Save the Cat!

Blake Snyder’s colloquial handbook is a must-read for every serious screenwriter. Whether being a Hollywood spec screenwriter is the dream or the nightmare of the reader it is full of information and guidance that it is very useful to know, even if it is never applied. Personally I found the first half, on the process of idea to script, more helpful than the second half, on the actual writing of a script. I think I’ve read better books on the handling of the actual screenplay but Snyder’s stylistic discourse on loglines and story beats, particularly with regards to ‘The Board’, was really rather inspiring; whilst also being strangely entertaining. He is somewhat unashamedly shallow, assuming that as writers our primary and ultimate goal will be to make money. This is perhaps sensible and logical, but also rather superficial... then again, I suppose, so is Hollywood. Certainly for anyone wanting to write a feature screenplay this book is ideal for leading them through that voyage. As for me, impatient as I may be, I’m not quite ready for that yet but I’m hoping I will be soon.