The Hero's Journey Formula: How to Craft the Perfect Protagonist

Learn from the Academy Award-nominated screenwriter of TOY STORY, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, EVAN ALMIGHTY, GOODBYE LOVER, and more...

You've heard of The Hero's Journey, a concept created by Joseph Campbell after studying mythology and storytelling from thousands of years of civilization and from cultures all over the world. It's been applied by writers to some of the most successful films and franchises of all time, including STAR WARS, HARRY POTTER, TOY STORY, THE MATRIX, and countless others. However, knowing what The Hero's Journey is one thing, but understanding how to apply it to your work is a much more challenging task.

In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand class, you'll dive deeper than the books and online videos on The Hero's Journey to engross yourself in every step, study how it's been successfully applied to scripts, and learn how to use it in your own work.

The more you understand these essential storytelling building blocks, the stronger your story will become, winning over readers, buyers, and, most importantly, the audience.

The Hero's Journey is the study of how a protagonist transforms over the course of a story, and guiding you through this transformation for four sessions is Oscar-nominated screenwriter Alec Sokolow.

Alec is an expert in the Hero's Journey and has used it in his work, ultimately netting over $2 billion in worldwide receipts. His credits include TOY STORY, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, EVAN ALMIGHTY, and many more. He's also produced feature documentaries, directed animation shorts, and written children's books using Joseph Campbell's mythical structure.

You'll see how you can use the Hero's Journey to infuse your script with the right tone, an immersive setting, entertaining characters, stakes, tension, memorable moments, and more.

Don't miss out on your chance to learn from an Oscar-nominated screenwriter in this 4-part class and take your screenwriting skills to the next level.

PRAISE FOR ALEC'S WORK AND STAGE 32 EDUCATION:

"Alec Sokolow is one of the world's great storytellers, screenwriters, and teachers, and that's a wonderful combination for anyone to learn from." -- An Award-Winning Producer

"Wonderful insights. Made lots of notes. Thank you." -- Mark M.

"Alec is the best! What a world of knowledge!" -- Selina R.

"Great session with Alec. Thanks for the insights and wisdom from your storytelling experience. Oh, and for the films!" -- David L.

SESSION 1 - IN THE ORDINARY WORLD: SETTING YOUR TABLE

Every “Hero" is not a true hero when we first meet them. Every story begins somewhere just before that somewhere is forever changed. In this session we will explore the first three steps in The Hero’s Journey. Introduction to the Ordinary World. The Call To Adventure. And the initial Refusal of this call. We will work through these steps to help you mold your own ideas.

• Setting the time and place.
• Meeting your hero and their “Freuds"
• Introducing tone.
• Living One’s Bliss
• Introducing your force of villainy
• Making your initial declarations
• Why must your hero first refuse?

Q&A with Alec

SESSION 2 - CROSSING THE THRESHOLD: ENTERING THE SPECIAL WORLD

Every screenplay ventures somewhere both internally and externally. In this session we will explore and discuss the journey ahead for you as a writer and for your hero. Meeting With The Mentor. Crossing The Threshold Into the Special World. Initial Tests, Allies, Enemies. The events and decisions that define your first act break and thrust your hero out into the “Special World” of your story.

• Why does your hero need a mentor?
• Your hero’s point of no return.
• What transformations await?
• Introducing the Special World
• Your hero’s first tests
• Your hero’s first allies and enemies. Why do you need both?

Q&A with Alec

SESSION 3 - THE ORDEAL: NAVIGATING YOUR HERO'S RAISING STAKES IN THE SPECIAL WORLD

Heroes transform into heroes through their journeys of being tested and challenged. In this session we will explore and discuss how you must escalate your stakes and challenge your heroes to confront their darkest fears and character flaws (Freuds) as they Approach Their Inner Most Cave, battle through their greatest Ordeal and grasp their Reward.

• What and where is your hero’s Inner Most Cave?
• Why does your hero need to “enter" this Cave?
• What is your Hero’s biggest emotional Ordeal?
• What Dragons must your hero slay and why?
• What is your hero’s true reward? (Spoiler alert. It’s what you’re really writing about)

Q&A with Alec

SESSION 4 - THE ROAD BACK - RETURNING TO THE NORMAL WORLD WITH THE ELIXIR

In screenplays, there can be no beginning without an ending. So, how do you “land the plane?” In this session, we will discuss how to properly complete your Hero’s Journey. The Road Back from the special world to the normal world. One last ultimate life or death test, then Resurrection that allows your Hero to Return With The Elixir.

• Where does the Road Back lead?
• Why must there be an ultimate test?
• Who or what is being Resurrected?
• What is the real power of the Elixir?
• What happens if your hero does not complete all 12 steps?
• Will the normal world ever be the same?
• Final statements

Q&A with Alec

*This is an on-demand class and we encourage you to still do any assignments in between sessions to get the most out of the experience. 

Q: What is the format of a class?
A: Stage 32 Next Level Classes are typically 90-minute broadcasts that take place online using a designated software program from Stage 32.

Q: Do I have to be located in a specific location?
A: No, you can participate from the comfort of your own home using your personal computer! If you attend a live online webinar, you will be able to communicate directly with your instructor during the class.

Q: What are the system requirements?
A: You will need to meet the following system requirements in order to run the webinar software: Windows 7 or later Mac OS X 10.9 (Mavericks) or later.
If you have Windows XP, Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.8 (Mountain Lion): The webinar software does not support these operating systems. If you are running one of those operating systems, please upgrade now in order to be able to view a live class. Upgrade your Windows computer / Upgrade your Mac computer

Q: What if I cannot attend the live class?
A: If you cannot attend a live webinar and purchase an On-Demand class, you will have access to the entire recorded broadcast, including the Q&A.

Q: Will I have access to the webinar afterward to re-watch?
A: Yes! After the purchase of a live or On-Demand class, you will have on-demand access to the recording, which you can view as many times as you'd like for a whole year!