We heard from screenwriter Bob DeRosa just before the strike, and are happy to share this email now that the strike is over:
Hi Blake! I just wanted to share some good news. I told you in class that I had written a script the summer before, an action film called Five Killers. I turned in the first draft to my long-time manager, who thought it was pretty good, but not great. He gave me Save the Cat!, I re-boarded the whole script, wrote a second draft, and he flipped out. Endeavor signed me immediately, and earlier this summer, while we were starting to package the film, Lionsgate made a preemptive strike and bought the script for more money than I’d ever made on anything. They’ve hired Mark Helfrich (Good Luck Chuck) to direct.
I think you actually know my manager, Christopher Pratt. He and his partner, Chad Marting, at Elements Entertainment only sign new writers who read Save the Cat! and agree to its principles. They’re also producers on Five Killers.
Just wanted to thank you for your book and all that you give to the writing community; I’ve been a working writer for over five years and I never want to stop learning. I’m anxiously awaiting your new book and wonder if Christopher will make all the new guys read BOTH your books before signing them. They should be so lucky!
Read the Variety announcement about Bob’s sale.
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Congrats Bob! I have a director/producer who hasn’t read SAVE THE CAT. I’m really torn between telling him about the book or keeping it a secret. SAVE THE CAT is a powerful aid to any screenwriter. The CAT has really made a difference in my script writing and has “Saved the Bob” many times. Don’t tell Blake that I’m thinking about arranging kick backs for his tremendous help! He can use the money to buy himself a different colored shirt.
Bob Murray
I’m another writing client of Christopher Pratt’s, and telling me to read Save the Cat! was the best advice he ever gave me.
Congratulations, Bob & Christopher & best wishes for your project!
oh, and chad is pretty rad, too :)
Wow, this is great news! Congratulations Bob. I remember reading your script for “5 Killers” not long ago, and writing coverage on it as an intern for a production company. I remember I really enjoyed reading it, and loved the whole concept too, so I’m glad it will be made into a movie!
Greetings from Australia!
Recently I ran into an old school mate who just came back from the writers conference held 2007 in L.A. I had just completed my third script. He told me how a guy in the book shop told him that the only one he needed on scriptwriting was STC. I recently rewrote my last work and had to write you about how, at each beat, scenes began to automatically re-arrange while others wrote themselves while each time they hit the page at the exact number, I cheered like I just kicked a goal! Now it is over and the script is off to my agent I have to tell you I feel guilty. Firstly because STC has put me in a new league and secondly, it was a borrowed book! I promise to order one as soon as the cheque comes in! Best regards, Tony. P.S. Title and Log line. Please note that the whole film happens in the five days before the Australian Indy Race. T: American Xpresso! LL: An Aussie poker ace who unknowingly has just been cursed with bad luck, is allured to a high stakes game by a fly-by-night American con man. PPS God bless ya Blake!