Big Think Interview With Robert McKee | Big Think

TL;DR

Mastering the art of storytelling is essential for writers in various mediums.

Transcript

Question: How is screenwriting different from other kinds of fiction writing? Robert McKee: Well, the three great medias, not only screenplay, but it’s also the theater, play writing, and the prose. I mean, those are the three primary. And they get mixed a lot. TV is a sort of combination of all three really, novel, theater, and film. Graphic novel... Read More

Key Insights

• ❓ The three primary medias—screenplay, playwriting, and prose—differ in the conflicts that interest writers.
• ✍️ Inner conflicts are central to novel writing, while personal relationships dominate playwriting.
• 😌 The power and beauty of film lie in characters' conflicts with their physical and social worlds.
• 🦮 The level of conflict that interests a writer should guide their choice of writing medium.
• 📈 Novice screenwriters often make the mistake of imitating trends rather than focusing on original storytelling.
• 👋 Good screenwriters demonstrate mastery of craft through exposition, visual imagination, and character complexity.
• 🛰️ Television offers extensive opportunities for screenwriters to tell complex stories over extended series.

Questions & Answers

Q: How is screenwriting different from other forms of fiction writing?

Screenwriting, playwriting, and novel writing each emphasize distinct levels of conflict, with screenplays focusing on characters in conflict with their physical and social worlds.

Q: What mistakes do novice screenwriters often make?

Novice screenwriters tend to imitate trendy elements from successful films rather than focusing on quality storytelling and originality.

Q: What separates a good screenwriter from a bad one?

Mastery of craft, including the ability to handle exposition, visual imagination, dialogue subtext, and character complexity, distinguishes good screenwriters from bad ones.

Q: Are the best screenwriting opportunities in television?

Yes, television offers numerous creative opportunities for screenwriters due to the high demand for series and the ability to explore complex storytelling over extended periods.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Different mediums like screenwriting, novel writing, and playwriting emphasize varying levels of conflict.

• Novels tend to focus on inner conflicts, while plays highlight personal relationships, and films explore external conflicts.

• The level of conflict that interests a writer is crucial in choosing the right medium.