'Story' by Robert McKee (book)

I'll let the cover speak for itself, 'Story' that's the key in creating a fantastic screenplay. This is the perfect book to learn about the behind the scenes written work that exports us to the world of film. Robert McKee is truly the one to get advice and knowledge from when wanting to know how it all works, as he has written screenplays, is a lecturer, has been a project consultant across film and television, has won a BAFTA, and his articles on Story have appeared in many magazines and newspapers. Therefore, if you're wanting to write screenplays, this is a must read book and you'll be learning from the best of the best. McKee still does seminars on Story, so if you are interested, here is the website: https://mckeestory.com/seminars/story/. 

Imagination is the ingredient that sets you off on your journey the culmination of which is a finished screenplay. Therefore, this book is a great guide to breakdown all that imagery and teach you what to include and what not to, so that the story can stay alive. There are four parts which are 'The Writer and the Art of Story', 'The Elements of Story', 'The Principles of Story Design' and 'The Writer at Work'. Each of these parts have chapters that explore all the stages and processes that form a screenplay. Each section emphasises that it is the audience the screenwriter has to keep in mind as he or she drives the story along. McKee really gets down to understanding people. For instance, we are emotional and complex, so a story is like a broken down version of life, (or as McKee likes to say "a metaphor for life"), as we all connect with different emotions and life situations that story creates. A story is a dream just like a character, so let that drive you to connecting with the audience."We know characters better than we know our friends because a character is eternal and unchanging, while people shift."

McKee points out common weaknesses in writing screenplays and the many things that can go wrong. For example, cliche is a big one, so always try to avoid it if you can and keep thinking of something new. He also shows different diagrams and theories to charge your screenplay, such as 'Archplot', 'Miniplot' and 'Antiplot'. McKee further inserts scenes to show examples of how a brilliant screenplay works, such as 'Chinatown', which included dialog, direction and setting. Additionally, McKee constantly refers to examples of films to back up the facts. If you're an aspiring screenwriter, this can help you visualise better and act a guide to how you go about writing your scenes. This book isn't limited to people who are screenwriters or are thinking about their first draft, you might be like me and be interested in film and want to know more about how films are made.

Packed full of everything you need to know, you won't want to miss a chance to read this guide to screenwriting!