Robert McKee
Full Name and Common Aliases
Robert McKee, often referred to as the "Godfather of Story," is a renowned figure in the world of storytelling and screenwriting. His insights into the craft of narrative have made him a pivotal influence for writers across various mediums.
Birth and Death Dates
Robert McKee was born on January 30, 1941. As of the latest available information, he is still alive and continues to contribute to the field of storytelling.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Robert McKee is an American national. He is a distinguished author, lecturer, and story consultant. His expertise in storytelling has made him a sought-after figure in the film, television, and literary industries.
Early Life and Background
Robert McKee was born in Detroit, Michigan. From a young age, he exhibited a keen interest in the arts, particularly in the realm of storytelling. McKee pursued his passion academically, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan, where he studied English Literature. He further honed his craft by obtaining a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of Michigan's School of Drama. This academic foundation laid the groundwork for his future endeavors in the world of narrative construction.
Major Accomplishments
Robert McKee's most significant accomplishment is his development of the "Story Seminar," a comprehensive workshop that delves into the intricacies of storytelling. Since its inception, the seminar has been attended by over 100,000 writers, directors, producers, and other creative professionals worldwide. McKee's ability to distill complex narrative principles into accessible teachings has made his seminars a cornerstone for those seeking to master the art of storytelling.
Notable Works or Actions
In 1997, Robert McKee published his seminal book, "Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting." This work has become a definitive guide for writers, offering profound insights into the mechanics of storytelling. The book's influence extends beyond screenwriting, impacting novelists, playwrights, and even corporate storytellers. McKee's other notable works include "Dialogue: The Art of Verbal Action for Page, Stage, and Screen" and "Character: The Art of Role and Cast Design for Page, Stage, and Screen," both of which further explore the elements of narrative construction.
Impact and Legacy
Robert McKee's impact on the world of storytelling is profound and enduring. His teachings have shaped the careers of countless writers and filmmakers, many of whom have gone on to achieve critical and commercial success. McKee's emphasis on the importance of structure, character development, and thematic depth has elevated the standards of storytelling across various mediums. His influence is evident in the works of acclaimed filmmakers such as Peter Jackson, who credited McKee's teachings as instrumental in the creation of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Robert McKee is widely quoted and remembered for his unparalleled ability to articulate the principles of storytelling in a way that resonates with both novice and seasoned writers. His insights into the human condition and the power of narrative have made his teachings timeless. McKee's quotes often encapsulate the essence of storytelling, offering wisdom that transcends the boundaries of genre and medium. His legacy is not only in the stories he has helped shape but also in the storytellers he has inspired to pursue their craft with passion and precision.
In conclusion, Robert McKee's contributions to the art of storytelling have left an indelible mark on the creative world. His teachings continue to inspire and guide those who seek to harness the power of narrative, ensuring that his influence will be felt for generations to come.
Quotes by Robert McKee
Robert McKee's insights on:
For most writers, the knowledge they gain from reading and study equals or outweighs experience, especially if that experience goes unexamined.
The substance of story is the gap that splits open between what a human being expects to happen when he takes an action and what really does happen; the rift between expectation and result, probability and necessity. To build a scene, we constantly break open these breaches in reality.
We must believe, or as Samuel Taylor Coleridge suggested, we must willingly suspend our disbelief.
No one needs yet another recipe book on how to reheat Hollywood leftovers. We need a rediscovery of the underlying tenets of our art, the guiding principles that liberate talent. No matter where a film is made – Hollywood, Paris, Hong Kong – if it’s of archetypal quality, it triggers a global and perpetual chain reaction of pleasure that carries it from cinema to cinema, generation to generation.
We often see films with a cast of excellent characters... except one, who’s dreadful. We wonder why until we realize that the writer hates this character. He’s trivializing and insulting this role at every opportunity. And I’ll never understand this. How can a writer hate his own character? It’s his baby. How can he hate what he gave life? Embrace all your creations, especially the bad people. They deserve love like everyone else.
A storyteller puts a friendly arm around the audience, saying: “Let me show you something.
When you think about it, going to the movies is bizarre. Hundreds of strangers sit in a blackened room, elbow to elbow, for two or more hours. They don’t go to the toilet or get a smoke. Instead, they stare wide-eye at a screen, investing more uninterrupted concentration than they give to work, paying money to suffer emotions they’d do anything to avoid in life.
Fact, no matter how minutely observed, is truth with a small “t.” Big “T” Truth is located behind, beyond, inside, below the surface of things, holding reality together or tearing it apart, and cannot be directly observed.