Creativity

Save the Cat!: 8 key ideas

by Blake Snyder

The core ideas of Save the Cat!, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 8

   Films follow a structure

   Snyder, a Hollywood screenwriter, argues that successful films follow a recognisable structure.

   He offers tools to help writers plan screenplays that work. In his view, familiar patterns give audiences a satisfying experience, and writers can use them as a base.

2. IDEA 2 OF 8

   Start with a strong logline

   Snyder argues that every film should be summarised in a single compelling sentence, a logline.

   If the idea cannot be stated simply, it may not work. In his view, a clear, intriguing line helps writers and buyers see the idea at once.

3. IDEA 3 OF 8

   Make the hero likeable

   Snyder names his book after a scene where the hero does something kind, like saving a cat, so the audience will root for them.

   In his view, an early moment of warmth makes the audience care what happens next.

4. IDEA 4 OF 8

   Beats map the story

   Snyder describes his beat sheet, fifteen key moments in a screenplay, from opening image to final image.

   In his view, each beat marks a point where the story shifts or deepens, helping writers pace the whole script.

5. IDEA 5 OF 8

   Films fit genres

   Snyder proposes ten story genres based on structure rather than setting, such as monster in the house.

   In his view, a story's type says more about how it works than its setting does.

6. IDEA 6 OF 8

   Plan scenes on a board

   Snyder recommends laying out scenes on a board to see the whole structure.

   In his view, cards pinned in rows let a writer move scenes around and spot weak spots at a glance.

7. IDEA 7 OF 8

   Stakes must be primal

   Snyder argues that audiences respond to basic needs such as survival, love and protecting family.

   In his view, a story that touches such deep needs grabs viewers quickly, because everyone can feel what is at risk.

8. IDEA 8 OF 8

   Rules help writers

   Snyder offers rules of thumb for screenwriting.

   Critics argue that following them too closely makes films formulaic. Supporters say such guidance helps writers who are stuck, while critics say it can make stories feel alike.