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Save the Cat!: The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need Kindle Edition

by Blake Snyder (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 7,874 ratings
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This ultimate insider's guide reveals the secrets that none dare admit, told by a show biz veteran who's proven that you can sell your script if you can save the cat!
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  1. Part of series
    Save the Cat!
  2. Print length
    215 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publisher
    Michael Wiese Productions
  5. Publication date
    May 25, 2005
  6. File size
    2530 KB
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Save the Cat!
Bundle price: Kindle price
$43.57
Bundle price: Kindle price
$61.44
Bundle price: Kindle price
$84.30
By placing your order, you're purchasing a license to the content and you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use.

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  1. The number one thing a good logline must have, the single most important element, is: irony.
    Highlighted by 8,270 Kindle readers
  2. The second most important element that a good logline has is that you must be able to see a whole movie in it.
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  3. Because liking the person we go on a journey with is the single most important element in drawing us into the story.
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“One of the most comprehensive and insightful how-to's out there. Save the Cat! is a must-read for both the novice and the professional screenwriter.” – Todd Black, Producer, Hope Springs, The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3, The Pursuit of Happyness, The Weather Man, Antwone Fisher “Want to know how to be a successful writer in Hollywood? The answers are here. Blake Snyder has written an insider's book that's informative ― and funny, too.” – David Hoberman, Producer, Muppets Most Wanted (2014), The Muppets, The Shaggy Dog , Raising Helen, Walking Tall, Monk (TV) "You'd have to look far and wide to find a better book to help you achieve your goals. Quite simply one of the most practical guides to writing mainstream spec scripts on the market." – Screentalk Magazine

About the Author

Blake Snyder's Save the Cat series of books are the best selling books on screenwriting

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00340ESIS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Michael Wiese Productions (May 25, 2005)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 25, 2005
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2530 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 215 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 7,874 ratings

About the author

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Blake Snyder

Blake Snyder

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In his 20-year career as a screenwriter and producer, Blake Snyder sold dozens of scripts, including co-writing Blank Check, which became a hit for Disney, and Nuclear Family for Steven Spielberg. His book, "Save the Cat!® The Last Book on Screenwriting You'll Ever Need," was published in May 2005, and is now in its 33rd printing. The sequels, "Save the Cat!® Goes to the Movies: The Screenwriter's Guide to Every Story Ever Told," "Save the Cat!® Strikes Back: More Trouble for Screenwriters to Get Into... And Out Of," and software, "Save the Cat!® The Last Story Structure Software You'll Ever Need," are also bestsellers. Along with guiding screenwriters, novelists, and other creative thinkers, Blake's method has become the secret weapon of many development executives, managers, and producers for its precise, easy, and honest appraisal of what it takes to write and develop stories in any media. Blake was a proud member of the Writers Guild of America, west. He passed away suddenly on August 4, 2009, but he lives on in his films and his books, in the advice that will never grow old, with the spirit that will continue to thrive and inspire. His story resonates with all who loved him, and your stories will resonate thanks to his love for you. Blake's vision continues on his website and in "Save the Cat!® Goes to the Indies: The Screenwriter's Guide to 50 Films from the Masters," written by Salva Rubio and published in April, 2017.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
7,874 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book helpful for screenwriting. It provides useful information and practical advice for developing, adapting, and finishing a script. They describe the writing style as clear and easy to understand. The humor and anecdotes make it enjoyable to read. Readers appreciate the concise and straightforward approach that gets to the point quickly. Overall, customers consider the book a valuable resource for writers.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more
ScreenwritingInformation qualityEase of readingHumorPoint-makingValue for moneyAspiring writerAttitude
604 customers mention "Screenwriting"576 positive28 negative

Customers find the book helpful for screenwriting and authors. They say it's an entertaining guide to writing a script for a movie. The book provides tips and tricks for improving a screenplay, as well as pitfalls to avoid. Readers mention it's inspiring and a must-have for writers who want to get published.

"...I definitely feel more confident in writing my script now and figuring out how to fill in the blanks when I wasn't sure in what direction the story..." Read more

"Blake Synder has provided a great legacy in storytelling through this publication." Read more

"...This book was well worth the time it took to read it and the money invested, and I'm certain I want to move on to Snyder's other two books...." Read more

"...In addition, it would be well worth your while watching the very best films made outside the Hollywood tradition..." Read more

539 customers mention "Information quality"530 positive9 negative

Customers find the book provides useful information on developing, adapting, and finishing a script. They appreciate the practical advice, tips, and tricks. The book makes a good case for the author's theories using examples that are easy to remember.

"...It is an effective strategy to help your book deliver the most satisfying experience for your readers. Highly recommend!" Read more

"...So for a beginner like me this book was filled with TONS of useful information how I could turn a basic idea in my head into a fully fledged movie..." Read more

"As a starter, this book has been very helpful to me. Step-by-step guide with very clear examples. Thank you very much!" Read more

"...And realized that "Save The Cat!" applies to SO much in business, as well as writing and in everyday life, this time I'd better keep it on my..." Read more

387 customers mention "Ease of reading"345 positive42 negative

Customers find the book clear and accessible. It provides helpful information on formulaic writing in a structured outline. The author has a direct, friendly way of talking to readers with a bit of humor. They describe it as the best how-to book they have ever read.

"...It was an easy read and filled with a ton of helpful information...." Read more

"...It lays out a structured outline for you to follow...." Read more

"As a starter, this book has been very helpful to me. Step-by-step guide with very clear examples. Thank you very much!" Read more

"...Easy to read, easy to understand, and once you read it you will never read a book or watch in movie in the same way...." Read more

137 customers mention "Humor"137 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find the author's sense of humor entertaining and engaging, with fun anecdotes and examples. The style is conversational and makes for an easy read, laced with smiles and chuckles.

"...This all adds up to a quick and fun read. Another thing to keep in mind is that some people are totally against any type of formula writing...." Read more

"...instruction, yes, but also encouragement and inspiration, laced with smiles and chuckles...." Read more

"...Save the Cat will show how to craft the story so that it is entertaining to the audience. As I was once told, "Do you want to be paid?..." Read more

"...insider industry information and are clearly written and in a way, provocative. I recommend them to anyone interested in screenwriting." Read more

45 customers mention "Point-making"45 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's content concise and straightforward. They appreciate the clear, minute-by-minute outline that provides a practical blueprint to follow. The first few chapters are engaging and witty, providing an enlightening introduction to the topic.

"...but they are very clear and concise and offer a very workable blueprint to follow...." Read more

"...that it makes an unsurpassed starting point, yet remains an incomparable finishing point. I plan to return to it over and over again...." Read more

"...they provide a very accurate, concise, and some would even say easy plot model. As you know, constructing a plot from nothing can be difficult...." Read more

"...At the very least, this book appears to be a good place to begin, to learn the basics...." Read more

37 customers mention "Value for money"33 positive4 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money. They say it provides useful tools to craft a good and saleable story.

"...This book was well worth the time it took to read it and the money invested, and I'm certain I want to move on to Snyder's other two books...." Read more

"...inevitable disillusion this book, in my opinion, is worth way more than the cost of admission." Read more

"...courses out there, but I could have bought this book and saved myself a lot of money -- not that the other experiences weren't good ones because..." Read more

"...formed story using this book and for that reason alone it's worth the price of admission...." Read more

36 customers mention "Aspiring writer"36 positive0 negative

Customers find the book helpful for aspiring writers. They say it's one of the most useful writing books they've read. The author is experienced and knows the subject well. Readers recommend the book and software program to young and older experienced writers alike.

"...Recommended to aspiring writers, authors, and screenwriters as a beneficial reference tool." Read more

"...And it is a great introduction to all writers into the reality of the underlying foundational structure of stories...." Read more

"If you haven't read this book, shame on you. Essential for serious writers" Read more

"...The points are not exclusive to screen-writing, they apply to all writers. Oh, the title, 'Save The Cat'?..." Read more

27 customers mention "Attitude"16 positive11 negative

Customers have varying opinions about the book's attitude. Some find it lighthearted, inspirational, and positive without being unrealistic. Others feel the author's attitude is condescending, egotistical, and self-deprecating. They also mention that the author has an odd dislike for the movie "Memento" and overrates the book.

"...But it's refreshing reading a more light-hearted approach that still takes the craft just as seriously...." Read more

"...Good thing I kept reading. Yes, Blake comes off arrogant, but he does it intentionally (maybe)...." Read more

"...His theories are clearly and insightfully expressed and he has a direct friendly way of talking to the reader with a bit of comedy...." Read more

"...way the guy writes is very frustrating to you it's from a very full himself perspective that makes it difficult to read...." Read more

You have to get the paperback
5 out of 5 stars
You have to get the paperback
If you’ve been writing fiction for any length of time, you’ve probably heard about Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat series of books. They’re books that were originally written to help screenwriters improve their craft, but became quite popular among writers of many creative disciplines because they provide a very accurate, concise, and some would even say easy plot model. As you know, constructing a plot from nothing can be difficult. These books, especially the first one, provide a way to do so without inducing paralyzing anxiety. I dare say that they’re a necessity for every writer who wants to get published.What’s In Save the Cat?A tabby cat dangling from a rope, with the words "Save the Cat: the Last Book on Screenwriting That You'll Ever Need" above it.In Save the Cat: The Last Book on Screenwriting That You’ll Ever Need, Snyder describes 15 “beats” or benchmarks that every plot needs to have, no matter the medium it’s displayed in. Whether words or moving pictures are used to tell a story, it should always start with an opening image and progress throughTheme StatedSet-upCatalystDebateBreak Into TwoB StoryFun and GamesMidpointBad Guys Close InAll is LostDark Night of the SoulBreak Into ThreeFinaleFinal ImageAll of these benchmarks—aptly described in the book—should lend themselves towards showing the main character doing something, being proactive. This could mean saving a cat, going with Hagrid to Hogwarts and leaving a known life behind, or undergoing a makeover to become an undercover beauty queen. It’s the essence that defines who the hero is and makes the reader like him or her.Who Would Like Save the Cat, And Why?As mentioned, anyone who’s serious about writing The Greatest Book of All Time. It’s designed, Snyder says, primarily for writers who intend to pitch/query agents in mainstream movie-making and publishing. I think that’s because it’s based on the premise that you’ll use one- to two-sentence descriptions of each of those beats to pitch to agents. Although there are many, many plot models out there—three-act structure, hero’s journey, dramatica, etc.—this is the one I’ve found to be the easiest and smoothest. It’s a compromise between totally outlining and just “pantsing” it: enough structure (and the right kind of it) to get your story started, but not so much that it overwhelms your creativity before you even start writing a book. It’s also very helpful in showing the main character proactively progressing through the book’s plot, not just reacting to various crises.Find the full review of this book, as well as many other writerly advice posts, at HeadOverTales.com.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Liz Martinez
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic and informative
    Reviewed in the United States on October 15, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This book is an excellent writing reference! I've got it filled with highlighting and sticky notes and use it every time I'm plotting or replotting my novel. It was an easy read and filled with a ton of helpful information. It is an effective strategy to help your book deliver the most satisfying experience for your readers. Highly recommend!
    One person found this helpful
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  • Steve
    5.0 out of 5 stars Filled with useful information, very helpful!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 4, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this book cause I've had some ideas floating around in my head that I wanted to see if I could perhaps make into a screen play. I have no formal education in screenwriting and the information I do know about writing a movie, I learned from online resources. So for a beginner like me this book was filled with TONS of useful information how I could turn a basic idea in my head into a fully fledged movie script. I was debating on which book to buy to help me get started and bought this one because every online resource I looked at, all of them mentioned this book. Some people bashed it but I think that's cause they're more advanced writers and have their own formula for coming up with the structure for a movie.
    What I like about this book is that it takes out the guess work for you. It lays out a structured outline for you to follow. Snyder created what he calls the Blake Synder Beat Sheet and literally every movie I could think of follows its formula. He tells you "you should introduce your main character by this page, set the theme of the movie by this page, create a conflict by this page, etc..." Snyder also uses movies as examples, showing how they followed this tempo. He has good ideas on how to create meaningful, 3 dimensional characters and even how to create a B story that helps the main story flow better. I wouldn't have thought of any of this had I not read this book.
    What I don't like is how Snyder is sometimes a little too "by the numbers" when it comes to writing a script. He literally says the break from act 1 to act 2 HAS to happen on page 25. Not page 24, not page 26 but on page 25. I don't agree with that. While you obviously don't want it to come too early or too soon, I don't see a need for it to happen on exactly page 25 of every single script ever written. He goes to make it sound like the big wigs at studios reading your script will toss it in the garbage if they don't find it on page 25. That's simply not true and I feel like it's forcing people to pace THEIR story at HIS speed.
    He also goes on to bash other great movies cause they didn't follow HIS pace. This guys claim to fame is writing Disneys "Blank Check" mind you. I don't believe in making others look bad to make yourself look good and that's kind of what he does for a bit in the book. He disses movies like Dantes Peak, Memento, Along Came Polly, etc.. but raves about other mediocre movies like 4 Christmases and miss congeniality cause they followed his cookie cutter methods.
    So to sum it up, I'm glad I bought this book because I did learn a lot by reading it. I definitely feel more confident in writing my script now and figuring out how to fill in the blanks when I wasn't sure in what direction the story should go in. While I don't think his "by the numbers" method is ideal for every script, it does help me know how to set my own pace for my own movie so I don't get carried away with one act of the story over the other. If your a beginner like me and are looking for a little guidance on how to create a story, this book is a great help!
    39 people found this helpful
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  • Steve
    5.0 out of 5 stars My first screenwriting book
    Reviewed in the United States on November 7, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    As a starter, this book has been very helpful to me. Step-by-step guide with very clear examples. Thank you very much!
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  • Aisling D.
    4.0 out of 5 stars A must-own for anyone telling stories, as an author or marketer
    Reviewed in the United States on August 25, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Okay, I'll admit it: I've bought this book three times so far.

    The first time, I was new to fiction and - as a published nonfiction author - I needed insights to craft my romance and adventure plots.

    Then, after I figured I'd gleaned everything I needed to know from "Save The Cat!," I donated the book to a local charity shop.

    The second time, I was in the middle of a short story (fiction) and desperately needed to understand why my story was stuck. In under 10k words, the story seemed to hit all the right plot points, but... no, it was a truly horrible story. Even I couldn't stay awake, re-reading it.

    So, I bought this book again, and read it. I had my "ah-HA!" moment, and - thinking I Knew It All - I donated the book to the local charity, again.

    But then (deep sigh) a few months later, I was reading about marketing. Trying to understand why my book blurbs were a yawn.

    As an indie author, occasional blogger, and possibly aspiring to vlogging, I kept hearing that I needed to craft my marketing better, so it read like a story.

    No big deal, right...? I mean, I'm a writer. Fans like some (not all) of my books. I should know ALL about story.

    But... I didn't. I just couldn't seem to use story elements in my marketing materials. And don't even ask about how lackluster my YouTube videos were. (I'm blushing, even as I'm writing this.)

    So... yes, I bought this book again. And realized that "Save The Cat!" applies to SO much in business, as well as writing and in everyday life, this time I'd better keep it on my bookshelf.

    Chances are, I'll need it again and again.

    I'm giving this book four stars because it's not the most entertaining or engaging book I've ever read.

    On the other hand, it may be one of the most important books for many aspects of my professional life.

    You'll probably feel the same when you test-drive the advice in it. It really is a brilliant series of concepts.

    And learn from my mistakes. After reading this book, place "Save The Cat!" with your reference books. Chances are, you'll revisit it over and and over again.
    20 people found this helpful
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  • George
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wowza!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is the oft-cited standard for story-telling. The 15 beats help you keep your story on-track. It's great for planners/plotters/plantsers. I tried pantsing a story once, and the characters complained to me about having no direction. Thanks to this book, I saved them from endless questing and made the story more concise and engaging.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • John Powers
    5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful and inspiring
    Reviewed in the United States on November 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Blake Synder has provided a great legacy in storytelling through this publication.
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  • M.G.
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for all authors!
    Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I can't believe I procrastinated on reading this book! It's everything I needed to understand the gaps in my understanding of amazing storytelling. Whether you're a screenwriter, novelist or any other author who wants to understand the individual elements of a great story, check this book out! Easy to read, easy to understand, and once you read it you will never read a book or watch in movie in the same way. Don't delay like I did and waste time without this indispensable tool for every author.
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Karine
    5.0 out of 5 stars Uma excelente dica para qualquer tipo de roteirista ou escritor
    Reviewed in Brazil on January 4, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Enquanto o foco de Save the Cat! são os roteiros de cinema, Blake Snyder dá muitas dicas importantíssimas sobre a estrutura e elementos de um bom enredo que podem ser aplicadas em qualquer área com ênfase em criação de histórias e personagens. Seja você escritor de livros, roteirista de quadrinhos, teatro ou qualquer outra coisa, encontrará um verdadeiro baú do tesouro a cada página lida!
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  • Avid Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book - Written by a Writer Who Actually Sold a Couple $1M Scripts in Hollywood
    Reviewed in Canada on November 9, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    The original Save the Cat is a great place to start when learning how to write scripts. The STC 15 point story outline applies to almost all successful commercial movies.

    However, what makes the plot structure method really come home is through analyzing movies. The Save the Cat Goes to the Movies book comes with 50 plot breakdowns which teaches you how important and relevant the method truly is. A perfect example of "show don't tell" teaching.

    STC an excellent book and can stand alone, but you will get even more out the methods taught by Blake Snyder if you get The original Save the Cat (STC) book is a great place to start when learning how to write scripts. The STC 15 point story outline applies to almost all successful commercial movies.

    However, what makes the plot structure method really come home is through analyzing movies. The Save the Cat Goes to the Movies book comes with 50 plot breakdowns which teaches you how important and relevant the method truly is. A perfect example of "show don't tell" teaching.

    STC goes to movies is an excellent book and can stand alone, but you will get even more out the methods taught by Blake Snyder if you get STC Goes to the Movies as well. The first is the theory, the second is applied theory by example.

    Note: Blake Snyder sold multiple $1 million dollar scripts in his working career - working with celebrities like Steven Spielberg and Sylvester Stallone.
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  • Johan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book... just not for beginners
    Reviewed in Mexico on October 16, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Save the cat is an amazing book if you're looking for some amazing "Add on" to your existent repertoire of tools and screenwriting insight, specially if you are looking to sell your script... or just write something that not only you and your friends want to watch.
    I loved this book... but if you're looking for a guide that tells you step by step how to write... you'd better look somewhere else. Come back for this one later tho!
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  • Tralex
    1.0 out of 5 stars Don’t buy
    Reviewed in Sweden on May 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Your don’t need this
    Report
  • Emiliano
    5.0 out of 5 stars Grande libro!
    Reviewed in Italy on April 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Scritto in modo assolutamente piacevole, chiaro ed estremamente utile. Veramente pratico e preciso. Per me, un "must".
    Report

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