An Oscar-Nominated Writer Teaches You The Hero's Journey

Hosted by Alec Sokolow

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Alec Sokolow

Webinar hosted by: Alec Sokolow

Oscar Nominated Screenwriter of TOY STORY, (GARFIELD, GARFIELD: A TALE OF TWO KITTIES)

Alec Sokolow is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, storyteller, and character creator who specializes in global branding and franchise creation. Alec regularly works as a screenwriter for all the major studios and various global independent producers. His feature film credits include "Toy Story," "Cheaper By the Dozen," "Garfield," "Garfield: A Tale Of Two Kitties," "Money Talks," "Evan Almighty," "Goodbye Lover," and "Daddy Day Camp." Alec has also written the meta video game storyline and user interface for Activision's billion-dollar franchise "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure" and "Skylanders: Giants." He has also produced feature documentaries, directed animation shorts, and written children's books. Alec’s storytelling has created global receipts of over $2 billion. Full Bio »

Webinar Summary

Learn about the Hero's Journey and how your screenplays can use this imperative tool from the Academy Award nominated writer of TOY STORY, CHEAPER BY THE DOZEN, GOODBYE LOVER and more...

Plus! A Hero's Journey Worksheet and Exclusive Script Downloads For You!

STAR WARS, THE MATRIX, HARRY POTTER, TOY STORY... countless successful films use "The Hero's Journey," a storytelling archetype promoted by author and professor Joseph Campbell. You've likely heard or maybe even read about it, but Stage 32 is here to walk you threw what it takes to apply this essential archetype to your own writing!

In this exclusive Stage 32 on-demand webinar, Oscar-nominated screenwriter Alec Sokolow will take you through the Hero's Journey so that you fully understand how to use it to elevate your scripts. Alec is a master of the Hero's Journey having applied it throughout his career to his blockbuster films, including 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, successfully applying Joseph Campbell's mythical structure with his work netting over $2 billion in worldwide receipts.

The Hero's Journey is bigger than Luke Skywalker, and following this archetype isn't about following a cookie-cutter story. It's about understanding dreams we all share and heightened realities. It leads to star-making roles that actors are dying to play. It's about raising the stakes and challenging your protagonist to change on multiple levels by pushing them beyond their limits.

To truly understand the nature of your writing, it is vital to understand the heroic journey you are constructing for your protagonist and go on your own journey as you craft your script. In the process, you'll have a deeper understanding of how to write these journeys, be able to elevate your writing to something that grabs producers and talent, and prove that you're ready for a career in writing big-screen stories. 

Where else can you learn about this imperative story structure directly from a successful screenwriter who applies it to their work every day? Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn from Alec Sokolow and start your own Hero's Journey.


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."

"Alec is the best! What a world of knowledge!"

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

What You'll Learn

THE HERO’S JOURNEY

  • Who is Joseph Campbell
  • The origins of the Hero’s journey
  • The 17 Stages of the Hero’s Journey

APPLYING THE JOURNEY TO YOUR WRITING

  • Breaking it down within the 3-act structure
  • Using the stages to craft your characters, plot, and conflict to discover their “bliss."
  • Breaking down your script
  • Utilizing the journey to create surprises
  • Creating a story that is universal

APPLYING THE JOURNEY TO YOU AS AN ARTIST

  • Working through writer's block
  • Writing your first draft
  • Creating art is heroic

Q&A with Alec

About Your Instructor

Alec Sokolow is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter, storyteller, and character creator who specializes in global branding and franchise creation. Alec regularly works as a screenwriter for all the major studios and various global independent producers. His feature film credits include "Toy Story," "Cheaper By the Dozen," "Garfield," "Garfield: A Tale Of Two Kitties," "Money Talks," "Evan Almighty," "Goodbye Lover," and "Daddy Day Camp."

Alec has also written the meta video game storyline and user interface for Activision's billion-dollar franchise "Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure" and "Skylanders: Giants." He has also produced feature documentaries, directed animation shorts, and written children's books. Alec’s storytelling has created global receipts of over $2 billion.

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Reviews Average Rating: 4 out of 5

  • The webinar was okay. I would have liked us to look at the hero's journey in more detail. A lot of it was a Q&A, which is certainly good if you're watching live, but if you're watching on-demand maybe less so.

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