Part of Robert McKee’s
2025 SUMMER PROGRAM
Imagery in Fiction
3-Part Webinar Series
Date: From July 22 – 24, 2025
Time: From 1:00PM – 3:00PM (ET)
On Demand: Until September 30, 2025
$197.00
A well-told story, with dimensional characters, dynamic turning points and delightful dialogue, will be a good story. Add to that an enrichment and deepening of the work’s expressivity through the writer’s skilled command of imagery, and you will have a great story.
In this 3-part webinar series, Robert McKee teaches you how to elevate your good story to a work of art. Learn why mastering the principle of image systems is crucial to creating a work of transcendent power, how to engage your poetic imagination, how to create images for the eye versus the ear, and the techniques you can use to craft meaningful imagery that deepens the experience for your audience.
McKee on Image Systems from various Q&A sessions.
What You’ll Learn
PART 1
Sources of Imagery
In Part 1 of the series, McKee discusses the sourcing of imagery from your imagination, dreams and subconscious, and teaches writers how to optimize its use on stage, page, and screen.
Topics covered include...
- Archetypal Imagery
Symbolic imagery and how to create an image system. - Metaphorical Imagery
How to use tropes in dialogue and descriptions. - Mental Imagery
How will the reader receive and react to the images?
PART 2
Compound Imagery
In Part 2 of the series, McKee teaches how mixing and merging image systems can increase the power of your story, diving into an in-depth analysis of two modern classics.
Topics covered include...
- Counterpoint
How to juxtapose imagery within your story. - Merged Imagery
Combining imagery to instill meaning. - Case Studies
Breaking down the image systems permeating a pair of powerful films.
PART 3
Story as Art
In Part 3 of the series, McKee explores how the poetry of image systems can elevate stories to High Art.
Topics covered include...
- What is a Work of Art?
The relationship between beauty, truth, and the role of aesthetic expression. - Understanding the Art Film
Interpreting the image systems in the avant-garde work of Maya Deren.
How it Works
Webinars
Learn online from Robert McKee
This 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 series runs from Tuesday, July 22, through Thursday, July 24, 2025.
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 September 30, 2025.Â
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
Natasha Phillips
Marlene Simon
Matt Isner
Jane Olander
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
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
Rebecca O'Reilly
Barry Eisler
Cheryl Willis
Carol Roscoe
Robert Robertson
John Jurko
Barbara Seyda
Lilly Chen
Varda Tully
BUNDLE & SAVE
To support your commitment to the craft, we’re offering bundle deals on the Summer Program.
Save when you enroll in multiple webinars.
DETAILS
2 Webinars = Save $20
3 Webinars = Save $45
4 Webinars = Save $75
Discounts are applied automatically when courses are added to the cart.