Christopher Vogler made documentary films as an Air Force officer before studying film production at the University of Southern California, where he encountered the ideas of mythologist Joseph Campbell and observed how they influenced the story design of 1977 s Star Wars. He worked as a story consultant in the development departments of 20th Century Fox, Walt Disney Pictures and Animation, and Paramount Pictures, and wrote an influential memo on Campbell s Hero s Journey concept that led to his involvement in Disney s Aladdin, The Lion King, and Hercules. After the publication of The Writer s Journey, he developed stories for many productions, including Disney s remake of 101 Dalmatians, Fox s Fight Club, Courage Under Fire, Volcano, and The Thin Red Line.