Screenwriting with "Save The Cat"

Blake Snyder demonstrates in Save The Cat on how to write and sell a Hollywood script.  He uses his own formulas from years of his experience in the industries, to give to us (the reader) on how to write a successful film script.

Snyder uses story archetypes such as "Monster in the House", "Golden Fleece", "Out of the Bottle" to describe ways on how to move a character forward in a screenplay.  (You need to read the book to get the references.)  He also notes how the main character is important as he states in chapter three's headline, that "It's about a guy who...."

It's good that Snyder reference the important of antagonist is crucial for the story.  In my opinion, character is the most important source for a screenplay, because the protagonist is main drive for the plot of a story.  Then again, the way I see on what makes a good screenplay, is from Robert McKee's method in Story: Substance, Structure Style and The Principles of Screenwriting, in where he talks about character a lot.  However, Snyder tops Mckee, towards the insight of the industry, as Snyder has actually sold more screenplays than Mckee.

Snyder does claims his book will be "The Last Book On Screenwriting That You'll Ever Need", although you can further your reading with other books, made before his.

Save The Cat is an easy read, but it will get you started faster into screenwriting than the in depth Story... by McKee.

Overall, Save The Cat is one of the essential books for screenwriting.  It belongs on my book shelf next to Robert McKee's Story.... and Aristotle's Poetics.

If you want to get started on a screenwriting career within Hollywood, I would start with reading Save The Cat.  As it gives an outlook of the industry and enlightens you on how to survive in it.