The Inspiration
As we all know, Blake had boundless energy and enthusiasm. He was constantly sharing new ideas about how to continue to spread his message and theories throughout the creative community. These ideas are part of his legacy, and they constitute a foundation upon which his team — led by business partners BJ Markel and Rich Kaplan, and advisor Anne Lower — will continue to build, with the ongoing input and spirit of the countless creative people touched by Blake’s work… including you.
The New Book
Blake will continue to offer guidance in the form of his body of work, and, most importantly, his third book in the Save the Cat!® series, completed before his death and scheduled to be published by November 1. In this most personal work, Blake expands on his vision — sharing everything he learned from his students in the four years since the publication of his first book. With more tips, tactics, and techniques to help you create stories that resonate, Blake adds his most intimate thoughts, his triumphs, and his less lauded moments, in an intensely reflective way.
We talk about the “All Is Lost” point all the time in our scripts, but what about when it happens in our careers? From the pitch we love — that dies, to the rewrite we dread — that thrives, to moments in our professional life when we “hit the wall” — yet rebound! Coming back from these dark moments is the most exciting and rejuvenating aspect of what we do. That is my topic, and I can’t wait to share some success strategies! – Blake, from his May 11, 2009 blog
Cat!Nation
The word “community” meant a lot to Blake — writers helping writers. He developed the Save the Cat!® forum, a virtual place where writers gather to share their experiences and ideas. With Cat! leader John Austrian at the helm, the forum has nearly 1200 registered users and features sections devoted to individual Cat! groups around the globe, including Los Angeles, New York, Austin, Chicago, London, and Vancouver. The forum will continue to be a destination for writers eager to discuss how Blake’s ideas and methods influence their craft.
If you are isolated in your town, sitting in front of your computer in an echo chamber of your own design, go to our forum and connect with others in Cat!Nation and get feedback. – Blake, from his June 29, 2009 blog
Workshops, Script Consultations, and Our Online School
Perhaps more than anything, Blake loved to teach. His classes and workshops were a special source of pride and inspiration. For the last two years, our Development Director José Silerio has been integral to the success of Blake’s workshops and classes, working alongside Blake, schooling writers in the Cat! method. As a teacher and consultant, José has helped numerous writers learn Blake’s paradigm and apply it to their projects. Blake found José to be a gifted teacher, eminently qualified to continue teaching the Beat Sheet Workshop and Master Class, not only in person, but with the inaugural launch of Blake’s online school, Save the Cat!® University. There has been an outpouring of gratitude for all the great work José did with Blake, and many have expressed their hopes that he will continue teaching about all things Cat! Please watch this space for future announcements about our workshops, script consultations, and online school.
The iPhone App
The top of a scene card on The Board for Spider-Man 2 on the iPhone screen
The bottom of a scene card on The Board for Spider-Man 2 on the iPhone screen.
Blake was always about moving forward. Part of the movement was the idea that technology could transform writers’ lives by making story structure and the organization of beats and ideas more manageable. Because of this belief, Blake worked with software developer Bob McFarlane to create the Save the Cat!® Story Structure Software. It’s a product that he was so proud of, because he believed it heralded the future of storytelling. In addition to the software, Blake was eagerly anticipating the release of the Save the Cat! iPhone application. If you knew Blake, you know how much he loved his iPhone. This unique new tool allows writers to carry their virtual storyboards anywhere — perfect for an on-the-go scribe like Blake and those he mentored. The iPhone app will be available soon online at the Apple Store.
The Future
We intend to celebrate Blake’s ideas, looking forward to new challenges and new opportunities for the brilliant community of writers that has grown from one man’s passion to share. That is what he would have wanted. It is as simple as that. And, luckily for us all, we have his input and inspiration for so many projects that will still come to life.
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Definitely a bittersweet article…
Blake you and your family will be in my prayers. I imagine you are going to be the patron saint of screenwriters!
First of all, I will be the first one in Nebraska to get that book. I will read it in 30 minutes and then reread it. I am so excited!
Secondly, Online School?! Wha? Like just a workshop? Or University? Wow! Someone let me know anything more about this “school”!
Lastly, thank you for taking the time writing this article. It is well written and constructed. I am sure Blake is proud!
Tremendous, tremendous, tremendous. Looks like it’s full steam ahead for the STC! movement! Tell your friends! Dig deep down! He believed in us with “Obi Wan” sageliness and saintliness. Let’s make him proud.
It was a pleasure and joy to have been in Blake’s last workshop and Beat Sheet class in July. He was a tremendous teacher and I am anxious to purchase his new book. That said, I am excited to see the work he started continue.
I was recently a part of a Board Master Class that Jose led and he did an outstanding job! Jose knows Blake’s method and can readily explain and expound on it. He offered a variety of creative suggestions and ideas. My script, as well as the others by fellow classmates, are better as a result.
The decision to move forward offers a lot of hope to fellow writers everywhere!
Wonderful! Amazing! This is really fantastic news! I knew I’d do my part to keep writing! And I was hoping you guys would keep Blake’s teachings rolling like the force of nature they are. Jose is the best. I recently emailed him a quick title and log-line I’m playing with. He came back at me in a few minutes with more understanding of my story then I had after thinking about it for a few weeks! Sounds like Blake, doesn’t it?
Also, how about a Cat! App for the Android? :D
I’m sure Blake’s enjoying his continuing legacy vicariously from above.
I LOVE the cover for book 3! I once told Blake that every time I saw that dangling cat, it made me smile! (He said it made him smile too.) So I love the combo of the usual image and the cat at the computer “striking” at it.
:D
Thanks for the information on the memorial – I will keep a look-out on it.
And I’m sooooo glad that Blake’s community is holding together. It is such a testiment to his enthusiasm and encouragement, that his students want it to continue.
I’m so glad to hear that you all will be keeping Blake’s work and dream going.
I’m so glad we are all moving on in the spirit of Blake’s teachings. And it makes me so happy that we will soon be presented with even more tools to improve our writing exponentially.
Not sure I can say much about it but I will say I’ve been beta testing the iPhone app and, y’all, it is so going to revolutionize the way we outline our scripts. It’s so much like the desktop version and we can upload/download our work from the iPhone/iPod Touch. So proud to have been a part of this. Been hard for me to focus on much lately but when I can focus, I carry my iPod with me everywhere and in my downtime, I whip out the iPT and work on my outline… anywhere! It’s incredible!
My birthday is Nov. 9 so I look forward to getting this book as a gift. I will do everything in my power to read this book this time. :) Still trudging through the other two. I’m just not a very good reader. :/
STC! University, eh? I can’t wait for that. Time to save my pennies and dimes! :)
As for me, though I’m struggling to continue as a writer, I will do my best (when I can) to make Blake proud. Enough about me. :) Write on!
Ha ha, love the cover!
I’m done mourning Blake. Now is the time to celebrate his life, his books and the inspiration he continues to give us all. I’m looking forward to the new book, and I truly hope that everyone at STC Inc., takes the ball and continues to modify his ideas. Blake isn’t gone. He talks to me every time I crack open his books.
Terrific news! Break Into Twos don’t get any better than this!
Thank you so much for continuing Blake’s work!
More than STC! I think Blake’s truest and most enduring legacy will the community that he nurtured.
“A life is not over, until all the good it has done, all the lives it has touched, are gone.” – Battle Beyond The Stars
Blake will always be with us and must be beaming with pride from beyond the veil.
This is exciting news! Thank you for continuing Blake’s vision. I can’t wait to read Save the Cat! Strikes Back.
I also had the pleasure of being in Blake’s last workshop and Beat Sheet Class in July, and it was an incredible experience — one which I will fondly remember.
I took the Board Master Class in August with José, and he did an excellent job. José knows Blake’s method of story structure extremely well. He offered some great ideas about how to bring out the best in the story. By the end of the workshop, all of our scripts had improved greatly. It was as though Blake was there with us — looking down and smiling — happy and proud that his work is being carried on.
Blake will always be my inspiration!
With tears in my eyes and hope in my heart, I thank you for all of this. I cannot wait to read the new book. Blake was so excited about it. And I can’t wait to get the iPhone app. I was emailing back and forth with Blake the morning he died, talking about the app and being a beta tester for him. He sounded giddy in his emails, regardless of how he felt physically, which I can’t imagine was anything near “well”.
I’m also so happy and grateful that José will be carrying on with the workshops!!! I’ve been in two classes where José co-taught, and fully trust his knowledge of Blake’s concepts, and feel totally confident in his ability to teach them. Plus, he’s a stone hoot to talk to. Seriously. :)
See you at the memorial.
Cheers,
Joe
I want that book! Now!
Thank you, Blake for your parting gift. It will be treasured always as well as your memory.
I have purchased every book I could find on screenwriting. With that said, I have used Blake’s to the point that the pages were falling out. Not to worry – I went to Staples and had it spiral bound so I can continue to grow from Blake’s insight. My point is that I feel Blake with me everyday. I use his techniques and still chuckle at his humor, so I mourn the loss of the perso, but I am blessed by the insight and the spirit of someone I still feel with me.
God Bless
This is great news! Jose will do a great job and I will be happy to attend more STC workshops with him at the helm.
Now, as Glenn said, “I want that book! Now!” :)
Blake, wherever you are, thank you, thank you SO MUCH for writing these books when you did, instead of saying “someday.”
I can’t wait for Book #3 and I am very excited about all these future developments!
Even Blake sold many specs in Hollywood, will his specs will ever be made into motion pictures?
In his first book, Blake mentioned that he sold Nuclear Family to Steven Spielberg. Is that movie gonna be made? I hope someone in Hollywood will honor him.
r.
I believe in the Blake system! How close is the iPhone app?
I am an avid disciple and loud transmitter of Blake’s teachings. I’m also a trained coach. Will you be certifying others to teach Save The Cat material to others? If so, am am interested.
I had e-mailed Blake mid-July about getting an application for his books (e-books) that I could upload to my Sony E-Reader. He replied: “We are pushing for this and hope to have some version out there soon Sandi! Thanks for thinking of The Cat!! :)”
If it’s a PDF file, I can upload it to my reader. Can we look forward to being able to do that in the future? That would be FANTASTIC!
Thanks to all of you for continuing Blake’s work!
I remember emailing Blake begging for an iPhone app and he said it’s already in the works! He thought of everything! Every time I think about him; pick up his book; see a good movie; see a good scene; whatever, I can’t help the naturally bittersweet feeling that wells up. I think I’ll not believe he’s gone until I see him again in heaven, because that’s where he is now. Not an imaginary heaven. The real one! Miss you Blake!
I want to thank the great people like B.J. and Rich for their dedication and love for Blake and his vision. Plus all of the other people I’ve not heard of. I’m thankful that we can all take part in continuing his legacy; and making him proud!
It always amazes me when I read the comments and so many are written directly to Blake. Wow. Cool.
Is there any thought to recording, or webcasting, the memorial service for those of us living out of of the area who would love to be be a part of the celebration for this beloved man??
Maybe sell a DVD with the proceeds going to Beyond Shelter.
Blake’s work may be done in this world, but it will live on forever.
Rest easy, my friend…
From the south of the world, Chile, a loving greeting to Blake, of a scriptwriter who learned the lessons, thanks and a hug where you are
I don’t have many heroes but Blake Snyder was one of them, he wrote the best book on screenwriting I have ever read! He also was one of the nicest people I ever met! This man would answer emails from me and respond to me with career advice even though he only met me once. He will be missed! I have an autographed book that I travel with everywhere :) Save the cat …. Saved my dreams :) Thank you Blake!
I am glad to hear that you’ll be continuing the work Blake devoted himself to and keeping up the site and forums, maintaining the software, and having someone who worked closely with Blake continue the workshops. It’s a fitting tribute to the man to keep his work alive.
Oh no….. I just bought his book a month ago, and have read it three times. I also read Syd Field’s, but Blake’s was much better. I just found out today, and can’t believe the news. STC is truly amazing and I hope that I can represent his teachings in my Spanish screenplays. Mr. Snyder, you will be missed.
I found Save the Cat in early August and was just finishing the book when word of Blake’s passing was announced. I can only say “thank you Blake; what an incredible legacy you have left behind” Save the Cat” prepared me to make the switch from documentaries to live action film”
My thoughts are with the family, friends, collaborators and students of a very talented story teller and educator!!!
jr
Winter Park
Here’s a complete non-sequitur but must share because it PROVES the universality of SAVE THE CAT premise. Here it is:
I met a happily married couple where the guy is a painter/artist (a good artist too, who’s work I’ve purchased). But you gotta know being a painter for a living is no easy life. His name is Ray Becoskie. I love his work and them as a couple. I asked his wife, “How did you meet,” and she said, “I met this guy, and he was really nice, but a struggling artist at the time. And I liked him, but there was this CAT that was out in the freezing Minnesota winter cold, and Ray did not like cats, nor did he want a pet. But he just couldn’t let this poor little kitty freeze out in the cold, so even though he didn’t want it, he had to save it, and when he saved the cat, I knew he was the man for me.”
So there it is. In you book you say that a way to make an audience like a character is to have him do something that shows an inner goodness, like saving a cat. Well here’s a cut and dry, case-closed, real story of a man winning over the woman of his dreams literally by saving the cat.
Had to share,
Dean!
I am an italian director and this Summer I bumped into Blake by chance…
I think I can say that I already miss this man.
When I finished to read “Save the cat”, I found out about his website and learned he was gone…I was speechless.
Thank you dear teacher, thanks for all the energy, joy, generosity you put in your writing.
God bless you!
Manuel
Remembering the exuberant and delightful Blake Snyder at his memorial last night – hearing so many of his friends share their wonderful “Blake stories” and the reading of the many e-mails and postings sharing how he touched the lives of so many… was so inspiring…
The appropriately and cleverly “Save the Cat”-structured video memorial and life celebration tribute reminded me why we all do what we do – tell stories – and how important the people in our lives – and the legacies we leave behind – are. Whether Blake met you in a brief one-time meeting or via a short e-mail exchange or you were a friend for life and shared all your endearing mistakes, flops and near successes – and amazing blessings – Blake taught us all that what you say and do – and who you ARE – MATTERS – every moment of everyday.
I am so honored and blessed to have had my life and my work edified by this terrific man.
I hope you heard us singing “The ants go marching three by three, Hurrah Hurrah!” at the top of our lungs, Blake – and almost Happy Birthday…
The memorial was lovely last night.
I wrote it up on my blog, although I didn’t repeat all the stories.
http://scribblerworks.us/blog/?p=46
He left his gift of joy with us.
I called BJ Markel today and found out about Blake’s passing. I’m certain there is not a word in existence to describe my overwhelming disbelief. Blake spent so many hours with me and my writing partner helping us hone our skills by teaching us the simple, yet important craft of creating eye popping log lines to sell out projects. I can’t continue… We’ll miss him deeply
Quick update: The new book has been pushed to late November. You’ll have to wait a little bit longer, but it’ll be totally worth it!
Thanks for the info, Mike.
Well….. CHRISTMAS PRESENT! yeah. That’s it. ;)
Blake gave coverage to my script in June. His insight was invaluable but his confidence in the story and my writing was more than I could’ve asked for. The movie was filmed this summer and will be out next year. Blake will have a piece of his soul in the finished product. We are honored to have worked with him.
I was lucky enough to have been in the last beat workshop taught by Blake last July. Blake’s gift was not just that he knew how to fix stories and make them better, but his optimism and enthusiasm for our stories made the weekend a profound turning point in my life. I walked away really believing in his process. By Sunday night, not only were our stories better, but I think our whole perception of screenwriting had changed. Through collaboration we all got together to help solve story problems with truly amazing results. José was right there in the middle of it with us. I was so elated that José was able to teach the Advanced Board Class for several of us writers, you know who you are! It was an amazing weekend and I truly believe Blake was with us. Jose helped me really shape my story. He asked me the tough questions that need to be answered at the card level before getting into the pages. José is just as talented a storyteller as he is encouraging. So that really does make him a Blake Protégé. Anyone considering taking his workshops, should definitely sign up. Save The Cat! will live on!!