Digital Storytelling

This essential guide for screenwriters and film students tackles the persistent myth that digital visual effects inherently undermine strong storytelling. McClean argues compellingly that when critics blame CGI for weak films, they're often misdiagnosing the real problem—flawed narratives rather than the technology itself. The book provides practical frameworks for integrating computer-generated imagery as a narrative tool rather than just spectacle, demonstrating how effects can serve character development and plot advancement. This isn't just theory; it's a functional toolkit for anyone creating screen stories in the digital age.

McClean distinguishes her work by focusing specifically on the writer's role in the effects pipeline, offering concrete strategies for scripting with visual effects in mind from the earliest drafts. Film students will appreciate the clear analysis of how digital tools can enhance rather than replace traditional storytelling principles, while working screenwriters will find immediately applicable techniques for collaborating with VFX teams. The book ultimately reframes the conversation around technology in cinema, proving that the most memorable digital effects are those we don't notice because they serve the story so seamlessly.