Save the Cat Screenplay

The Hollywood screenwriter's bible.

Overview

For many in Hollywood, the Save the Cat Beat Sheet is considered the screenwriting bible. It’s a fun, off-beat (no pun intended) approach to mapping out a screenplay using fourteen distinct beats that land on specific page numbers in your script. It’s a very approachable method that works for almost any genre of film. This Save the Cat template does not enforce specific page numbers, but it helps you outline your idea quickly using this innovative paradigm.

Structure

  1. Opening Image

  2. Setup

    Theme Stated

  3. Catalyst

  4. Debate

  5. Break Into Two

  6. B Story

  7. Fun and Games

  1. Midpoint

  2. Bad Guys Close In

  3. All Is Lost

  4. Dark Night of the Soul

  5. Break Into Three

  6. Finale

  7. Final Image