THE FILM STUDENT'S JOURNEY
/Joseph Campbell’s seminal book, The Hero With a Thousand Faces, is a challenging read. Many students can’t get through it. If you’ve actually read it, cover to cover - Congratulations!! You are likely one of the few in your class that have.
Often cited as his best work, Campbell analyzes and compares an esoteric mix of myths and stories from around the world to support his thesis: there is a recurring narrative pattern for a protagonist that is commonly known as 'the hero's journey.'
The journey is one of self-discovery and adventure with the protagonist facing challenges and overcoming obstacles. Ultimately, the protagonist has a transformative experience, completes their quest, and attains the status of a ‘hero’.
If you’re pressed for time and interested in cutting to the chase (as most contemporary students are) you’ll find a helpful summary at the end of Part One entitled The Keys - see diagram below.
In painstaking detail, and with countless references, Campbell outlines 17 distinct stages used as stepping stones along the winding road of the historical, universal protagonist. Every story must begin and end, but not all protagonists must encounter each and every one of Campbell’s stages on their unique journey in order for the story to be a satisfying tale.
Unbeknownst to many film students, they are actually on their own hero’s journey. By knowing the well-trodden roadmap of story history and being familiar with the basic building blocks of Campbell’s narrative structure, every film student can prepare and position themselves for a better chance at succeeding in their filmmaking quest.
The film student's journey, much like the hero's journey, is a path filled with trials and tribulations. It is a journey that requires dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to take risks. It may involve a stop at all 17 of Campbell’s narrative points of interest, but at the very least, every student will experience these 12 basic stages:
The Ordinary World: The protagonist (that’s you!) is living a normal life, not yet aware of their potential as a filmmaker.
The Call to Adventure: The protagonist (yeah, you!) has the idea to pursue film-making or receives an inspiration or a challenge. In our story, this is the moment when the protagonist decides to pursue an education with a plan to make films at a film production program.
Refusal of the Call: The protagonist may initially resist the opportunity or feel intimidated by the challenge; it’s too expensive, their parents won’t co-sign the student loan, or their partner says NO! The call to adventure is often met with resistance from threshold guardians, such as admissions gatekeepers who may question the protagonist's qualifications or discourage them from applying. Or they may have jumped too quickly and received a rejection letter.
Meeting the Mentor: The protagonist meets someone who helps guide them on their journey, such as a film teacher or industry professional. The pragmatic protagonist (likely reading this now…) gets their hands on a copy of John Pozer’s book, The 21st Century Film Student PRIMER: Everything You Need to Know and Do Before You Go to Film School. This sets the protagonist off on a trajectory for success as they develop some basic knowledge and skills, build a proper portfolio, maybe get some experience, but, for sure, they are well aware of any challenges that a student filmmaking program may throw at them.
Crossing the Threshold: The protagonist decides to fully embrace the opportunity and commit to becoming a student filmmaker. They must move past the gatekeepers and enter the unknown world of student film production. The protagonist is now a fully-fledged student and begins their formal education and training in the craft, learning the technical skills and artistic principles that will shape their future as a filmmaker.
Tests, Allies, Enemies: The student faces challenges, such as learning new skills, making mistakes, and competing with other students. They may also make allies and enemies along the way. As the student progresses through the program, they encounter a series of trials and challenges, such as the difficulties of working on group projects, the pressures of critical feedback, and the competition for limited resources. These challenges test the student's resolve and force them to confront their own limitations, pushing them to grow and develop as a filmmaker.
Approach to the Innermost Cave: The student reaches a point of self-doubt and must confront their fears and insecurities about their abilities as a filmmaker. (Yes, we’ve all been there! In our own separate caves, of course.)
Ordeal: The student must overcome a major obstacle, the threshold of the program, where they will be presented with the opportunity to produce a final film. This is a time of great pressure and stress as the student must prove their skills and abilities as a filmmaker.
Reward (Seizing the Sword): The student emerges victorious and receives recognition for their work, such as a great critical review, winning an award, or getting a job offer in the film industry. (But this story isn’t over…)
The Road Back: The student sets out again to return to the ordinary world and figure out how to apply what they have learned to their future projects. The student must venture into the world of the film industry and face new challenges and obstacles. It is a time of great uncertainty as the student (with certificate in hand) must now navigate the competitive nature of the industry and find their place in it.
Resurrection: The student undergoes a final transformation and has a new understanding of themselves and their craft. With their newfound skills and knowledge they have the ability to create meaningful, impactful films that reflect their unique perspective and voice.
Return with the Elixir: The student brings the lessons and insights gained on their journey back to the ordinary world, where they will use them to continue growing as a filmmaker and make their mark in the industry.