The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler has become one of the cornerstones of modern screenwriting theory. Based on an influential memo he wrote while working at the Disney studios, the book has been translated into eight languages and its ideas were promptly put to use by a whole generation of screenwriters and novelists. As a consultant for Hollywood studios he has helped to guide the stories of many successful films as different as THE WRESTLER, BLACK SWAN, THE LION KING, FIGHT CLUB and THE THIN RED LINE. As a leading theorist on story structure and as an experienced Hollywood professional (currently working for Paramount Pictures as a story consultant) he is in a unique position to share his insights into how powerful stories are made.
Film and television can be mindless amusement or they can move us deeply, even change us by bringing us to some new awareness. If our movie stories are not meaningful to people these days it's because we have forgotten how to move them, how to stir up their emotions and lead them to experience the healthy catharsis that Aristotle speaks of. What are the keys to the emotions of the audience? What are the triggers that will make them feel something again, that will allow them to become just a little more conscious and more human? What are the emotional patterns deeply grooved in every person that can be awakened through strong-minded, conscious storytelling? What are the most up-to-date techniques for creating meaningful stories?
Vogler's workshop will cover the essential story structure outline of the 12-stage Hero's Journey, the eight major archetypes of character, and strategies for deepening the audience's involvement in the story. New concepts of story construction will be introduced along with classic forms. Film clips will show how themes and conflicts and the wishes of the audience interact to create a powerful dramatic experience.
The Essence of Storytelling live in Toronto the weekend of June 8-9, 2013.