Pro Video Editor Teaches Story Editing (Star Wars)

Story editing is one of the most powerful tools in an editor's tool belt, yet it’s often overlooked. Today, we’re diving into story structure—specifically, the Hero’s Journey in Star Wars: A New Hope—with a very special guest. Scott Rice is a co-professor alongside Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey at the University of Texas at Austin (which also happens to be my alma mater). He’s an accomplished and busy commercial director and has been my main creative collaborator for the past 20 years.

Scott explains that we’re combining the basic three act story structure with the mythic structure known as the Hero’s Journey, first described in Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces. This book heavily influenced George Lucas while writing Star Wars, which is why the film resonated so deeply with audiences. Watch the video above for the full lesson.

Follow along with the free guide that you can download here.

The Hero’s Journey in Star Wars

The Ordinary World This is where we meet the hero before the adventure begins. In Star Wars, Luke Skywalker is introduced as a bored farm boy on Tatooine, living a mundane life.

Meeting the Mentor The protagonist encounters a guide who helps them along their journey. Obi-Wan Kenobi serves as Luke’s mentor, introducing him to the Force and the larger mission at hand. Interestingly, Luke meets Obi-Wan at the 30-minute mark, which coincides precisely with the first plot point in traditional three act story structure—about 25% into the movie.

The Call to Adventure This stage is when the hero is invited on their journey. While some interpret Princess Leia’s initial message as the call to adventure, the clearer call happens when Obi-Wan directly asks Luke to accompany him to Alderaan and learn the ways of the Force.

The Refusal of the Call Luke initially refuses, citing responsibilities at home. His reluctance highlights his character arc—he lacks self-belief and is more concerned about his uncle’s approval than his own potential.

Crossing the First Threshold After stormtroopers kill his aunt and uncle, Luke has nothing left on Tatooine and decides to join Obi-Wan. The first threshold is crossed as he leaves his old world behind and enters the unknown, heading to Mos Eisley.

Tests, Allies, and Enemies Luke quickly faces obstacles in Mos Eisley, encountering stormtroopers and violent cantina patrons while also gaining allies—Han Solo and Chewbacca.

The Approach to the Inmost Cave At the midpoint of the film, Luke and company are pulled into the Death Star by a tractor beam. This moment aligns perfectly with the story’s midpoint, shifting the direction of the narrative and intensifying the stakes.

The Ordeal This is a moment where the hero appears to face ultimate defeat. In Star Wars, this occurs when Luke and his friends end up in the trash compactor, symbolizing a brush with death and eventual rebirth.

The Big Gloom (End of Act Two) Obi-Wan’s duel with Darth Vader marks the lowest emotional moment of the film. Obi-Wan’s death at Vader’s hands is shocking but serves as a crucial turning point for Luke, who can no longer rely on his mentor.

The Reward and the Road Back The heroes escape the Death Star with Princess Leia and the Death Star plans, but the journey is not over. As they return to the Rebel base, they are pursued by the Empire, leading into the final confrontation.

The Resurrection (Final Test) Luke must face the ultimate challenge—destroying the Death Star. The moment is heightened when he chooses to trust in the Force rather than his targeting computer, marking his true transformation.

The Return with the Elixir Luke returns victorious, forever changed. The farm boy who once doubted himself has now saved the Rebellion. His journey from uncertainty to self-belief is complete, making the ending satisfying and inevitable.

Applying This to Editing

For editors working on short-form content, the principles of structure still apply. Even in a corporate or YouTube video, changes should occur at key moments—about 25%, 50%, and 75% into the piece—to maintain audience engagement. This could be a shift in visuals, music, or pacing to keep momentum and propel the story forward.

By being mindful of structure, editors can elevate any project, ensuring that transitions between acts are seamless and impactful. Whether working on a commercial, a documentary, or a YouTube video, understanding and applying these storytelling techniques will make any edit stronger and more compelling.

Happy editing!

Austen is an ADDY award-winning film & commercial editor with over 20 years of experience. He has worked with global brands like Meta, KPMG, SAP, and Christianity Today. His PSA work has championed causes like school safety (with Matthew McConaughey), driving safety, and anti-tobacco. A thought leader in the editing field, his online lessons quickly amassed over 100K views after launch.