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37 pages 1 hour read

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

Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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Blake Snyder

Save the Cat

Nonfiction | Reference/Text Book | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

195

Format

Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2000s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Save the Cat by Blake Snyder is a best-selling non-fiction book that guides aspiring screenwriters on how to develop and structure their film ideas for commercial success. Snyder, a Hollywood screenwriter, introduces concepts like creating an effective logline, understanding story archetypes, and applying his "Blake Snyder Beat Sheet" to craft a script. The book emphasizes relatable characters, primal stakes, and effective pacing, offering actionable techniques to ensure the script resonates with audiences and appeals to studio executives. Snyder also touches on the business aspects of screenwriting, including the importance of networking and professional resilience.

Informative

Inspirational

Playful

Reviews & Readership

4.4

27,400 ratings

79%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Reviews of Blake Snyder's Save the Cat commonly praise its practical and straightforward approach to screenwriting, highlighting its valuable tips for structure and character development. Critics, however, argue it may oversimplify complex storytelling and promote formulaic writing. Overall, it is considered highly useful for beginners but possibly limiting for seasoned writers.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Save the Cat?

Readers who enjoy Save the Cat by Blake Snyder typically have a keen interest in screenwriting and storytelling. They will appreciate Snyder’s practical advice and structured approach. Comparable works include Joseph Campbell's The Hero with a Thousand Faces and Robert McKee’s Story, which also focus on narrative structure and writing techniques.

4.4

27,400 ratings

79%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

195

Format

Reference/Text Book • Nonfiction

Setting

2000s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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