The Rhythm of Story
Robert McKee teaches how writers can manipulate rhythm and tempo by mixing up the length of scenes in a story, in order to progress and accelerate the telling to a satisfying climax.
Do You Understand Your Protagonist’s Desires?
A protagonist may want something and not know it, or may want something and be completely aware of it. Things are different for the writer. Robert McKee explains why.
Telling Stories Within a Story
Robert McKee teaches how to use a story within a story to hold the interest of your audience, with reference to THE LEGO MOVIE.
Tips for Writing with Discipline
Robert McKee shares tips and suggestions on how to get your work done.
Adaptation vs. “Movie Based On”
Robert McKee discusses the fine line between an adaptation and writing a story inspired by another work, with reference to SIDEWAYS.
The Meaninglessness of Deus Ex Machina
Robert McKee teaches how deus ex machina robs stories of meaning, and how a skilled writer can use coincidence to enrich a telling.
Tips for Comedy Writers
Robert McKee explains the comedic principle of ‘blind obsessions.’
Character Dimensions in Love Stories
Robert McKee teaches the subgenres of the Love Story and the importance of relative character complexity.
Planning Your TV Series
Robert McKee outlines how far in advance a writer might plan their long-form story arc.
Rewriting Stories That Don’t Work
Robert McKee gives an important writing drill, explaining in depth how and why rewriting others’ stories can improve your own work.
Should Action Stories Start with a Bang?
Robert McKee details the problem of balancing necessary exposition with derring-do, using the examples of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK and PREDATOR.
Combining Genres to Create an Original Story
Robert McKee explains the benefits of combining genres as a tool to aid your construction of an original script.
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