Story

Structure is Character. Characters are what they do. Story events impact the characters and the characters impact events. Actions and reactions create revelation and insight, opening the door to a meaningful emotional experience for the audience. Story is what elevates a film, a novel, a play, or teleplay, transforming a good work into a great one. Movie-making in particular is a collaborative endeavour - requiring great skill and talent by the entire cast, crew and creative team - but the screenwriter is the only original artist on a film. Everyone else - the actors, directors, cameramen, production designers, editors, special effects wizards and so on - are interpretive artists, trying to bring alive the world, the events and the characters that the writer has invented and created. Robert McKee's STORY is a comprehensive and superbly organized exploration of all elements, from the basics to advanced concepts. It is a practical course, presenting new perspectives on the craft of storytelling, not just for the screenwriter but for the novelist, playwright, journalist and non-fiction writers of all types.

"'In difficult periods of writing, particularly with structure, I often turn to Robert McKee's wonderful book, Story, for guidance.' Dominic Dunne, author of Another City, Not My Own and The Two Mrs Grenvilles * 'stimulating, innovative, refreshingly practical.' Lawrence Kasdan, screenwriter, director of The Accidental Tourist, The Big Chill, Body Heat and The Empire Strikes Back * 'McKee is the arch defender of story: his book is a revelation.' Griffin Dunne, screenwriter, director, producer of After Hours, Addicted to Love, Running on Empty and Chilly Scenes of Winter * 'Since I first attended Robert McKee's course, I have sold four screenplays and two novels. I could not have done so without the wisdom and inspiration he provided.' Tim Willcocks, novelist / screenwriter of Bad City Blues, Green River Rising and Swept from the Sea"