[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 Heros Journey that you need to know about...]

The Heros 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 Heros 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...

SACRED MEETING

One element of the Heros Journey (often during the stage of the Meeting with the Supernatural Aid / Mentor) is the common frequency of a Sacred Meeting between the Hero and Mentor. This occurs alone, often on the Mentors turf and others frequently absent themselves from this meeting:

In Wall Street (1987), Carl Fox takes Bud Fox aside when he comes to visit; his friends leave them alone.

In Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indy and Sallah and Indy and Marcus [sic, separate scenes] discuss the Ark alone (Marion plays with Sallahs children).

In Empire Strikes Back (1980), Yoda takes Luke back to his home where he debates whether to take on Luke as a trainee.

WRITE THAT SCREENPLAY!

Learn more

The Complete 188 stage Heros 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/

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Kal Bishop, MBA

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Kal Bishop

Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. His specialities include Knowledge Management and Creativity and Innovation Management. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller.