Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need
Blake Snyder
19 min
7 Key Points
4.5 RateWhat's inside?
Discover the secrets of successful screenwriting with practical tips and techniques that will transform your ideas into compelling and marketable scripts.
You'll learn
1. Building a killer script2. Making characters and plot pop3. The need for drama and solutions in stories4. Tips for writing catchy chats5. The "Save the Cat" recipe for a great story6. Pitching your script like a pro.Key points
01Understanding the Importance of a Well-Structured Screenplay
Ever sat through a movie that had you on the edge of your seat, eyes glued to the screen, heart pounding in anticipation of what's next? Or perhaps you've experienced the opposite - a film that left you checking your watch, yawning, or even dozing off. What separates these two experiences? The answer lies in the structure of the screenplay. A well-structured screenplay is the backbone of a compelling movie. It's like a roadmap guiding a journey. Without it, the narrative can easily veer off course, leaving the audience lost and disengaged. On the other hand, a poorly structured screenplay is like a journey without a map. You might end up going in circles, or worse, getting completely lost. Enter the 'beat sheet', a tool for structuring screenplays effectively. The beat sheet, as introduced by Blake Snyder in "Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need", breaks down the narrative into 'beats' or key plot points. Think of it as a blueprint for building a house. Each beat is a crucial component, like a brick or a beam, that contributes to the overall structure. Snyder emphasizes the importance of adhering to the beat sheet structure. Just as a house would collapse without a solid foundation and well-placed beams, a narrative can fall flat without a well-structured beat sheet. It ensures a balanced and engaging narrative, keeping the audience hooked from beginning to end. Ignoring this structure can lead to a disjointed and confusing narrative, much like a house built without a blueprint. But the beat sheet is more than just a structural tool. It's also a storytelling tool. By mapping out key plot points in advance, you can weave a cohesive and engaging story. For instance, the movie "The Dark Knight" effectively uses the beat sheet structure. Each beat in the film, from the introduction of the Joker to the climactic confrontation between Batman and the Joker, contributes to a compelling narrative that keeps the audience engaged throughout. In conclusion, a well-structured screenplay, guided by a beat sheet, is crucial in crafting a captivating movie. It's not just about putting scenes together in a sequence, but about creating a narrative that resonates with the audience. So, the next time you sit down to write a screenplay, consider the beat sheet as your roadmap to a compelling narrative. It might just be the tool you need to transform your screenplay from good to unforgettable.
02Understanding Snyder's Ten Types of Stories
You're sitting at your desk, a blank page in front of you, and a story brewing in your mind. You know you've got a great idea, but how do you shape it into a compelling screenplay? Enter Blake Snyder's ten types of stories from his book "Save The Cat! The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need". These story types are not just categories, but roadmaps to crafting a successful screenplay. Let's take a quick tour of these ten story types. They include 'Monster in the House', 'Golden Fleece', 'Out of the Bottle', 'Dude with a Problem', 'Rites of Passage', 'Buddy Love', 'Whydunit', 'The Fool Triumphant', 'Institutionalized', and 'Superhero'. Each of these types has unique elements that define them. For instance, 'Monster in the House' involves an evil entity, a confined space, and a sin committed, while 'Golden Fleece' revolves around a road trip, a prize, and team efforts. Now, let's dive deeper. 'Monster in the House', think of the movie "Jaws". The evil entity is the shark, the confined space is the small island town, and the sin committed is the greed of the town officials who refuse to close the beach. In 'Golden Fleece', consider "Star Wars". The road trip is Luke's journey, the prize is the destruction of the Death Star, and the team is made up of Luke, Leia, Han, and the rest of the Rebel Alliance. Each of the remaining eight story types also has its own structure and conventions, which are illustrated in popular movies. Understanding these story types is like having a secret weapon in your screenwriting arsenal. They provide a proven framework for building your story, helping you to craft a screenplay that resonates with audiences and appeals to producers. It's like having a blueprint for a house - you can customize the interior design, but the basic structure remains the same. So, how can you apply these story types in your writing? Think of them as a guide when planning your screenplay. Identify which type your story fits into, and then follow the associated structure and conventions. This can significantly increase the chances of your screenplay being successful. It's like following a recipe - you can add your own flavor, but the basic ingredients and steps remain the same. In conclusion, understanding Snyder's ten types of stories is crucial for screenwriters. It provides a roadmap to crafting a compelling screenplay, and a framework to build your story upon. So, the next time you're staring at a blank page, remember these story types. They might just be the key to unlocking your screenplay's potential. So, go ahead, apply these story types in your own writing, and see your story come to life on the big screen.
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03How to effectively pitch your screenplay?
04Understanding Snyder's Screenwriting Laws
05The Importance of Revising and Refining Your Screenplay
06The importance of perseverance in screenwriting
07Conclusion
About Blake Snyder
Blake Snyder was an American screenwriter and author, best known for his popular "Save the Cat!" series of screenwriting books. He was a successful Hollywood screenwriter, selling dozens of scripts but seeing few made into films. Snyder passed away in 2009.