they focus on Transformation. A story IS Transformation. And the process of that transformation, at the root level, is the Hero's Journey.

Transformation is psychological and physical (Transmogrification; to change in appearance or form).

Transmogrification: In The Godfather (1972), Capt. McCluskey punches Michael in the face

The Hero's Journey 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.

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 catharsis).

d) Gives you a universal structural template upon which you can superimpose your situational story.

and more...

THE MYTH OF CONFLICT, TRANSFORMATION AND TRANSMOGRIFICATION

A pervasive myth argues that stories are about conflict. It is true that the basis of human interaction is status based - every action, movement and inflexion implies status and status transactions and on that level there is conflict. Also, there is inherent resistance to change and again, here conflict is implicit.

But the most successful stories and screenplays do not focus on conflict - they focus on Transformation. A story IS Transformation. And the process of that transformation, at the root level, is the Hero's Journey.

Transformation is psychological and physical (Transmogrification; to change in appearance or form).

Transmogrification: In The Godfather (1972), Capt. McCluskey punches Michael in the face.

here 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 catharsis).

d) Gives you a universal structural template upon which you can superimpose your situational story.

and more...

THE MYTH OF CONFLICT, TRANSFORMATION AND TRANSMOGRIFICATION

A pervasive myth argues that stories are about conflict. It is true that the basis of human interaction is status based - every action, movement and inflexion implies status and status transactions and on that level there is conflict. Also, there is inherent resistance to change and again, here conflict is implicit.

But the most successful stories and screenplays do not focus on conflict - they focus on Transformation. A story IS Transformation. And the process of that transformation, at the root level, is the Hero's Journey.

Transformation is psychological and physical (Transmogrification; to change in appearance or form).

Transmogrification: In The Godfather (1972), Capt. McCluskey punches Michael in the face

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...

THE MYTH OF CONFLICT, TRANSFORMATION AND TRANSMOGRIFICATION

A pervasive myth argues that stories are about conflict. It is true that the basis of human interaction is status based - every action, movement and inflexion implies status and status transactions and on that level there is conflict. Also, there is inherent resistance to change and again, here conflict is implicit.

But the most successful stories and screenplays do not focus on conflict - they focus on Transformation. A story IS Transformation. And the process of that transformation, at the root level, is the Hero's Journey.

Transformation is psychological and physical (Transmogrification; to change in appearance or form).

Transmogrification: In The Godfather (1972), Capt. McCluskey punches Michael in the face

t is true that the basis of human interaction is status based - every action, movement and inflexion implies status and status transactions and on that level there is conflict. Also, there is inherent resistance to change and again, here conflict is implicit.

But the most successful stories and screenplays do not focus on conflict - they focus on Transformation. A story IS Transformation. And the process of that transformation, at the root level, is the Hero's Journey.

Transformation is psychological and physical (Transmogrification; to change in appearance or form).

Transmogrification: In The Godfather (1972), Capt. McCluskey punches Michael in the face

they focus on Transformation. A story IS Transformation. And the process of that transformation, at the root level, is the Hero's Journey.

Transformation is psychological and physical (Transmogrification; to change in appearance or form).

Transmogrification: In The Godfather (1972), Capt. McCluskey punches Michael in the face. Later, when the damage has been long repaired, it is noted that Michael looks different. In Gladiator (2000), Maximus' physical change manifests itself in the change from general to gladiator and the cut [and healing of it] he receives on the journey out of his Ordinary World.

Transformation: In Annie Hall (1977), Annie's attitudes, beliefs and behaviour change: from dependent and shy in New York to independent and confident in Los Angeles. In The Shawshank Redemption (1994), Andy goes from being a "New Fish" to the Mentor.