Key Takeaways
1. Craft a compelling logline to hook your audience
"What is it?" is the name of the game. "What is it?" is the movie. A good "What is it?" is the coin of the realm.
Essence of a logline: A logline is a one or two-sentence pitch that encapsulates your entire movie. It should include:
- An intriguing concept with irony
- A compelling mental picture
- Clear audience and cost implications
- A killer title
Components of a strong logline:
- Adjectives to describe the hero and antagonist
- A clear, primal goal for the hero
- A hint at the conflict and stakes
Test your logline: Pitch it to strangers and gauge their reactions. Refine and adjust based on feedback until you have a logline that consistently grabs attention and makes people want to know more.
2. Understand and leverage genre conventions
Give me the same thing... only different!
Ten movie genres:
- Monster in the House
- Golden Fleece
- Out of the Bottle
- Dude with a Problem
- Rites of Passage
- Buddy Love
- Whydunit
- The Fool Triumphant
- Institutionalized
- Superhero
Importance of genre: Understanding genre conventions allows you to:
- Meet audience expectations
- Subvert tropes in fresh ways
- Structure your story effectively
- Market your screenplay to the right buyers
Research your genre: Watch and analyze successful movies in your chosen genre. Identify common elements, plot structures, and character archetypes. Use this knowledge to inform your writing while finding ways to put your unique spin on familiar elements.
3. Create a relatable hero with a primal goal
Tell me a story about a guy who...
Characteristics of a strong hero:
- Offers the most conflict in the story's situation
- Has the longest emotional journey
- Is demographically appealing to the target audience
- Has a clear, primal goal (survival, love, revenge, etc.)
Developing your hero:
- Give them a unique voice and personality
- Create a backstory that informs their actions
- Establish clear motivations and desires
- Show their flaws and room for growth
Hero's journey: Ensure your hero undergoes significant change from the beginning to the end of the story. This transformation should be central to the plot and resonate with the audience on an emotional level.
4. Structure your screenplay using the Blake Snyder Beat Sheet
Structure, structure, structure...
The Blake Snyder Beat Sheet (BS2):
- Opening Image (1)
- Theme Stated (5)
- Set-up (1-10)
- Catalyst (12)
- Debate (12-25)
- Break into Two (25)
- B Story (30)
- Fun and Games (30-55)
- Midpoint (55)
- Bad Guys Close In (55-75)
- All Is Lost (75)
- Dark Night of the Soul (75-85)
- Break into Three (85)
- Finale (85-110)
- Final Image (110)
Key beats explained:
- Opening Image: Sets the tone and introduces the hero's world
- Catalyst: The inciting incident that kicks off the story
- Break into Two: Hero leaves the familiar world and enters the new, challenging world
- Midpoint: A false victory or defeat that raises the stakes
- All Is Lost: The hero's lowest point, often featuring a "whiff of death"
- Finale: Hero applies lessons learned to overcome the antagonist and resolve the story
Using the BS2: Fill out this beat sheet for your screenplay idea before writing. It will help you identify potential story problems and ensure a solid structure from the outset.
5. Use "The Board" to visualize and refine your story
The Board is perhaps the most vital piece of equipment a screenwriter needs to have at his disposal - next to paper, pen, and laptop.
Setting up The Board:
- Divide a large board into four horizontal rows (representing Acts 1, 2A, 2B, and 3)
- Use index cards to represent individual scenes
- Aim for 40 cards total (about 10 per row)
Using The Board effectively:
- Write scene locations and basic actions on each card
- Color-code cards for different characters or storylines
- Identify and fill in "black holes" (gaps in the story)
- Ensure Act Three is fully developed, not just an afterthought
Refining your story:
- Look for ways to combine or eliminate redundant scenes
- Ensure each scene has an emotional change (+/-) and clear conflict (><)
- Step back and evaluate the overall flow and pacing of your story
6. Apply immutable laws of screenplay physics
The laws of physics that govern storytelling work every time, in every situation.
Key screenplay laws:
- Save the Cat: Make your hero likable early on
- Pope in the Pool: Creatively deliver exposition
- Double Mumbo Jumbo: Stick to one piece of magic per movie
- Keep the Press Out: Maintain intimacy in your story world
- Covenant of the Arc: Ensure all characters change throughout the story
Additional screenwriting principles:
- Laying Pipe: Don't overload the audience with too much setup
- Watch Out for That Glacier: Keep the danger immediate and pressing
- Black Vet: Avoid overcomplicating your concept
Applying these laws: Use these principles as a checklist when reviewing your screenplay. They can help you identify and fix common storytelling problems, ensuring your script adheres to proven narrative techniques.
7. Revise and polish your script for maximum impact
When in doubt, do it. Odds are that if you, or your initial batch of readers, have found problems with your screenplay, everyone else will too.
Common script problems and solutions:
- Inactive hero: Ensure your protagonist drives the action
- Talking the plot: Show, don't tell
- Weak antagonist: Make the bad guy badder
- Lack of escalation: Turn, turn, turn (intensify conflicts)
- One-note emotion: Use the full emotional color wheel
- Flat dialogue: Give each character a unique voice
- Forgettable supporting characters: Add "a limp and an eyepatch"
Revision process:
- Set your script aside for a week or more
- Read it through in one sitting, taking notes
- Apply the "Is It Broken?" test to identify weak spots
- Rewrite problem areas, focusing on one issue at a time
- Get feedback from trusted readers and repeat the process
Polishing tips:
- Eliminate unnecessary words and scenes
- Ensure every line of dialogue serves a purpose
- Double-check your formatting and spelling
- Read your script aloud to catch awkward phrasing
8. Market yourself and your screenplay effectively
Every Sale Has a Story!
Building your network:
- Attend film festivals and industry events
- Join screenwriting groups (online and in-person)
- Take classes and workshops
- Consider moving to Los Angeles
Marketing strategies:
- Create a compelling personal brand
- Develop a strong online presence (website, social media)
- Perfect your pitch for both written and in-person scenarios
- Be prepared with multiple script ideas and treatments
Finding representation:
- Research potential agents and managers
- Get referrals from industry contacts
- Consider starting with a smaller agency to build your reputation
Do's and Don'ts:
- Do: Be persistent, professional, and courteous
- Do: Follow up on leads and maintain relationships
- Don't: Use gimmicks or stunts to get attention
- Don't: Rely solely on screenplay contests for exposure
Remember: Success in screenwriting often comes from a combination of talent, perseverance, and networking. Keep writing, keep improving, and keep putting yourself out there until you get your break.
Last updated:
FAQ
What's "Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need" about?
- Comprehensive guide: The book is a comprehensive guide to screenwriting, offering insights and techniques for both novice and professional screenwriters.
- Practical advice: It provides practical advice on how to create compelling stories, develop characters, and structure screenplays effectively.
- Industry insights: Written by Blake Snyder, a successful screenwriter, it includes insider knowledge about the Hollywood system and what it takes to succeed.
- Engaging style: The book is known for its engaging and humorous style, making complex concepts accessible and enjoyable to read.
Why should I read "Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need"?
- Proven methods: The book offers proven methods and techniques that have helped many screenwriters succeed in Hollywood.
- Unique perspective: Blake Snyder shares his personal experiences and insights, providing a unique perspective on the screenwriting process.
- Practical tools: It includes practical tools like the "Blake Snyder Beat Sheet" to help writers structure their screenplays effectively.
- Broad appeal: Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned writer, the book offers valuable lessons and inspiration for anyone interested in screenwriting.
What are the key takeaways of "Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need"?
- Importance of structure: The book emphasizes the importance of structure in screenwriting, providing a detailed breakdown of the 15 beats in a successful screenplay.
- Character development: It highlights the need for well-developed characters and offers tips on creating relatable and compelling protagonists.
- High concept: Snyder discusses the significance of having a "high concept" idea that can be easily pitched and understood.
- Marketing insights: The book also covers marketing strategies for screenwriters, including how to pitch ideas and sell scripts effectively.
What is the "Save the Cat" method in screenwriting?
- Hero's likability: The "Save the Cat" method involves creating a moment early in the screenplay where the hero does something likable or relatable, making the audience root for them.
- Audience connection: This technique helps establish an emotional connection between the audience and the protagonist, increasing engagement with the story.
- Practical example: Snyder uses examples from popular films to illustrate how this method can be effectively implemented.
- Controversial yet effective: While some may find it formulaic, the method is widely regarded as an effective tool for screenwriters.
How does the "Blake Snyder Beat Sheet" help in structuring a screenplay?
- 15 beats: The Beat Sheet outlines 15 key beats that form the backbone of a well-structured screenplay, guiding writers through the storytelling process.
- Page-specific guidance: It provides specific page numbers for each beat, helping writers maintain pacing and structure throughout their script.
- Visual tool: The Beat Sheet serves as a visual tool for organizing and planning a screenplay, ensuring all essential elements are included.
- Widely used: This method is popular among screenwriters for its clarity and effectiveness in creating engaging and cohesive stories.
What are the "10 genres" discussed in "Save the Cat"?
- Unique categorization: Snyder categorizes movies into 10 unique genres, such as "Monster in the House," "Golden Fleece," and "Buddy Love."
- Genre rules: Each genre has specific rules and conventions that writers should understand and follow to create successful screenplays.
- Examples provided: The book provides examples of films within each genre, illustrating how these categories can be applied in practice.
- Genre flexibility: While the genres provide a framework, Snyder encourages writers to innovate and put their own spin on traditional storytelling.
What is the significance of a "logline" in screenwriting according to Blake Snyder?
- Concise summary: A logline is a one or two-sentence summary of a screenplay that captures its essence and appeal.
- Essential elements: It should include the protagonist, their goal, and the central conflict, often with an ironic twist to intrigue the audience.
- Marketing tool: Loglines are crucial for pitching a screenplay, as they quickly convey the story's concept to potential buyers or producers.
- Crafting tips: Snyder offers tips on crafting effective loglines, emphasizing the importance of clarity, brevity, and impact.
How does Blake Snyder address character development in "Save the Cat"?
- Hero's journey: Snyder emphasizes the importance of a well-defined hero's journey, with clear goals and obstacles to overcome.
- Adjectives for characters: He suggests using adjectives to describe both the hero and the antagonist, helping to create distinct and memorable characters.
- Primal motivations: Characters should have primal motivations, such as survival or love, to resonate with audiences on a fundamental level.
- Character arcs: The book discusses the need for character arcs, where characters grow and change throughout the story, adding depth and engagement.
What are some of the "Immutable Laws of Screenplay Physics" mentioned in the book?
- Save the Cat: The hero must do something likable early on to gain audience sympathy.
- Pope in the Pool: Bury exposition in engaging scenes to keep the audience interested.
- Double Mumbo Jumbo: Avoid introducing multiple fantastical elements that strain credibility.
- Covenant of the Arc: Ensure all characters experience growth and change throughout the story.
What marketing strategies does Blake Snyder suggest for screenwriters?
- Pitching techniques: Snyder offers advice on crafting compelling pitches that capture the essence of a screenplay.
- Networking: He emphasizes the importance of networking and building relationships within the industry.
- Test marketing: The book suggests test marketing ideas by pitching them to friends and strangers to gauge interest and refine concepts.
- Agent advice: Snyder provides tips on finding and working with agents to help sell scripts and advance a screenwriting career.
What are the best quotes from "Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need" and what do they mean?
- "Give me the same thing... only different!": This quote highlights the need for originality within familiar story structures, encouraging writers to innovate while respecting genre conventions.
- "It's never as good as it seems at the midpoint and it's never as bad as it seems at the All Is Lost point.": This emphasizes the importance of pacing and tension in storytelling, ensuring that the narrative remains engaging and dynamic.
- "The hero must be proactive.": This underscores the necessity for a strong, active protagonist who drives the story forward and engages the audience.
- "Is it primal?": This question encourages writers to focus on fundamental human motivations and emotions, ensuring their stories resonate with audiences on a deep level.
How does "Save the Cat" address the challenges of rewriting a screenplay?
- Identifying issues: Snyder provides guidance on identifying common issues in first drafts, such as inactive heroes or flat dialogue.
- Practical solutions: The book offers practical solutions for fixing these problems, including enhancing character motivations and refining plot structure.
- Emotional engagement: Emphasizes the importance of emotional engagement, ensuring that the screenplay resonates with audiences through well-developed characters and compelling arcs.
- Iterative process: Rewriting is presented as an iterative process, where writers continually refine and improve their work to achieve the best possible outcome.
Review Summary
Save the Cat! receives mixed reviews. Some praise its practical advice on screenplay structure and marketing, finding it useful for both screenwriters and novelists. Others criticize Snyder's formulaic approach and dismissive attitude towards unconventional films. The book's strengths include its accessible writing style, concrete examples, and industry insights. However, some readers question Snyder's credibility due to his limited Hollywood success. Despite its flaws, many find the book valuable for understanding screenplay basics and Hollywood's commercial mindset, though not necessarily as a definitive guide to creating original, high-quality scripts.
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