[From our deconstruction of hundreds of Hollywood blockbusters and sitcoms (see below for the URL of our Home Page) and our isolation and identification of more than 188 stages of the Hero's Journey that you need to know about...] The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the Hollywood movies we have deconstructed are based on this template. Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. The Hero's Journey: a) Attempts to tap into unconscious expectations the audience has regarding what a story is and how it should be told. b) Gives the writer more structural elements than simply three or four acts, plot points, mid point and so on. c) Gives you a tangible process for building and releasing dissonance (establishing and achieving catharsis). d) Gives you a universal structural template upon which you can superimpose your situational story. and more... PUSHES, PULLS, TIME PRESSURE AND ANTAGONISMS Pushes, Pulls, Antagonisms and Time Pressure are the four devices that cause movement. Often the Hero is reluctant (unwilling Hero) or hindered (willing Hero) and the above tools are required. In Planet of the Apes (1968), Taylor et al have three days before the groceries run out (Time Pressure, Push). Then they find plant life, which drives them forward (Pull). Later, he better get out of the cell because they're about to castrate him (antagonism). WRITE THAT SCREENPLAY! Learn more... The Complete 188 stage Hero's Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/ Managing Creativity and Innovation and related techniques and tools can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com/ You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site. Kal Bishop, MBA ********************************** You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made, the author's name is retained and the link to our site URL remains active. |
