Lecture on Screenwriting and the Book 'Save the Cat'

Overview

• Save the Cat by Blake Snyder is a popular book among aspiring screenwriters.
• Many professionals do not rely on it, and it may hinder progress toward screenwriting goals.
• The book is considered formulaic and conventional.

Critique of 'Save the Cat'

• Formulaic Approach: Encourages a rigid adherence to a formula that successful movies supposedly follow.
  • Screenwriters need to be adaptive and unpredictable.
  • Following the book’s formula does not guarantee success.
• Difference Between Writing and Analyzing Films: The book analyzes completed films to create its formula.
  • Screenplays undergo multiple drafts and changes before becoming films.
  • Writing a screenplay based on a formula intended for analyzing completed films is not effective.
• Misleading Notions: The book suggests universal success tips that don't apply to all films.

Positive Aspects of 'Save the Cat'

• Insight into Industry: Provides wisdom and insights about the business and process of screenwriting.
  • Emphasizes the hard work involved and the expectations for screenplays.
• Awareness of Expectations: Highlights many expectations in screenwriting that should not be ignored.

Fundamental Issues with Screenwriting Formulas

• Oversimplification: Simplifies the craft into a step-by-step process that does not suit all stories.
• Ignoring Audience Experience: Formulas are for creators, not the audience.
  • They help create enjoyable content for some but not all audiences.
• Hindering Creative Thinking: Encourages reliance on a fixed structure, stifling creativity and adaptability.

Examples and Analogies

• Chair Example: Different people have different preferences for chairs; similar to how different stories have unique needs.
  • One person's conclusions about good chairs may not suit everyone.
• Cooking Analogy: Good chefs do not rely strictly on recipes; they understand ingredients and can adapt.
  • Similarly, screenwriters need to understand the components of storytelling and not just follow a formula.

Importance of Understanding Story vs. Storytelling

• Story: The essential components that make up a narrative.
• Storytelling: The manner in which the story is presented to the audience.
• Formulas like 'Save the Cat' mix these elements, leading to confusion.
  • Writers need to distinguish between the two to learn screenwriting effectively.

Conclusion

• Read with Caution: Reading 'Save the Cat' is beneficial for understanding industry references and expectations but should not be followed rigidly.
• Learn to Fish: Focus on understanding the fundamental principles of story and storytelling rather than adhering to formulas.
• Tell Meaningful Stories: Strive to tell stories that matter and resonate with the audience.