GENRE

Festival

McKee’s 2024 Spring program

All writers are genre writers. What kind of story are you telling?

Every story flows from a tradition of core events, characters, and values delineated by the genre in which you write. The writer’s first task is to identify the genre, or combination of genres that will inspire his or her creativity. The second is to master its possibilities.

Book individual courses below or bundle to save up to $120.

Love Story

Action

Crime Thriller

Horror

Comedy

BUNDLE & SAVE

Robert McKee’s

LOVE STORY

APRIL 2 – 4  /  1PM – 3PM (Eastern Time)

Love Story

We create love stories in order to explore, express and experience love from the safe distance of art. In the 3-part Love Story Webinar Series, Robert McKee guides you through the beautiful expression and delightful agony of the Love Story. Learn the history and nature of romance, the storytelling principles involved in crafting the consummate love story, and how you can mix and merge genres to create something truly unique.

$197.00

Robert McKee’s

Action

APRIL 9 – 11  /  1PM – 3PM (Eastern Time)

Action

Writing Action requires the deepest awareness and discipline. The ubiquity of this highly specialized and coded story form presents the modern writer with the biggest obstacle: the audience knows the genre. Robert McKee’s 3-part Action Webinar Series teaches the core principles of the genre, the structure of Action stories, and how to design set pieces in order to maximize the audience’s excitement.

$197.00

Robert McKee’s

Crime Thriller

APRIL 16 – 18  /  1PM – 3PM (Eastern Time)

Crime Thriller

The key to a thrilling tale lies in the writer’s mastery of the intricate psychology of both victim and villain, and the razor-sharp use of the genre’s conventions. The greater the mastery, the greater the thrill. Robert McKee’s 3-part Crime Thriller Webinar Series explores everything from the conventions and subgenres of Crime, to how to handle clues, to the evolution of the Thriller and the keys to creating its characteristic tension.

$197.00

Robert McKee’s

Horror

APRIL 23 – 25  /  1PM – 3PM (Eastern Time)

Horror

There is an unspoken contract between the horror writer and audience. The audience says: “I’ve paid my money, I’m here to be terrified… so do your worst.” For those writers brave enough to venture into the unknown, Robert McKee’s 3-part Horror Webinar Series teaches the sources of horror, the hidden worlds within reality, and the secret to creating a monster that will terrify audiences for years to come.

$197.00

Robert McKee’s

Comedy

APRIL 30 – May 2  /  1PM – 3PM (Eastern Time)

Comedy

The dramatist respects and admires humanity, telling stories that in essence say “under the worst of circumstances, human beings are magnificent creatures.” The comedy writer says “under the best of circumstances, human beings will find some way to screw up.” Robert McKee’s 3-part Comedy Webinar Series dives deep into the nature, principles, and structure of this pointed genre.

$197.00

How it Works

Webinars

Learn online from Robert McKee

Every 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 Genre Festival runs from Tuesday, April 2, through Thursday, May 2, 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 June 30, 2024. 

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

“There are too many reasons why Robert is undisputedly the Master of Storytelling, and all of those reasons are self-evident in every one of his lessons. I am a McKee disciple – there is no greater writing apprenticeship possible.”

Natasha Phillips

“I believe that I now have the tools to not only effectively create my own stories but to intelligently evaluate those of others. Besides, McKee is a hoot!”

Marlene Simon

“Out of all the writing classes I’ve attended, every professor and self-proclaimed ‘master’ I’ve learned from pales in comparison to Mr. McKee. He is by far my favorite teacher I’ve ever had. I’m very grateful for his teachings and all the hard work that goes into his compelling lectures.”

Matt Isner

“I joined the spring webinar series and it was groundbreaking for me in every way. What a privilege – I literally felt like I was sitting by the desk of a master, just taking it all in!”

Jane Olander

“A big thank you for the wonderful, inspirational teachings from Robert! I‘m so glad to be part of this, and taking so many new thoughts and ideas from it for my own writing!”

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

“In the past, I’ve always considered attending an in-person seminar but life always seemed to get in the way. This format is so much more conducive to repeat viewings, studying and note taking. I hope he will continue to offer his deep knowledge and experience in this format. Thank you!!!”

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

“Thank you for offering this online option. I am finding fascinating insights and it’s inspiring me to sort issues within my own existing work. I knew something wasn’t right, but now I know what it is and how to fix it.”

Rebecca O'Reilly

“My grasp of craft is immeasurably stronger by virtue of having attended Mr. McKee’s seminars and read (and reread) his books. I strongly recommend him. He’s one of the best speakers I’ve ever encountered, and his palpable delight at all aspects of storytelling is always infectious.”

Barry Eisler

“The amount of information blew me away.  Wish I had taken Robert’s classes much earlier in my writing process… This was an incredible experience and I’ll definitely approach my screenplays with an entirely different approach.”

Cheryl Willis

“This was more than I bargained for. New understanding, insight & inspiration with practical, USEABLE tools, excellent!”

Carol Roscoe

“Robert McKee is truly a master, not only of the art of story, but the art of teaching it as well. One of the most rewarding and informative weekends of my life, and worth every penny.”

Robert Robertson

“The passion and depth at which Mr. McKee dove into this material gave me a sense of infinite possibilities and growth potential. I’m really excited to use all of his principles and tools to analyze other screenplays, which I think will really allow me to grow as a writer and storyteller.”

John Jurko

“McKee’s teachings are invaluable.  I just want to express my appreciation and gratitude to you.  For your devotion to the significance, scope and magnitude of ‘storytelling’ and the writing process.”

Barbara Seyda

“For years I’ve heard about this seminar and thought the accounts about it were exaggerated. I can reassure you they are not. Robert is both hypnotic and mesmerizing… So happy I attended. An experience I will savor for the rest of my life.”

Lilly Chen

“I cannot tell you how fabulous these seminars are. Robert McKee explains things so simply. It’s a succession of lightbulb moments.”

Varda Tully

BUNDLE & SAVE UP TO $120

GENRE

Festival

To support your commitment to the craft, we’re offering bundle deals on the Genre Festival.
Save when you enroll in multiple webinars this spring.

Love Story

Live: April 2 - 4

Action

Live: April 9 - 11

Crime Thriller

Live: April 16 - 18

Horror

Live: April 23 - 25

Comedy

Live: April 30 - May 2

Bundle two or more courses to save.