Part of Robert McKee’s
2024 SUMMER PROGRAM
Dialogue
3-Part Webinar Series
New Dates: From August 6 – 8, 2024
Time: From 1:00PM – 3:00PM (ET)
On Demand: Until October 31, 2024
Dialogue is not conversation. We often think of dialogue as merely talk between characters, but all talk responds to a need, engages a purpose, and performs an action. To say something is to do something. Therefore, beneath every line of character talk, the writer must create a desire, intent, and action. That action then becomes the verbal tactic we call dialogue.
In this 3-part series, Robert McKee teaches the true definition and multiple purposes of dialogue, cueing from character to character, the differences between effective and weak dialogue, and how to find and fix flaws.
$197.00
*Union, Student, and Dialogue Repeater Discounts may apply. Contact us to see if you qualify.
Clips from the 2021 Dialogue Series Q&A Sessions.
What You’ll Learn
PART 1
AUGUST 6 / 1PM-3PM (Eastern Time)
Definition and Functions
In Part 1 of the series, McKee breaks down the true definition of dialogue, how it may differ depending on your chosen medium, and the different ways dialogue can be used within your story.
Topics covered include...
- Dramatized vs. Narratized
What’s the difference between words spoken inside and outside of a scene? - Dialogue on Page, Stage, and Screen
How your chosen medium affects the spoken word. - Narration
First, Second, Third Person? Whose voice tells the story?
PART 2
AUGUST 7 / 1PM-3PM (Eastern Time)
Form and Technique
In Part 2 of the series, McKee explores the double dimension of dialogue – the outer aspect of what is said versus the inner truth of what is thought and felt.
Topics covered include...
- The Three Functions of Dialogue
Why is your character speaking? - Text
The quantities and qualities of dialogue. - Subtext
What are your characters not saying?
PART 3
AUGUST 8 / 1PM-3PM (Eastern Time)
Flaws and Fixes
In Part 3 of the series, McKee delivers a masterclass on the most common flaws found in poorly written dialogue, offering strategies to fix its language, content and design.Â
Topics covered include...
- Incredibility
How do you make the audience believe every word? - Excuses vs. Motivation
What might be driving your characters - Melodrama
How excessiveness impacts story.
How it Works
Webinars
Learn online from Robert McKee
This webinar series consists of three live writing lectures delivered online by Robert McKee via Zoom. Each session is 2 hours in length and starts at 1:00 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada). This series runs from Tuesday, August 6, through Thursday, August 8, 2024.
Students like the online format because...
“I feel like I am part of a brilliant international writing community just by logging in to Zoom in the evenings from my small living room in the middle of Sweden.”
Elin Olofsson
Q&A Sessions
Ask McKee Anything
Every webinar concludes with a Q&A session during which Robert answers your questions on the topics covered during the lecture, or on any aspect of the writing craft. Participants can submit their questions during the live session or in advance by email.
Students like the Q&A periods because...
“I didn’t realize in the beginning how much the questions would help me learn, but it turns out they are just as important as the lectures. I think that is in large part to the careful attention Robert gives to each one.”
Billie Tomlinson
Live & On Demand
Can’t attend live? No problem!
If you can’t join us live, you can catch up at your convenience. Recordings are made available within 24 hours of the conclusion of each event, and can be viewed as many times as you like within the access period.  Recordings will be available through October 31, 2024.Â
Students like recording access because...
“It’s really great to have the chance to watch these webinars at my own convenience and not having to take time off work to attend. I hope he continues to do them, I’ll continue to take them. Can’t wait for the next class.”
Marcos Meconi
What Attendees Are Saying
Natasha Phillips
Marlene Simon
Matt Isner
Jane Olander
Friederike Giley
“I had several ‘light bulb moments’ as I took notes, and was able to incorporate his ideas into my work-in-progress immediately. This webinar was well worth the time and money.”
Erin Brescia
Ed Han
“I am thoroughly enjoying these sessions and have learned so much beyond my collegiate studies. Robert has inspired, encouraged, and empowered me with his wonderful teaching.”
Becky Bulebush
“I am really enjoying the seminars and am so glad that I signed up. These webinars are inspiring me to make more effort to put pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard!) and pursue my ambitions. I must say that I have attended several different writing courses over the years, but none as inspiring as Robert’s.”
Sharon Grey
Rebecca O'Reilly
Barry Eisler
Cheryl Willis
Carol Roscoe
Robert Robertson
John Jurko
Barbara Seyda
Lilly Chen
Varda Tully
BUNDLE & SAVE
To support your commitment to the craft, we’re offering bundle deals on the Summer Program.
Save when you enroll in multiple webinars.
DETAILS
2 Webinars = Save $20
3 Webinars = Save $45
4 Webinars = Save $75
Discounts are applied automatically when courses are added to the cart.
Contact us if you’re interested in attending a future session.