Iconic screenwriting guru Robert McKee will hold one of his world-famous "Story Seminars" at Tel Aviv University on November 23-26.
The 81-year-old author, lecturer and story consultant has been teaching creative writing for over 30 years, and his seminars have inspired many of the most prominent writers of our day. McKee has earned his distinctive reputation through his harsh critique of his students and ruthless opprobrium of the industry.
Before he touches down in the Holy Land for the third time, McKee sat down with Ynet and shared the story of how his reputation as an austere, unyielding professional inspired his portrayal in the Academy Award-nominated film Adaptation.
When he first got a call from producer Edward Saxon to discuss the script written by Charlie Kaufman, Mckee agreed to have his likeness portrayed as the antagonist who represents the ugly side of Hollywood.
McKee later called Saxon back with a number of terms — the inclusion of a redemption arc for his character that would give it a chance to be presented in a positive light, the right to approve the casting of the actor portraying him, a revamp of the script since he didn't want his character "featuring in an awful movie".
After a back-and-forth with the film crew, McKee received a laundry list of candidates for the role but he insisted on casting Golden Globe Award-winning actor Brian Cox.
Even though the production crew was not familiar with Cox, McKee convinced them to have him audition for the part. Cox was the only actor McKee trusted with recreating his case-hardened persona on the big screen and giving Kaufman hell as much as he would have done in real life.
McKee's "Story Seminar" is not your typical, run-of-the-mill crash course —
some 200 people gathered outside the Soho venue where the writer hosted his last-ever seminar in New York City.
Wearing a stern countenance, McKee opened his remarks by warning the attendants that whoever's phone rings during his lectures will be hit with a $20 penalty.
McKee promised the days-long seminar will be intensive, with short breaks during which he'll stay on stage and answer questions. He clarified that the purpose of the seminar, and writing in general, is not making money, and invited anyone who suggests otherwise to walk out the door.
His past students have called dubbed him “the Aristotle of our time."
After the conclusion of his seminar tour in Tel Aviv, McKee will continue teaching his course online.