The INSTITUTIONALIZED Genre
BJ Markel
1 min read
These stories are about how a hero who is entrenched inside a certain group, institution, or establishment fits into that system—or doesn’t. The hero must decide if being part of the group is worth it, and must choose to join, leave, or destroy it. Ultimately, all the stories in this category come down to this question: Who’s crazier… me or them?
The 3 elements of an INSTITUTIONALIZED story are:
1) Every story in this category is about a group—a family, an organization, or a business that is unique.
2) The story is a choice, the ongoing conflict pitting a “Brando” or “Naif” vs. the system’s “Company Man.”
3) Finally, a sacrifice must be made and you get three endings: join, burn it down… or commit “suicide.”
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BJ Markel
BJ Markel first worked with Blake Snyder in 1986. He edited Blake's three Save the Cat! books and co-founded Blake Snyder Enterprises, LLC with Blake in 2005. In his other life, BJ worked in video acquisitions and entertainment marketing, including 20 years at the Walt Disney Company.
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