Robert McKee: screenplay writing for novelists

[rievans57]

What a "turning point" is and how to dissect it is worth the price of the book alone.

[TDTshoeva]

Mckee rocks! Went to story lectures in sydney 17-20 april.. very good :) @Fezz id disagree to some extent, analysis and creation ARE powered by different sides of the brain, but why would writers be encouraged not to edit text as you write? The brain is more powerfull if you use left and right together. Mckee advises to write more material than you need, you should destroy your own work AS YOU GO. What i love about writing, is there is no right or wrong answer, only different interpretations.

[rievans57]

I truly believe that script doctors are a wonderful resource for not only the novice but the established screenwriter as well. I can't help but wonder why these teachers don't jump into the arena themselvers? Why don't they have an Oscar on their mantle for screenwriting?

[randywong]

@rievans57 That is more to the business of movies.  I believe his screenplays encountered development issues, either due to turnarounds or what not, so he took up teaching because he enjoyed it. That statement of validation is nonsense. That's like saying someone isn't a great cook because they didn't win a James Beard award, or someone is not a great ballplayer because he doesn't have a ring.

[Fezz]

@rievans57

I guess creating and analysing scripts are different skills. Some are great at analysing things and finding what's wrong with them whereas others might be great at creating stuff but have no idea why they work. I think these things happen at different sides of the brain, That's why writers are encouraged not to edit their text while writing it.

[Gibson889]

I had my doubts about this guy, but he is brilliant.