The Hollywood Structure
The goals of Hollywood movies is to provide entertainment. Whether we talk about comedy or drama, the billions of dollars generated by the american movie industry is a testament to the success of the simple story formula used in most Hollywood production: The hero goes on a mission, he struggles but eventually succeeds.
The four stages of the Hollywood structure:
Note that many story structures are a variation of the Hollywood model. Many films based on real life story for instance, do not end well. Sometimes the story to tell is not as rosy as a Hollywood movie; in real life, the good guy doesn't always win.
- The hero is described with strengths and flaws. It may be an individual or a group. The story may or may not include the hero's entourage or his/her nemesis (the bad guy).
- The goal is the problem the hero needs to solve. Some classical goals are: get the girl, catch the bad guy, eliminate a threat, find the treasure, etc.
- The obstacles are anything that prevents the hero from achieving the goal: shyness may prevent him from getting the girl; allies, tricks, and weapons will prevent the hero from cathing the bad guy; the aliens' technology will prevent the hero from eliminating them; treasure seeking rivals will prevent the hero from finding it.
- Success is the staple of all Hollywood movie. If the good guy doesn't win by the end of the movie it's because there is going to be a sequel.
Note that many story structures are a variation of the Hollywood model. Many films based on real life story for instance, do not end well. Sometimes the story to tell is not as rosy as a Hollywood movie; in real life, the good guy doesn't always win.
Assignment
Part one (in group) Watch the following short stories and identify the four elements of a Hollywood narrative.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6GIQhEYQuk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdbaD8OOxfA
Part two (individually) think of your favourite Hollywood movie and describe the main elements of its structure. Post it on your blog.
Part three (in groups of two) set up the main elements of a narrative for a short video for a story happening in one of the following context: in school, the summer break, a family vacation.
Be prepared to pitch your stories as we will discuss them in group.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6GIQhEYQuk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdbaD8OOxfA
Part two (individually) think of your favourite Hollywood movie and describe the main elements of its structure. Post it on your blog.
Part three (in groups of two) set up the main elements of a narrative for a short video for a story happening in one of the following context: in school, the summer break, a family vacation.
Be prepared to pitch your stories as we will discuss them in group.