Character Traits vs. Contradictions
Robert McKee explains the difference between character traits and contradictions, and how to create a fully formed, compelling protagonist.
How to Engage the Emotions of Your Audience
Robert McKee teaches the importance of creating empathy in order to make your audience care about your story.
What’s the Most Important Aspect of the Craft to Master?
McKee encourages writers to master their craft, but what is the most important aspect to spend time developing? In this video he explains that there are no shortcuts to success when it comes to writing.
Distinguishing Scenes from Camera Angles
Robert McKee teaches the difference between scenes and camera angles, why screenwriters often confuse the two, and explains the essential component of every key moment in a story.
Creating Character Choices
Robert McKee teaches the relationship between spontaneity and reflective analysis when writing a story, and how a balance of both is crucial to creating scenes that work.
Can You Break the Principles of Story?
Robert McKee teaches the benefits and dangers of breaking storytelling principles, with reference to the Coen Brothers movie THE MAN WHO WASN’T THERE.
Taking Comedic Characters to the Limit
Robert McKee explains how the principle of taking your characters to the very limits of story applies when writing a comedy.
Oscars 2023: Robert McKee Reviews the Best Picture Nominees
Robert McKee reviews the nominees for Best Picture at the 95th Academy Awards.
Does the Audience Need to Know a Character’s Motivation?
Robert McKee teaches the nature of motivation, discussing how much of it writer’s might share with the audience, and how master storytellers employ this key principle.
Can One Scene Turn Multiple Plots?
Robert McKee delivers a mini-lesson on how writers can maximize the purpose of a scene by using it to progress the plots of multiple characters.
Writing Exposition for Television Pilots
Robert McKee teaches the best way to approach the use of exposition when writing a multi-character television pilot.
What To Do If Your Writing Veers Away From Your Inspiration
McKee teaches the importance of listening to your subconscious when writing, and how for talented writers the real story is already written; their job is to get out of its way.