What’s the best film you have watched? Maybe it was an unforgettable commercial or some viral video on YouTube that you love watching over and over again. It’s very likely that all of these share one thing in common – they attempt to tell a story that is meaningful to you. At the center of the story lies the magic of the “Hero’s Journey.
The Hero’s Journey, a story telling framework crafted by Joseph Campbell in his book, ‘The Hero with a thousand faces’, is more than just a technique for epic saga writers. It is an age-old guide for making videos that capture attention, motivate viewers, and make a mark that lasts for a long time. It doesn’t matter if you are making a short film or an explanatory video or even an ad campaign, knowing this structure will help you tell better stories. Here’s a breakdown.
What is the Hero’s Journey?
The Hero’s journey, in a nutshell, is a narrative cycle which helps the protagonist (the hero) embark on an adventure which leads to change. This journey can be broken down into three acts:
- 1. The Departure: The hero embarks on a new quest, leaving behind their world.
- 2. The Initiation: They overcome challenges, build relationships, and transform.
- 3. The Return: They return to their old world restored and stronger than before.
This arc is split into 12 parts including the call to adventure, meeting the mentor, facing trials, and ultimately returning home with wisdom or power.
In what way does this impact creators? This narrative structure in an archetypal form outlines the emotional experiences your audience feels deeply. When done correctly, it captivates, informs, and resonates with the audience.
Why the Hero’s Journey is Effective
1. It’s Universally Relatable
Because human beings have a natural inclination towards stories, and they find emotions in their personal experiences facing challenges along with overcoming fears while trying to grow. It does not matter whether it is a video made about a character who is fictional, a product, or a businessperson who is from real life, the audience on a subconscious level understands the struggles of the hero.
2. It Creates Emotional Engagement
By placing emphasis on a certain emotion, there is a very high chance of evoking more powerful feelings which is why they should be shaped in a way which backs the Hero’s Journey. Starting out with a sense of curiosity, launching into tension, and then a satisfying ending all equate to an emotional rollercoaster which is mesmerizing to everyone. That connection turns audience members into paying customers or loyal fans.
3. It’s Timeless
You will be able to witness the stories from centuries ago and those written recently, but either way the Hero’s Journey will be in front of you no matter where those elements are timeless advent timeless myths. Even with a two-minute advertisement, the most powerful responses can be evoked because they are so deeply rooted into society.
Integrating the Hero’s Journey in Your Videos
We have talked about the why, so let us now focus on the how. Here is how you can apply the Hero’s Journey structure into your videos, regardless of the format or genre.
1. Figure Out Your Hero
A hero is a prerequisite for any story, but the hero can be anything besides a character. It can be the audience, your brand or it can even be an ideology. As a rule of thumb, figure out who or what the audience will rally behind.
Example: In Apple’s “1984” ad, the hero was not a person, but rather the concept of rebellion and innovation.
2. Begin with The Ordinary World
In the initial stages of your video, include the hero’s commonplace world that leads into the adventure. This greatly assists in connecting to the hero.
Example: You can show the startup founder in the cubicle to the side of his daydreaming bigger-life aspirations.
3. Give The Call To Adventure
What inspires the hero to do something? Here, you pose the main challenge or opportunity in front of the hero.
Example: For a fitness brand, the call to adventure can be training for your first ever marathon.
4. Present Allies and Mentors
No one achieves success by themselves. Present the individuals, aids, or aids which assist the hero throughout the story.
Example: In the case of Nike, the advertisement features coaches and teammates playing the mentors role along with Nike itself.
5. Focus on the Conflict Challenges
Conflicts are very important. Show the unnumbered problems your hero tries to solve and the manner in which they rise victorious. That is where the audience becomes so glued to the plot.
Example: When it comes to a product demo, this could include demonstrating how your solution manages to deal with the issue in a systematic manner.
6. Showcase Change and Achievement in Conclusion
As for the suspension, it is ending. Depict how the hero has altered or what they have done as a result of the journey. That is the strong take away that clicks well into remembrance.
Example: In the scope of video focusing on non profit work, that could mark the point where failure leads the community to derive profit out of a successful venture.
Tips for Mastering The Hero’s Journey In Your Videos
Know Your Audience. As suggested by the term individually, audience means a group of people. It is critical to comprehend the problems, wishes, or even fears which they relate to. This should aid you build a hero and a tale that captures sways.
Tips for mastering the hero 2022s journey in your videos
- Keep It Simple: Creating the hero’s journey does not mean you need to work through all 12 stages. Concentrate instead this time on significant markers that would accompany the timeframe and aim of the video.
- Use Visual Storytelling: Show, don’t tell becomes the order of the day. It’s primarily rekindling and then evoking certain emotions through imagery and letters, tempo, and music.
- Stay Authentic:Be honest, don’t worry about being perfect. Wheels and marketing will connect with people’s real stories.
- Test and Refine:Not every story will work out the first time. Collect feedback so that your audience can tell you what parts can be improved.
Why the Hero’s Journey Is Here to Stay
In a world full of content, everyone is trying to attract eyeballs. Apart from stunning ads or catchy slogans, people want relatable stories, and the face behind the brand. “The Hero’s Journey” accounts for exactly that – creating a narrative that everyone resonates with and can get behind, serving the foundation of great storytelling – and great videos.
Whether you’re marketing a commercial, filming a documentary, or even vlogging on YouTube, this template equips you with the instructions to capture the viewer’s attention. And not just their attention, their memory as well.
Ready to Elevate Your Storytelling?
Here, at Reset Media, we’re in the business of shaping creators like you. The art of powerful storytelling can unlock doors you never knew were there. From tips, and techniques, to deep industry insights, we have it all to ensure your videos become the subject of discussion.
Visit more at Reset Media and take the first step on your path to becoming a master of storytelling.