Why Quality Writing Is Rare
Robert McKee addresses a common complaint about Oscar-nominated screenplays, and discusses the relative scarcity of works of supreme quality.
Do You Have to Write Out All Your Drafts?
Robert McKee teaches the importance of writing your ideas down, and why its dangerous keeping rewrites in your head.
Creating Empathy for Secondary Characters
Robert McKee teaches the benefits and dangers of allowing supporting characters to draw more empathy than your protagonist.
Drama vs. Dialogue
Robert McKee teaches the difference between excessive dialogue and character talk that serves an essential purpose in story.
Do Screenwriters Supply the Film’s Image System?
Robert McKee discusses the process a director might use when implementing image systems, and how ultimately they are embedded in the story by the writer.
Keeping Your Image System Subconscious
Robert teaches the importance of subtlety when creating image systems, and how writers can best judge their own work.
Keeping Your Image System Intact
Robert McKee discusses what writers can do to see their image system fully realized in a completed film.
Does Your Image System Work?
Robert McKee teaches practical ways writers can test whether their image systems are working.
Common Mistakes in Horror Writing
Robert McKee highlights the most common mistakes a horror writer can make to undermine their story.
Creating Character Arcs in Horror Stories
Robert McKee explains how horror affects character change, and how that might play out in long-form storytelling.
Creating Meaning From Clichés
Robert teaches how writers can layer subtext underneath a cliché in order to make the line work.
Turning Scenes with Backstory
Robert McKee teaches how to create and use backstory to turn scenes through revelation.