Featured Book of the Month
We've always been big supporters of the late Blake Snyder�s
"Save the Cat" books - now, here's a new one we'd like to
bring to your attention. Though Blake passed away in August of last
year, we are lucky enough to have this one last work, which focuses on
answers to questions commonly asked at his beat sheet workshops and
seminars.
The book covers:
-The 7 warning signs you might have a great idea - or not
-2 sure-fire templates for can�t-miss loglines
-The difference between structure and formula
-The Transformation Machine that allows you to track you�re hero�s
growth step-by-step
-The 5 questions to keep your story�s spine straight
-The 5-Point Finale to finish any story
-The Save the Cat Greenlight Checklist that gets to the heart of every
development issue
-The right way to hear notes, deal with problematic producers, and
dive into the rewrite with the right attitude
-Why and when an agent will appear
-How to discover the potential for greatness in any story
-How to avoid panic, doubt, and self-recrimination�and what it takes
to succeed and dare to achieve your dreams
Sounds like good stuff huh? Well, it is. These topics are
all addressed with Blake�s relentless enthusiasm and infectious
positivity. His books are as inspirational to struggling writers
as they are essential tools for problem-solving.
The book mainly stands on its own, and makes sense regardless of
whether or not you've read the two prior "Save The Cat"
books -there are still, however, references to things like his
"15 point beat sheet". And since this item is not described
and the beats not summarized, those not familiar with this paradigm
might be a bit lost. Having the original Save the Cat book at
hand is essential.
But that's okay, because you should have read it by now. If not, run,
don�t walk, and pick up a copy! It can help any writer
effectively structure their screenplay. And for those already
familiar with the 15 point beat sheet, you�ll be thrilled at how this
book gives you shortcuts on how to expand those 15 beats into
40 scenes to fully flesh out your story.
Another important focus of the book - the very first chapter, and for
good reason - is the discussion of how to determine if your movie�s
core idea is a good one or not, and whether or not it's viable for the
marketplace. We often read screenplays which, while perfectly
decent as scripts, don't quite have a compelling enough core
idea. Hollywood is a tough place - and when dealing with writers
with no track record, they only have time for the best, most
high-concept ideas they can find. Something to think about,
before you decide whether or not to spend the next six months, two
years, or more, of your life writing, then rewriting, a screenplay
that just has no hope of sparking interest with jaded entertainment
professionals.
Screenwriting books that focus on formatting, structure, and
other techniques of writing craft number in the hundreds. So any
book that effectively provides advice to writers on how to deal with
the business side of being a writer are welcome. This book also
covers topics like when and how to switch agents, whether or not an
agent or a manager is your best choice for representation, how to work
with a partner, and how to be a screenwriter outside of Los
Angeles.
We selfishly hope that Blake had a lot more books completed and filed
away prior to his passing - and we know we're not alone. If this is
not the case, then we take comfort in the fact that his legacy - three
great books, a solid beat sheet paradigm, along with the software and
the continuing operations of his franchise -will inspire and serve the
needs of screenwriters for a long time to come.
StoryPros Verdict: Recommended
Save The Cat! Strikes Back
by Blake Snyder
More Trouble for Screenwriters to Get Into...and Out Of
Enter your email address in the box above and GO!
StoryPros E-Zine
Get the latest news, articles, events, and exclusive discounts on our
services and contests!