The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters:

The Hero's Journey:

" Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told.

" Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on.

" Interpreted metaphorically, laterally and symbolically, allows an infinite number of varied stories to be created.

The Hero's Journey is also a study of repeating patterns in successful stories and screenplays. It is compelling that screenwriters have a higher probability of producing quality work when they mirror the recurring patterns found in successful screenplays.

The Hero's Journey is also a study of conventions. Before screenwriters can decide whether to accept or reject the conventions, they must appreciate their purpose and value.

Consider this:

" Titanic (1997) grossed over $600,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.

" Star Wars (1977) grossed over $460,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.

" Shrek 2 (2004) grossed over $436,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.

" ET (1982) grossed over $434,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.

" Spiderman (2002) grossed over $432,000,000 - uses the Hero's Journey as a template.

" Out of Africa (1985), Terms of Endearment (1983), Dances with Wolves (1990), Gladiator (2000) - All Academy Award Winners Best Film are based on the Hero's Journey.

" Anti-hero stories (Raging Bull (1980), Goodfellas (1990) etc) are all based on the Hero's Journey.

" Heroine's Journey stories (Million Dollar Baby (2004), Out of Africa (1980) etc) are all based on the Hero's Journey.

Structured Road of Trials

The stage of the Transformation, also known as the Road of Trials, is one of the most deliberate and structured parts of a screenplay.

A number of things are happening here.

a) The hero transforms.

b) The transformation must seem feasible and hence time is stretched.

c) Other characters, often the antagonists, are developed. In fact, it is convenient to develop other characters at this stage BECAUSE time needs to be stretched.

d) Passive and Proactive actions characterize the hero's transformation.

In Gladiator (2000), while Maxmus is training to become a gladiator, we learn about Commodus and his plans.

In Silence of the Lambs (1991), we begin to learn about Buffalo Bill while Hannibal helps Clarice through her transformation.

In The Matrix (1999), Neo begins his transformation by learning martial arts by simulation (passive), then through instruction by Morpheus (passive) and then he has to jump the building (active).

Learn more...

The Complete 188 stage Hero's Journey and FREE 17 stage sample and other story structure templates can be found at http://managing-creativity.com/

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Kal Bishop, MBA

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