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Writing and Speaking > Writing > Heros Journey, Screenwriting, Story Structure - Overcoming Myths
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Article rating : 0.00, 0 votes. Author : Kal Bishop
The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the cast majority of successful screenplays are built upon. Films as diverse as Gladiator (2000), Million Dollar Baby (2004), Raging Bull (1980) and Scarface (1983) were all constructed around the Hero's Journey Template.
There are so many myths surrounding the art of screenwriting, creative writing, creativity and innovation...the level of misunderstanding out there is astounding.
For example, the lack of understanding or even a mention of the Hero's Journey in most screenwriting texts. Truly incredible.
For example, the myth that hero's must be flawed. This is story and archetype specific. Not a universal rule.
For example, that a story should start strong. True, as long as starting strong is taken to mean communicating salient information from the get go.
For example, that there is a creative type or personality. Many theorists and practitioners think that there are common characteristics to creative people, such as tolerance to ambiguity and risk taking. However, these traits are not easily identifiable and are not stable across situations. Further, motivation is more important that nature or nurture.
The best way to overcome the myths, specifically in screenwriting, is to reach your own understanding by analyzing stories, screenplays and films. Watch
them, deconstruct them scene by scene and come to your own conclusions. You will attain far greater insights and intimacy with the topic.
But the above is the second part of a three stage process: a) learn what is already known, b) engage as above to attain your own insights and c) synthesise all to attain your unique intimacy with the topic.
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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
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. He can be reached at http://managing-creativity.com/
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