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So, I read Blake Synder's Save the Cat (STC). A friend of mine who is talking Screen Writing at UCLA recommended it.
Keeping in mind that I am a rookie here - I don't know - it kind of violated my sensibilities. Yes - there are obvious things that I think any screen writing book or guru would tell you (e.g., you need a theme, a catalyst for action, etc.). But the rigidity of this beat goes on page 10 and this beat goes on page 15, etc. just seemed to me to be overly rigid and sophomoric. It also struck me that there were lots of movies that I loved that didn't follow this structure and lots of ones that I hated that did. In other words, I guess I'm not sold on the STC approach.
I was interested in views from some of you more experienced screen writers. Is STC a good approach to story development - writing?
It's complete horseshit as far as I'm concerned and leads to the never ending cycle of clone scripts, where you know exactly what will happen and exactly when it will happen.
I think there's validity in some of what's contained in STC, but that can be said of many of the must read screenwriting books... they all have something in them that's useful of worthwhile.
What's dangerous is assuming that any single book has some sort of magic formula, they don't and as Geoff said it just leads to loads of clone scripts.
So read some more screenwriting books if you like, read more scripts, and keep writing - you'll figure out what works for you along the way.
I haven't read Save the Cat, probably would take pass on reading it
However I have purchased and read both "The Screenwrier's Bible" by David Trottier and "Writing a Great Movie: Key Tools for Successful Screenwriting" by Jeff Kitchen. Both I enjoyed.
What I enjoy the most about Jeff Kitchen's book is that creates a screenplay based on the books steps.
The Elevator Most Belonging To Alice - Semi Final Bluecat, Runner Up Nashville Inner Journey - Page Awards Finalist - Bluecat semi final Grieving Spell - winner - London Film Awards. Third - Honolulu Ultimate Weapon - Fresh Voices - second place IMDb link... http://www.imdb.com/name/nm7062725/?ref_=tt_ov_wr
STC was the first book on screenwriting I read, years ago when it first came out. As a beginner, it helped me immensely. Mostly with structure. As I matured as a writer, I began to stray from that "paint by numbers" format. I highly recommend it for people just starting out, but for writers with some experience, I think it would set them back. Your writing skills are beyond STC Eldave. If you're looking for helpful material to take you to the next level, I recommend John Truby books/workshops. They're awesome. Really help with depth of story and character.
I think Blake Snyder analyzed and realized that a lot of films shared certain things when it comes to structure and such. I don't think he meant that you have to write in this paint by numbers way. He's merely analyzing movies and try to help writers, especially new writers figure this structure/theme/goals things out. I don't think he ever said, do this and this and don't do it any other way. I have one of his books and the writing software. I've tried using his way, but it doesn't work for me. IMO, each writer has to figure out their own way of writing. STC might work for some, but not for everyone.
If there were any advice you'd take it's that the only person who can write your script is you. Never let someone else take the pen from your hand. The minute you start following someone's logic as a rule is the second you lose what belongs to you.
Save the Cat was one of two books that I bought. The other was Screenplay by Syd Field. I didn't need any of them though, I needed only come here and share my work.
Well, it's a legitimate question. My five cents (which have already been echoed by other posters here.)
The good: Save the Cat (like a million other screenwriting books and sites since) does bring up a few good points re: pacing, arcs, etc. One does need to understand structure to grow and hone their screenwriting abilities. Syd Field's books are great for that, as well. And - as Reef so properly put it - it helps to be able to reference STS when chatting with producers (if the issue comes up.)
The bad. (And oh yes, there is lots and lots of bad.) Save the Cat is a straight jacket that Hollywood has sadly taken to heart. It's a large factor in why movies are so formulaic these days - especially when mixed with the financial need of studios to stick with "safe bets". The insistence of Save the Cat and its beat sheet is a huge detriment to organic and intelligent, meaningful screenwriting, IMO. Yes, structure is necessary. But rules for the sake of cookie cutter rules is not.
Yes, Snyder sold tons of scripts. But 1) he was at the right place at the right time - ie: when the spec market was booming. 2) His family was in the industry. 3) Only two of his features were ever produced: Blank Check and Stop Or My Mom Will Shoot. (Supposedly, Stallone once commented about this film that "a flatworm could write a better script".)
I agree with Jeff - I think that if you approach a project with good story and believable characters, your script will almost sort of reverse engineer itself into this "format". Which Aristotle formulated, btw...
I think screenwriting books are good to learn the basics - mostly formatting, structure, style, pacing, etc.
Expecting STC or other books to make you a "great" screenwriter is akin to taking singing lessons in order to become Michael Jackson. Can a book, or lessons, focus you? Absolutely. But you have to be working with something innately great first.
From some of the comments - I see this subject probably had been discussed before here - so, apologies for the re-tread if that's the case. Lots of good comments and references to other resources in the posts - great stuff and thanks.
It's complete horseshit as far as I'm concerned and leads to the never ending cycle of clone scripts, where you know exactly what will happen and exactly when it will happen.