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.

Many theorists argue that the screenplay is essentially about conflict. This is misleading.

Forget about conflict. Don't focus on it. Simply take your heroes through the stages of the Hero's Journey. And make sure you give them inner, outer and romantic challenges.

Sure, conflict is the basis of all human behaviour. Sure, every action, movement and inflexion is about status and hierarchy. We know that. But it doesn't help you write a screenplay. Or if it does, it forces your nose to follow the diversion sign.

This concept of conflict derives from the highly simplistic three act structure: setup, conflict and resolution. Its usefulness as a tool is questionable. Three act structure is like saying a meal consists of a starter, main course and dessert. It doesn't tell you how to cook the meal. For that you need a cookbook. And the best cookbook there is, is the Hero's Journey.

Learn more…

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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