Story by Robert McKee

I just finished reading the book Story: Substance, Structure, Style and the Principles of Screenwriting by Robert McKee.  He came to town about 3 years ago to teach, but little did I know who the world renowned teacher really was.  Well, I was in for a surprise during the course of his seminar.  It was probably one of the most mind bending, yet informative weekends I have been to, just ask anyone who has taken the course already.  Being sick during the whole weekend didn’t help my situation.

Since I have started writing, I have read several books on screenwriting.  They have all helped me to learn the basics of screenwriting, the history of Hollywood and how writers got their start as well as how the industry has changed over the last century.  Robert McKee’s book concentrates on more of the science behind story.  Although it is tailored towards the screenwriter, his techniques can be used for all types of writing.  My eyes were opened after finishing the book and it allowed me to see the difference between good writing and great writing.

I encourage anyone who is looking into making their storytelling and communication better by picking up this book or audio book.  It’s not a difficult read, but I think it will open your eyes to ‘story’ like no other book has.

An excerpt from Robert McKee’s Story Seminar

Movie Posters: Drew Struzan

Growing up watching films, I have always been fascinated by movie posters and the art behind them.  The ones that really caught my eye were the realistic, illustrated ones that were best suited for the film of spic proportions.  I figured that nowadays they might have taken a photo and used some sort of impressionist effect to get that painted look, but to my surprise and delight, these posters are still hand drawn or painted and on top of that, they are all done by the same person!  That man is Drew Struzan.

Titan Books has now released a compilation of his work in a new book called The Art of Drew Struzan.  Press Release: http://titanbooks.com/blog/out-now-art-drew-struzan/

I just thought I would share the info.  Please take a look at some of his work.  Here are a few of my favourites.

 

Just how does he make these masterpieces? Take a look here.

Literally

I’m pretty sure most of the worlds population doesn’t know what the term “literally” means.  I like Dictionary.com’s explanation.  It literally means:

lit-er-al-ly
Pronunciation: [lit-er-uh-lee]
IPA: /ˈlɪt ər ə li/

–adverb

1. in the literal or strict sense: What does the word mean literally?
2. in a literal manner; word for word: to translate literally.
3. actually; without exaggeration or inaccuracy: The city was literally destroyed.
4. in effect; in substance; very nearly; virtually

Notice it says “without exaggeration”, but most people use

it for exaggeration.  This is especially embarrassing when TV personalities or talk show hosts (rhymes with “Goprah”) abuse this word.  Just some examples I have heard were:

• “It literally took forever…” –There is no way to know that about anything.  If it literally took forever, you would still be waiting for it to happen.
• “It literally turned the world upside down.” –No, it didn’t.  The world did not physically move or shift one bit as a result.
• “I was literally blown away, it was so good!” –This needs some interpretation, but it either means you are dead right now or a wind was so strong it actually moved you from one location to another.

I hope people are getting this.  In a time when exaggeration no longer has any effect, people go above and beyond and abuse this buzzword, which it turns makes them look ignorant.