Save the Cat!
A comprehensive guide to the art of screenwriting and storytelling.
Summary of 7 Key Points
Key Points
- The Importance of Structure in Screenwriting
- Creating a Compelling Premise
- Developing Believable Characters
- The Beats of a Classic Story
- Innovative Techniques for Engaging Audiences
- Genre-specific Writing Tips
- Practical Tools for Script Analysis
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The Importance of Structure in Screenwriting
In screenwriting, structure is the backbone of a screenplay. It is the framework that holds the story together and ensures that it flows in a coherent and engaging manner. A well-structured screenplay will have a clear beginning, middle, and end, and will guide the audience through the narrative in a way that is both satisfying and emotionally resonant. The importance of structure is that it gives shape to the story ideas, transforming them into a solid script that can captivate audiences and hold their attention throughout the entirety of the film…Read&Listen More
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Creating a Compelling Premise
Creating a compelling premise in storytelling is crucial for engaging the audience and providing a foundation for the narrative. The premise is essentially the story’s core idea, a one-sentence description of what the story is about. It needs to be interesting and unique to capture the imagination and interest of potential readers or viewers. A well-crafted premise should hint at the conflict, the characters, and the journey that will unfold…Read&Listen More
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Developing Believable Characters
Developing believable characters is essential to storytelling, as they serve as the emotional bridge between the audience and the narrative. The book emphasizes that characters should be relatable and have clear goals that drive the story forward. A character’s goal provides them with purpose and makes their journey compelling. Without a strong goal, characters may appear passive or directionless, which can disengage the audience. The goal should be intimately tied to the character’s needs and desires, reflecting deeper aspects of their personality and history…Read&Listen More
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The Beats of a Classic Story
In discussing the beats of a classic story, the book dives into the concept of the ‘Save the Cat’ beat sheet, which is a structural outline consisting of 15 essential plot points or beats that screenwriters use to craft a compelling narrative. These beats are spread through three acts, with each act serving a distinct purpose in the story’s progression. The first act, comprising the first 25% of the script, is designed to establish the setting, introduce the main character, and present the story’s primary dramatic premise…Read&Listen More
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Innovative Techniques for Engaging Audiences
The innovative techniques for engaging audiences discussed in ‘Save the Cat!’ revolve around the notion of creating empathy and an emotional connection between the audience and the protagonist. The book emphasizes the importance of the ‘save the cat’ moment, where the hero does something nice – like saving a cat – that endears them to the audience. This technique is about establishing the main character as likable and relatable early on, ensuring that the audience has someone to root for throughout the story…Read&Listen More
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Genre-specific Writing Tips
In ‘Save the Cat!’, Blake Snyder offers a strategic approach to screenwriting with an emphasis on understanding and adhering to genre conventions. Snyder breaks down the concept of genre into ten different types, including 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 genre has its unique traits and requirements that a screenwriter must address to craft a compelling story. For instance, Monster in the House requires a monster, a house, and a sin that someone must pay for; while Golden Fleece involves a road trip and a prize that the protagonist pursues…Read&Listen More
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Practical Tools for Script Analysis
In ‘Save the Cat!’, practical tools for script analysis are introduced to help writers evaluate and improve their screenplays. One of the central tools presented is the ‘Blake Snyder Beat Sheet’, or the BS2, which breaks down a screenplay into specific beats or plot points. These beats include the opening image, theme stated, setup, catalyst, debate, break into two, B story, fun and games, midpoint, bad guys close in, all is lost, dark night of the soul, break into three, finale, and final image. Each beat serves a particular purpose in the narrative structure and helps maintain pacing and tension…Read&Listen More