James Cameron said in a letter to the Los Angeles Times, March 28, 1998, the movie, Titanic, intentionally incorporates universals of human experience and emotion that are timeless and familiar because they reflect our basic emotional fabric. By dealing in archetypes, the film touches people in all cultures and of all ages. These archetypal patterns turn a chaotic event like the sinking of an ocean liner into a coherent design that asks questions and provides opinions about how life should be lived.

The Hero’s Journey is the foundation upon which the vast majority of successful stories and Hollywood blockbusters are based. In truth, there is really only one story; what James Joyce named the “monomyth.” Every great story essentially alternates situations and superimposes them over the same structure. The Godfather, Slumdog Millionaire, Brokeback Mountain, Gladiator, Annie Hall, Shrek, The Fighter, The Shawshank Redemption and other successful stories are all one and the same – various situations built on the same foundation. Spielberg, Lucas, Scorsese, Coppola, Nolan, Cameron all use this structure. Shakespeare used this structure. Stories in the Bible, the Vedas, the Torah and the Koran use this structure.

As our own Stewart Stern said: “Structure is inevitable.” William Goldman (Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, All the President’s Men, The Princess Bride, among others) says it even more strongly. He says: “Screenplays are structure.” Structure is more than simple three or four acts or plot points etc. Structure is a consistent, complex process through which your characters are led that results in their resolving their initial challenges; battling past their historical and personal limitations. Understanding myths helps writers better execute and deepen their stories. The more you know about myths, the better you will master the structure of the Hero’s Journey and utilize it to get your story concept developed and onto the page.

At TheFilmSchool’s Intensive Screenwriting Program, learn what James Cameron and others in Hollywood already know. You will come away with a deeper understanding of the structure of the Hero’s Journey. You will see character archetypes in action and avoid making caricatures or stereotypes of archetypal images. You will be introduced to enduring mythic themes that showcase the human condition. You will see where these concepts that originated from the study of myths have been utilized in film and how to apply them to your story.

Gymi Coco and Gus Mendes are making two comedic short web films (sort of PSA’s) to promote the spaying/neutering of pets, and they want your help.

“We’re seeking a director with equipment who wants to join us and make something awesome—and deliver a really important message. If you’re interested, email gus.mendes@publicis-usa.com and we’ll send you the scripts to read.”

This is a local, Seattle-based gig. It is unpaid, but a great chance to beef up your resume, or just do some good. The shoot will take 2 to 3 days.

Randolph (Randy) Earl Roberts
1950 – 2012

Randy Roberts died on June 5, 2012 at his home in Seattle. The cause of death was undetermined. Though Randy had been suffering from a debilitating illness, which he fought bravely and with all the strength of his being, his death was unexpected and untimely. Randy was 62 years of age.

Randy, is survived by his eldest brother Leigh Roberts, Leigh’s wife, Pam, of Olympia, WA, his aunt Ida Haugen of Seattle, as well as his cousin Chris Barton of Burien, WA. Randy leaves behind a large extended family of which he was an integral part and enjoyed very much, as well as many close friends, amongst them his best friend of over twenty six years, Lee Olsen and Lee’s husband, Stephen de Tasnady of Seattle.

Randy was the third and youngest child of Alvin and Evelyn Roberts, his brother Tom having predeceased him. Randy was born in Aberdeen, WA, and grew up in the small Grays Harbor logging community of North River. The family moved to Montesano while Randy was in high school. He graduated from Montesano High School and attended Grays Harbor College.

Randy was keenly interested in history, especially that of England and was exceptionally well educated in the English language. He seriously considered a career in education. As a young man, Randy was one of the youngest, if not the youngest, elected official in the National Education Association in the early 1970’s. Randy’s other interests led him to the then emerging area of computerized word processing and he devoted most of his working years to that field.

He worked for many years at Boeing, The University of Washington Medical Center and various Seattle law firms. Randy was appreciated by his employers for his keen organizational skills and unfaltering attention to detail. He returned to school later in life and earned the Degree of Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Video from the Evergreen State College in 1990.

Randy loved film. It was his passion. He was an early and devoted attendee of the Seattle International Film Festival having first attended SIFF at it’s the second annual festival, then being held at the Moore Theater. He developed nine feature and six short films/videos. His
proudest achievement was a full length film featuring his beloved and remarkable grandmother, Neva Roberts, who influenced him greatly and to whom he was very devoted.

Randy moved to Seattle in the early 1970’s and enjoyed the close knit Gay community and its landmark establishments of the time. His gregarious and loving manner made him many friends and he was frequently found dancing the night away at the many clubs, especially Shelley’s Leg. Randy had a successful career in those early days of word processing when few possessed that highly demanded skill and he abundantly shared his good fortune. Some may still remember, among many events he organized, his New Year’s Eve party at the Seattle Aquarium, the Oscar Night event as the Sisters of the American Revolution Hall on Capitol Hill and his post-performance bash for Katherine Hepburn and Dorothy Lamour when they appeared at the Fifth Avenue. Randy was a great fan of Ms. Hepburn and was especially pleased to be able to introduce his mother to her.
Randy loved to travel and though he did not have the opportunity to do much, he made the most of it. He was tickled pink to have been invited to meet Tennessee Williams while vacationing in Key West, Florida. Randy was also fond of Mexico, especially Puerto Vallarta, Nayarit and Cuernavaca, Morelos where he enjoyed the hospitality of Lee’s parents. Randy was a favorite among the expatriate crowd there and could always be counted on to liven up a party with his funny stories and easy going charm.

In 1998 Randy moved back to Montesano to provide loving long term care to his parents until their passing. Upon his father’s death, Randy moved to Long Beach, Washington with the aim of writing screenplays, especially one focused on incidents in the early homesteader days of his ancestors in the Grays Harbor area. Randy worked in the hospitality industry in Long Beach, Astoria and Cannon Beach, Oregon. He returned to Seattle in 2007 hoping to move ahead with his interest in the film industry. He successfully managed an apartment building near 23rd and John Street, called Videré, until illness forced him into early retirement.

Randy was a very genuine man who loved unconditionally and always came to the aid of others, even when he was in desperate need himself. He had an exceptional ability to care for the elderly and disadvantaged and to be there for one and all, young or old. Randy was a caretaker in a world that did not always equally take care of him. Randy was never one to hold grudges or be angry, he believed greatly in the natural goodness of people and in universal love.

Randy was loving, gregarious, irreverent, kind, selfless and generous. He touched many lives directly and indirectly; once you met Randy you would not forget him. He was a big bear of a man with a great smile, platinum blond hair, endless stories, anecdotes, a contagious laugh and boundless heart. Randy loved animals and cats in particular. Randy was fortunate to have “Bill the Cat” in the last months of his life which gave him much comfort and joy, and which has been placed in a home that would make Randy very happy. Randy is missed and grieved by many. For myself, Lee Olsen, his dearest friend of over 26 years, seven of which where spend sharing several homes, the loss is great. Randy helped me in so many ways, especially in coming out and introducing me to this remarkable, proud and loving community that comprises more than just the SGN readership.

Randy loved humanity. He was fascinated by the diversity of life stories and was very interested in oral history. He always wanted to be of help in any way he could and did so in so many ways big and small. He had a real zest for life and a lesson I take to heart every day is that it is never too late to say “I love you”, especially to yourself.

I wish to also acknowledge my husband Stephen and his love and care of Randy, especially over the last year, months and days of Randy’s life. Thank you Stephen for all you did for Randy who often told me often how much you and your care meant to him. Leigh Roberts has also been a great source of strength and comfort during this difficult time and his help and compassion are greatly appreciated.

Though he died alone, Randy truly is not alone; he lives in the hearts of many.

A memorial service will be held at a future date yet to be announced. However, please share your memories of Randy by signing the electronic memorial guest book at the Greenwood Memorial Park Funeral Home at: www.greenwoodmempark.com

donate to the Randy Roberts Memorial Fund here