinterClinter]

these nemo cuts that keep coming keep getting to me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. 😂😭

[@RhomZone]

Awesome video bro. Good Job. You deserve more views 👏👏👏

[@galiare8864]

Amazing!

[@arxatoli6775]

the selection of music for this video is on point

[@thehumanchris]

absolutely BRILLIANT!! You just did the 2+2 at the end, very well done. you've made me care

[@cheunky]

this was incredibly beautiful. I would watch a series of this with the top films in history

[@TFSO]

This is amazing! I think a perfect example of 2+2 editing is 'JAMES JANI' and also 'Magnate media' the way they tell the story and use super high quality video editing skills literally makes you hooked from start to end! This is more my style I'm not a fan of 4 editing tbh but I guess a lot of people like a quick approach

[@airrack]

I prefer the intro at 0:32 tbh 😅

[@saline6244]

Mafia assemble 🙌

[@HinterClinter]

u ain’t wrong 😌

[@Selenoscope]

Airrack

[@Selenoscope]

Same

[@haroldwis]

Only 8 likes

[@MikeShake]

Awesome video!

[@HillierSmith]

Thank you for watching Mike!

[@Anon101sss]

Mike! Ily

[@MK-ev6ov]

I’ve replayed that mr beast impression multiple times. It’s pure art

[@KwesiRay]

I feel live I've stumbled upon a gold mine with this video and the comments. Feels like a great community of storytellers that want to make great stuff on youtube. Thank you Hayden and thank you everyone for not making me feel solo out here.

[@JackRhodes]

Gotta love that Nemo outfit 😂 Great video as always!

[@HillierSmith]

🐠

[@Fads]

as a youtube newbie, this entire channel is literally the gift that keeps on giving. another certified banger hayden

[@GARAGEIdiotS]

Well done man, always look forward to your videos.

[@LEMON-BOY]

I believe the biggest reason for KZbin to be in the "4" category is because on this platform I believe that we see the videos as the trailer AND the movie. If you watch a movie there is always a trailer, or some sort of marketing to pull you into the investment you need to watch a movie like Finding Nemo, especially in a theatre. A KZbin Channel is like a feature length film that constantly releases these long film trailers, instead of giving you a tease and a story packaged into an hour, you're getting a story over a lifetime.

[@olivier_cantin]

Awesome video and so much valuable!!! Probably in my top 5 favorite channels, love the quality of your content 🔥

[@jungletigerairsoft3305]

this is exactly the kind of video i need in order to improve my story telling for my long-form videos

[@SuperDudestv]

Damn, We're among a legend! Thanks for this, Hillier. I'm working on creating our video strategy and just added this in.

[@ryantay8518]

This was absolutely excellent! The unfortunate part of modern day KZbin storytelling is that under the glamour of a spectacle, it diminishes the need for a good story and quality emotional experiences. Thks so much for creating content to nudge creators in the right direction!

[@EnglishLearnersHere]

What an awesome review of one of my favorite movies!

[@ChaseArrington]

Man, love your work. This inspired me!

[@akashgode6818]

Here we goo!!!!...so stoked for this video...the title got me hooked!

[@AbbeySy]

So good. I took so much notes, thank you for sharing this!

[@henrychang340]

The whole vibe of this video almost made me imagine you saying: I'm Hillier Smith, and this, is my masterclass. Massive value content! Thank you so MUCH!

[@JohstimRussi]

You are amazing storyteller yourself, I love the way you implement what you teach. I got goosebumps at the realization of this lesson. Thank you very much Hillier!

[@honeytea9620]

bro i was watching so closely without even realising it at the make us care part and its only until you went back restating your point in 7:45 that I actually realised my eyes were literally glued to the screen

[@JasonToddRoberts]

Thanks! I made a viral video when KZbin first started and I have been chasing what it is that made it go viral ever since. At first I thought I needed better gear, that sent me down a rabbit hole of constantly upgrading to get the next best thing, but that wasn't it. I went though film school to see what I was missing, turned out it was basic story telling. I'm sill struggling to grasp these concepts but it doesn't;to stop me from trying.

[@AlexandruGolovatenco]

Thank you for making this Hayden! Hopefully we'll see a small rise in 2+2 type of content from creators, I feel like some already got it like Johnny Harris

[@sgnoogle]

So many important concepts. Great work Hillier, as always

[@AngusMurray]

Finding Nemo is my favourite movie, I always watched it as a kid and was very attached to it. Probably a big reason why I love the ocean so much today! 😃 Thanks for talking about that and I think you're really right, I will be focusing more on how the story of my videos play out in the future :)

[@DariuszTech]

Wow. You know how to tell the story. Geniues 💪👏👍

[@J.Valmaggia]

I'm already busy studying writing and storytelling (and law, sometimes). Now you tell me I also have to study filmmaking as well. Damn it, man, I hate that you're right.

[@POWERMF64]

I now have sticky notes on my monitor noting things you said and the TED talk because of this video. I really want to become a better editor and you've been a great inspiration and teacher for me. Sometimes I feel like it's not worth going way out of my way to grab a clip to only use one second (or less), but seeing your all the clips and frame fragments on your timeline has given me reassurance that it was worth it time (sometimes hours) of effort to grab a moment or even heighten an upcoming moment. But now, the first sticky note I have is "storytelling". That is what I need to get better at showing and I believe I can do it.

[@HatchTag]

Love it man! Going to take a few aspects and ideas from this video into my proccess.

[@FragTix]

Yes

[@sundusam9039]

Not only great video in terms of video editing,but also writing❤🔥👌🏼

[@DmitriMarian]

This guy was performing at VidSummit next to the greatest KZbinrs including MrBeast and he literally destroyed every KZbinr with his greatest speech I’ve ever heard on storytelling

[@dimamarian]

Absolutely

[@Drakkart]

man that was one of your best videos thank you so much...