The Hero’s Journey (Monomyth) is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, ALL of the hundreds of Hollywood movies we have deconstructed (see URL below) are based on this 188+ stage template.

Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters. This is the template you must master if you are to succeed in the craft.

[The terminology is most often metaphoric and applies to all successful stories and screenplays, from The Godfather (1972) to Brokeback Mountain (2006) to Annie Hall (1977) to Lord of the Rings (2003) to Drugstore Cowboy (1989) to Thelma and Louise (1991) to Apocaplyse Now (1979)].

There Is Only One Story

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 catharses, of which there are usually four).

…..further details at http://www.clickok.co.uk

Abridged Tips And Examples:

*****The Ultimate Boon*****

This is the prize that the Hero receives once Inner Challenges have been conquered, once he (or she) has broken through personal limitations. Characteristics include:

A Natural. The Hero tackles obstacles with ease, encounters no delaying obstacles and makes no mistake. The hero finds an inner resolve.

Synergy. When the hero and his allies break through the limitations of their egos, they begin to effectively work together to the same goal. In The Dirty Dozen (1967), Lee Marvin’s challenge is to make his men operate as an effective unit. When Charles Bronson et al attain synergy – they overpower the Major’s men in the war games sequence. The whole second act is constructed around the need to reach synergy. In Beverly Hills Cop (1984), Axel Foley, Taggart, Rosewood and Bogomil finally begin working together to tackle Victor Maitland.

Learn moreÂ…

WRITE THAT SCREENPLAY!

The Complete 188 stage HeroÂ’s Journey and other story structure templates can be found at http://www.clickok.co.uk/

The Managing Creativity and Innovation MBA dissertation, DIY creativity Audit, Powerpoint presentation and Good Idea generator software can be found at http://www.managing-creativity.com/

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Kal Bishop, MBA

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