Why Should Writers Express Meaning Through Story?
Robert McKee teaches the function of a Controlling Idea, and the writer’s task of communicating meaning through the climax of your story.
Should Risk Escalate as You Progress through a Scene?
Robert McKee explains risk and value in relation to building a scene beat by beat.
What Do I Call It? Tips on Titles
When titling your work, name something that’s actually in the story, so that your audience or reader buys a ticket or a copy with an excited sense of what’s to come. You have a choice of three elements: Setting, Character, Theme/Genre.
Is the Market Finally Opening Up to Original Stories?
Robert McKee on the folly of following trends, and how writers need to stay true to the story they are trying to tell.
Must a Protagonist be in Conflict with Every Other Character?
Robert McKee discusses the potential conflicts a character may experience, and the nature of story principles versus rules.
The Third Murder (2017)
This courtroom drama delivers a fine reworking of the Open Mystery. We know who committed the murder but not why. The storytelling builds curiosity by making us guess between at least six different whys and the possibility of innocence.
Is Writing Getting Better?
Robert McKee discusses how in spite of the occasional great film (in this case IRON MAN 3) the best writing can now be found on television.
How Should Writers Handle Rejection?
McKee suggests how writers can re-inspire themselves and persevere with their craft in the face of rejection and failure.
How Do Story Principles Apply to TV Writing?
McKee discusses how storytellers should approach character arcs and levels of conflict when writing for television.