Here’s two choices: first; look up any of the top thirty films out at the moment and analyze them. You’ll find that they almost all meet the Blake Synder method of screenplay writing. Second choice: if you’re new to the industry and are thinking about writing your first, second or third screenplay, you’ll almost certainly have come across Blake’s book ‘Save The Cat.’ A high percentage of you will have been out and purchased a copy and then you’ll go and buy Blake’s software that helps you put the basics in screenplay planning together, before you write your next Academy winner.
You get the picture; Blake’s influence on the world of screenplay writing has been immense. To hear of his death from cardiac arrest this week at just 51 is a bolt from the blue.
Most movie goers won’t know his name and what he did; what he brought to the industry.
His Save The Cat books have shown screen writers the world over not only many ways in which to prepare planning for the script, but also (in his second book) show how this works in tangible practice. We were due a third book from him later this year: Save the Cat! Strikes Back: More Trouble for Screenwriters to Get Into… And Out Of. I understand it is finished, but obviously his family will have a say in what happens next.
Many people have been inspired to write more due this one man’s efforts to show and teach us all how to better our skills. His books will live on for a long time and I’m sure we’ll all still be talking about his planning methods for years to come.
The best way we can honour his loss is to write, with your beat sheet by your side.
To read the review of his first Save The Cat book, click here.
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