Universal Plots in Cinema and Video Games

In screenwriting, students are often taught to overcome the fear of the blank page with the phrase “so then.” So then, at our Friday meeting, we will talk about what else is taught in film schools and storytelling courses. Because storytelling involves many fundamental steps that we intuitively absorb in our earliest years of life.

But do we truly recognize the narrative patterns we can apply to our everyday tasks? Do you run a blog? Are you considering becoming a screenwriter, director, or game designer? Join us to explore where to begin.

We will examine the works of Joseph Campbell and his concept of the universal story — the monomyth — identify Vladimir Propp’s recurring character functions, and look for parallels between well-known works.

We will discuss why the plots of The Count of Monte Cristo, The Revenant, and The Last of Us Part II are both similar and different at the same time.

And, of course, we will explore why we love Frodo from The Lord of the Rings so much — and what Tolkien’s deep religiosity has to do with it.

Come learn the fundamentals of storytelling and apply them in your life.

The session will be led by director and game designer Nadezhda P.