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Save The Cat! summary
Brief summary
Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder is a must-read for aspiring screenwriters. It offers valuable insights and practical tips on how to craft compelling stories and create memorable characters that resonate with audiences.
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Table of Contents
Save The Cat!
Summary of key ideas
The Art of Writing a Successful Screenplay
In Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder, we are introduced to the world of screenwriting. The book begins with the fundamental question: what makes a good screenplay? Snyder argues that it is not just about the story, but also about the way the story is told. He emphasizes that a good screenplay should follow a specific structure and should be able to capture the audience's attention from the very beginning.
Snyder introduces his famous “Save the Cat” moment, a term derived from the idea that a character must do something early in the film to make the audience like them. It is a small act of kindness, like saving a cat, that helps the audience connect with the character. This moment sets the stage for the character's journey and the audience's investment in their story. Snyder stresses that this is a crucial element in creating a successful screenplay.
The Importance of Structure
Next, Snyder delves into the structure of a screenplay. He introduces the concept of “beats,” which are the small moments that make up a story. He argues that a well-structured screenplay should have 15 specific beats, each serving a particular purpose. These beats include the opening image, theme stated, catalyst, break into two, midpoint, and more. He explains that these beats are essential in creating a compelling and engaging story.
Moreover, Snyder also discusses the importance of genre in screenwriting. He introduces the idea that every successful screenplay falls into one of ten specific genres, such as monster in the house, buddy love, or institutionalized. He emphasizes that understanding the genre of your screenplay is crucial in appealing to the target audience and ensuring the success of your story.
The Board and The Pitch
In the middle of Save The Cat!, Snyder introduces “The Board,” a tool for plotting and outlining a screenplay. The Board is a visual representation of the 15 beats, and it helps screenwriters to organize their ideas, track character arcs, and ensure the progression of the story. He also discusses the importance of a good pitch, emphasizing that a successful pitch should be clear, concise, and interesting. A good pitch can make the difference between selling your screenplay or having it rejected.
Furthermore, Snyder provides valuable advice on how to navigate the industry. He discusses the role of agents, managers, and producers and offers tips on how to network effectively. He also provides guidance on how to handle rejections, deal with notes, and revise your screenplay to make it more marketable.
The Conclusion and Legacy
In conclusion, Save The Cat! is a comprehensive guide to screenwriting, offering valuable insights and practical advice on how to write a successful screenplay. Snyder's approach emphasizes the importance of structure, genre, and audience appeal in creating a compelling story. His concepts, such as the “Save the Cat” moment and the 15 beats, have become widely accepted in the screenwriting community and are used by aspiring and established screenwriters alike.
In 2005, Snyder's book inspired the creation of the website, Save The Cat! The site offers a range of resources and tools for screenwriters, including software, books, and workshops. Snyder's legacy lives on, and his teachings continue to guide and influence the next generation of screenwriters.
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What is Save The Cat! about?
Save The Cat! by Blake Snyder is a must-read for anyone interested in screenwriting. With wit and insight, Snyder breaks down the essential elements of successful movies and offers practical tips for crafting a compelling story. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, this book will help you understand the art and science of storytelling.
Save The Cat! Review
Save The Cat! (2005) by Blake Snyder is a valuable resource for aspiring screenwriters looking to craft compelling scripts. Here's why this book stands out:
- Featuring practical guidance on storytelling structure, it offers clear insights on how to create captivating narratives that resonate with audiences.
- The book outlines easy-to-follow techniques for developing engaging characters and plotlines, making the writing process more manageable and enjoyable.
- Overflowing with engaging anecdotes and real-world examples from the film industry, it keeps readers entertained and inspired throughout the journey of script development.
Who should read Save The Cat!?
Aspiring screenwriters looking to understand the fundamentals of successful storytelling in the film industry
Filmmakers who want to learn how to craft compelling and marketable scripts
Anyone interested in the behind-the-scenes mechanics of creating blockbuster movies
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Save The Cat! FAQs
What is the main message of Save The Cat!?
The main message of Save The Cat! is mastering the art of storytelling by incorporating essential beats into your narrative.
How long does it take to read Save The Cat!?
Reading Save The Cat! takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is Save The Cat! a good book? Is it worth reading?
Save The Cat! is a must-read for aspiring storytellers due to its practical advice on crafting engaging narratives.
Who is the author of Save The Cat!?
The author of Save The Cat! is Blake Snyder.
What to read after Save The Cat!?
If you're wondering what to read next after Save The Cat!, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- The Art Of Non-Conformity by Chris Guillebeau
- A Whole New Mind by Daniel H. Pink
- Theory U by C. Otto Scharmer
- The Design of Everyday Things by Donald A. Norman
- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda