There are a number of steps you can take to master screenwriting craft. Some of these include:
· Read as many screenplays as possible – choose successful films only.
· Deconstruct as many movies and stories as possible – frame by frame; what is going on there and why is that frame, scene or sequence important?
· Read as many books on the topic as possible.
· Be prolific in your writing – there is a positive correlation between output and competency and between output and quality.
· BUT MOST IMPORTANTLY – master the Hero's Journey
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.
Following is a basic deconstruction of Gladiator (Academy Award Winner Best Film, 2000) – from this the value of the Hero's Journey becomes more apparent.
Call to Adventure: Marcus Aurelius asks Maximus to give Rome back to the people.
Refusal of the Call: Maximus refuses – he wishes to return home to his wife and child.
Supernatural Aid: Maximus asks advice from Cicero; he treasures the statuette (magical gift) during this stage of the journey. But the real mentor is Proximo, who is met during the stage of the Transformation /Road of Trials.
Crossing the First Threshold: Maximus is taken away to be murdered by the Roman soldiers; he travels home to find his wife and child murdered (No Way Back).
Physical Separation from the Old World (Belly of the Whale): The slave caravan carries Maximus to the World of the Transformation.
Transformation (Road of Trials): Proximo forces Maximus to learn the art of the gladiator until he transforms to the leader and best of the best.
The Ideal, Seizing the Sword (Meeting with the Goddess): Proximo lures Maximus to Rome, where he will have a chance to confront Commodus.
Rebirth through Death (Woman as Temptress): Lucilla tempts Maximus to meet with Senator Graccus; Cicero and many of Maximus' gladiator allies die.
Atonement: Maximus and Commodus confront each other.
Apotheosis: Commodus is not a moral man – he will use deceit to win.
Ultimate Boon: Maximus has a opportunity to fight Commodus in the arena.
Other stages to the journey include: Refusal of the Return, Magic Flight, Rescue from Without, Crossing the Return Threshold, Master of the Two Worlds, Freedom to Live.
The detailed, complete deconstruction and 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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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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