Below is the basic plot outline for the generic hero's journey. You can use this template to tell your own story. It is claimed that with some variation that this is the template for almost all Hollywood stories. Read it and decide for yourself. How many films have you watched that fit this template?
"The Hero's Journey is the template upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based upon. In fact, we have not come across a [Hollywood] story that does not conform to this template, though there are slight differences between pre and post [around] 1950 output. Understanding this template is a priority for story or screenwriters."
from Hero's Journey
Star Wars a New Hope by George Lucas, Synopsis
(a synopsis is a brief summary or general survey of something, such as the outline of a plot for a movie)
Luke Skywalker is an orphan living with his uncle and aunt in a remote wilderness of Tatoonie.
He is rescued from aliens by wise, bearded Ben Kenobi who turns out to be a Jedi Knight.
Ben reveals to Luke that Luke's father was also a Jedi Knight and was the best pilot he had ever known.
Luke is also instructed in how to use the Jedi light sabre as he too trains to become a Jedi.
Luke has many adventures in the galaxy and makes new friends such as Han Solo, Princess Leia, and R2D2.
Through the course of his adventures he distinguishes himself as a Jedi Knight making the direct hit that secreus the Rebels' victory against the dark side.
Luke also sees of the threat of Darth Vader, who we know murdered his uncle and aunt.
In the finale, Luke and his new friends receive medals of valour
This common structure can be turned into a generic template
1. [Our Hero] is [in a condition seperate from his parents, such as orphan] living with [aunt, uncle, grandfather, grandmother, adopted parents, benefactor] in [an area remote from the activity of civilization - the country, the desert, the mountains, the farm, an island.]
2. He or She is rescued from [2nd rate criminals, bandits, wrong doers, low lifes, evil tribe etc.] by [good magician, older warrior, older knight, wise monk etc.] who turns out to be a great [magician, warrior, knight, monk.]
3. The older, wise warrior reveals that the hero's father was also a great [magician, warrior, knight, monk.]
4. The hero is also instructed in how to use [weapons, power, magic etc.] as he too trains to become a [magician, warrior, knight, monk, etc.] This is a good time to insert the training montage.
5. The hero has many adventures in [where ever] and makes new friends such as [ who ever.]
6. Through the course of his adventures he distinguishes himself as a [magician, warrior, knight, monk.] making the [decisive hit] that secures victory against the [forces of evil].
7. Our hero also battles the [major antagonist, villian, foe, enemy knight], who we know [murdered family members of hero].
8. Our hero [receives awards of valor, wins recognition, gains celebrity status etc.]
What other films fit the template? What films have you recently seen that do not? For example, in the Matrix, Neo has no visible family. He lives alone in a small apartment. He is captured by nemisis, Mr. Smith. He is rescued by a group of great warriors. He has a mentor. He has adventures that reveal is growing powers. He has a final battle with Mr. Smith.
Napolean Dynamite lives with his grandmother. He has conflicts with his Uncle. His growing powers are revealed through dance. He wins the praise of his fellow students, but does he have a mentor?
Use this structure to write a treatment for a short film. Use all the elements.