Professional Screenwriters on 'Save The Cat': A Must-Read for Structure and Efficiency

Introduction

As a professional screenwriter, yoursquo;re well-aware of the importance of effective structure and efficient storytelling in your work. The book Save The Cat by Blake Snyder stands as a beacon of wisdom and discipline in the realm of screenwriting. But how do our esteemed colleagues view this method? Letrsquo;s delve into their insights and explore the reasons behind its popularity and relevance.

ldquo;It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child.rdquo; - Pablo Picasso

According to Picasso, mastering formalism and technique is a journey that takes years, but the freedom and authenticity of a childrsquo;s creativity can only be achieved through a lifetime of practice. Similarly, Blake Snyderrsquo;s Save The Cat method is a screenwriting formalism that, when mastered, transforms your work into a highly efficient and impactful screenplay.

Mastering 'Save The Cat'

Ken Miyamoto, a notable screenwriter and author of The Tao of Screenwriting/Movies/TV, sheds light on the challenges and benefits of following Save The Cat. He argues that while the structure prescribed in the book may seem overtheorized, adhering to it can significantly improve the quality of your work.

According to Miyamoto,:

The efficiency required by Save The Cat ensures that you strictly adhere to plot progression, leaving no room for indulgent, poorly written scenes. The strict adherence to structure in most screenplays he reads is where the problems begin, making Save The Cat a godsend for rewrites. Most of the rewrites he has done in recent years revolve around fixing structural issues, suggesting the value of the Save The Cat method in practical application.

Miyamoto emphasizes that while the Save The Cat method is a structured approach, it is but a tool in a professional screenwriterrsquo;s arsenal. It provides a language and structure with which to diagnose and solve issues quickly and efficiently.

Challenging the Rules

Ken also discusses the importance of questioning and challenging the established structure in your own work. Just as Picasso believed that mastering formalism required a lifetime, a screenwriter must continuously challenge themselves to break free from the rigid structure when necessary.

Miyamoto provides an example of the Rocky series, arguing that while the script is excellent, the filmrsquo;s success is largely due to the charisma of its lead, Sylvester Stallone. The filmrsquo;s structure, while not conforming to Save The Cat, was made successful through the performerrsquo;s unique abilities.

However, Miyamoto acknowledges that using Rocky as a counter-argument is tricky; the film is one of a kind. The point is that a screenwriter cannot simply follow the manual and expect immediate success. They must understand the rules and use them as a foundation for innovation and creativity.

The Value of Structure

Structure is not just a rigid set of rules but a powerful tool that screenwriters can use to enhance their work. Familiarity with Save The Catrsquo;s key elements such as the ldquo;fun and gamesrdquo; section, the ldquo;dark night of the soul,rdquo; and the character arc enables a professional to diagnose problems quickly and efficiently.

Knowing these components allows screenwriters to:

Build ideas rapidly and communicate them in shorthand Diagnose and resolve structural issues swiftly Build a professional network and collaborate smoothly with producers, other writers, and agents

The book provides a specific language and method to analyze and critique onersquo;s own work. However, it is equally important to challenge and evolve these structures in your own work, questioning the necessity and impact of each scene and element.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the Save The Cat method presents a structured approach to screenwriting, it is a tool that can be, and should be, used flexibly. Professional screenwriters must strike a balance between adhering to the method and challenging it to create truly unique and impactful stories. The discipline and efficiency offered by Save The Cat make it a must-read for any serious screenwriter.