See www.mckeestory.com
for details of Robert McKee's new 2020 webinars
THE LEGENDARY TEACHER OF STORY . . .
THE DEFINITIVE GUIDE TO DIALOGUE . . .
'McKee teaches what is not yet taught. He shines his unwavering analytical light on the structure and invisible sub-structure of dialogue. He takes a craft that is often considered instinctual or magical and reveals its chemical secrets. I’ve been writing dialogue for forty years and McKee's observations have re-inspired me.' Terry Johnson, dramatist, Critics’ Circle Theatre Award, Writer’s Guild Award, Olivier Award, BAFTA
'From its revolutionary definition of dialogue to the exploration of text and subtext to the concept of "trialogue" to the masterful breakdowns of scenes in plays, movies, and prose in the final third of the book, McKee's Dialogue is a mother lode of insight and inspiration for any writer. His teachings have changed my career and changed my life. Who has driven more deeply into character, structure, and literary technique? Who else has inspired so many with his passion for the calling of the writer? Robert McKee is in a category of one.' Steve Pressfield, bestselling novelist, The Legend of Bagger Vance, War of Art, Gates of Fire
DIALOGUE is the follow-up title to Robert McKee’s hugely successful STORY.
Divided into four sections (The Art of Dialogue, Flaws & Fixes, Creating Dialogue & Dialogue Design) Dialogue teaches how to craft effective speeches for characters. McKee uses scenes from classic films and television programmes such as Sideways, Casablanca, The Sopranos, Breaking Bad and Frasier to demonstrate how dialogue is constructed and develops and covers the range of dialogue used on page, stage and screen. Readers and students are shown how to ensure dialogue holds the reader’s or audience’s attention, how to ‘time’ dialogue and how to retain motivation and to provide productive information within dialogue. The skills outlined allow writers in all spheres to create effective and functional speech. McKee dispels a few myths and shows writers how to eradicate bad habits, use emotion correctly and to avoid ‘empty’ dialogue which leads a character and a story into the equivalent of a writing ‘cul-de-sac’.
An insightful work from an author whose guidance can enhance a writer’s style and achievements.
'Writing dialogue is a challenging art. McKee’s book DIALOGUE is a great tool for writers.' John Lassater, Chief Creative Officer, Pixar & Walt Disney Animation Studios
'McKee’s DIALOGUE is a mother lode of insight and inspiration for any writer. His teachings have changed my career and changed my life. Robert McKee is in a category of one.' Steven Pressfield, bestselling author of The Legend of Bagger Vance, The War of Art & Gates of Fire
'McKee teaches what is not yet taught. He shines his unwavering analytical light on the structure and invisible substructure of dialogue. He takes a craft that is often considered instinctual or magical and reveals its chemical secrets.' Terry Johnson, writer/director, winner of the Tony Award, Olivier Award, Critics’ Circle Theatre Award, and Writers' Guild Award
'DIALOGUE is a masterwork. There’s nothing harder to teach. Now this book exists. McKee has written an essential book akin to The Elements of Style for all writers.' Margaret Nagle, writer/producer of Golden Globe-winning TV Series Boardwalk Empire, winner of the Writers' Guild Award, Emmy, NAACP, Golden Globe & PEN
'A rich and useful companion for practicing writers.' Kirkus Reviews
'I used to think great dialogue couldn’t be taught. You either had an ear for it or you didn’t. That was before I read McKee’s DIALOGUE. He’s a wizard at explaining the unexplainable.' Sarah Treem, writer/producer, co-creator and showrunner of Golden Globe-winning TV Series The Affair, winner of the Writers' Guild of America Award & Emmy Award nominee