• Story

  • Substance, Structure, Style, and the Principles of Screenwriting
  • By: Robert McKee
  • Narrated by: Robert McKee
  • Length: 6 hrs and 12 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (3,210 ratings)

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Story  By  cover art

Story

By: Robert McKee
Narrated by: Robert McKee
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Publisher's summary

Robert McKee's screenwriting workshops have earned him an international reputation for inspiring novices, refining works in progress, and putting major screenwriting careers back on track. Quincy Jones, Diane Keaton, Gloria Steinem, Julia Roberts, John Cleese, and David Bowie are just a few of his celebrity alumni. Writers, producers, development executives, and agents all flock to his lecture series, praising it as a mesmerizing and intense learning experience.

In Story, McKee expands on the concepts he teaches in his $450 seminars (considered a must by industry insiders), providing listeners with the most comprehensive, integrated explanation of the craft of writing for the screen. No one better understands how all the elements of a screenplay fit together, and no one is better qualified to explain the "magic" of story construction and the relationship between structure and character than Robert McKee.

©1997 Robert McKee (P)1997, 2005 HarperCollins Publishers, Inc.

Critic reviews

"The man speaks, and people start to take furious notes; he is now the undisputed screenwriting king." (Newsday)

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What listeners say about Story

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very enlightening

Gives great insight and tips to the writing process. Would highly recommend this as a must read for anyone looking to venture into the art of story telling/writing.

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    5 out of 5 stars

The masterful telling of Story

This book is not only insightful, but a very entertaining read. It has all the elements of what would be a truly great novel, even though it is dealing with cold hard facts. Any novelist, playwright, or potential screenwriter will benefit from Mr McKee's work. To sum up: my POV (deep breath, sigh of appreciation) "Wow."

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A great tool - in addition to the book!

What did you love best about Story?

To hear it directly from Mr. McKee! Sounds great!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Story?

Explaining what's "No-event".

Have you listened to any of Robert McKee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Just as good!!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Yes. Every 2 minutes;)

Any additional comments?

Buy! Buy! Buy! ...and write!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

It’s great, to-the-point advice from experience

Was given this book physically by a friend who is also interesting in writing/screenwriting/creative pursuits. Got the audible version as its even easier to play a section as a refresher every now and again. If you are interested in the subject matter, it’s well-worth it, and won’t waste your time.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Good for writers of any form of fiction

What made the experience of listening to Story the most enjoyable?

The narrator reads slowly and clearly so it is easy to absorb the information and the information is great.

Have you listened to any of Robert McKee’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Needed

I was initially skeptical, but it offered much more insightful than I could have expected.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Great book to learn story

The approach used to break down story, scene, beats and flow it's easily digestible and clearly written.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars

I wish I had the hardcover

I read this book 15 years ago and wanted to revisit something via the audiobook. I believe what I was looking for didn't make the cut in this abridgment. However, this is pretty much required reading for any screenwriter and I enjoyed going through it again.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A must listen for any hopeful writer...

Mr. McKee has loaded this book with so much great information; it's difficult to synthesize into a short description. Suffice it to say, Robert McKee knows his craft. He broke Story into understandable bits for the neophyte while not dumbing it down to the point of boredom for the initiated. I'll use this book as a regular touchstone to ensure I'm not violating a simple rule of storytelling. I love this book.

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    5 out of 5 stars

A great resource for anyone interested in film

Great interesting insight into how to write a good story, common mistakes beginners make and how to fix them, filled with anecdotes and expertise. Really recommend

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