Blake Snyder (1957–2009)

First, I listened to the audiobook, which was very well read indeed. However, if you actually plan to write screenplays, you should certainly get the actual book. Snyder's step-by-step method may take the wind out of your sails, but it rings true at every point. As he discusses what makes a screenplay work or not (and by "work" he means it will sell), the truth is pretty self-evident, whether we want to admit it or not. It is hard work putting together a story that hits all the "beats" and show more doesn't have gaping holes. And the only way to have a chance at getting it right is to follow some basic rules such as he outlines here. One of the great things about this book is that it doesn't prat on endlessly about each rule. Snyder's writing is to the point, often very funny, and he acknowledges and answers criticisms along the way. He seems like a great guy, which makes his sudden death at age 51 in 2009 so sad. This is a book mostly about the mechanics of screenwriting, but he also gives a few pointers on marketing your screenplay and provides some interesting anecdotes. There is nothing radical or maverick about any of this, of course. It is written by an insider who understands how Hollywood works and has no problems with the system. But no matter how much of an individual you are or how unique you think your story is, you should benefit from such a clear description of a structure that works. Or, if you're like me and just enjoy movies, it is an entertaining look at why so many movies are so much the same and why so many of them don't work. show less

Wow, oh, wow! I learned SO much about story structure from this book. I devoured it on the beach in Mexico, then read it a second time on the plane home, highlighting and furiously taking notes. I've never had so many "aha!" moments when reading anything before. I don't think I'll ever watch movies without trying to break them down into Snyder's "beats" -- and that's a good thing! There's so much here I can apply to structuring my work. A truly inspirational book that I'll be reading again show more and again. (A ) show less

I sought this book to learn more about the monomyth and a "formula" for a winning story. This book has that, but it's important to be a filter and not a sponge when reading it.

I heard of this book from an Imgur post when Blake Snyder died. It laid out the steps of every top-grossing Hollywood movie. (This poster applied it to Frozen.) I'm always up for anything that makes writing easier so I kept it favorited until I had a chance to really break it down.

But there's more to this book than show more just "the formula". It's also making sure that you have everything needed to sell a script. Like log lines, a catchy title, and things that don't matter so much in the book-writing world.

And the biggest reason you need to be a filter is that this guy makes claims that he's made hundreds of thousands in residuals, been in the industry long enough to know the keys failures and successes, like he's Ron Popeil selling a juicemaster. He's been called "Hollywood's most successful spec screenwriter". The problem? Check out this guy's IMDb page. His claim to fame is Blank Check which was harshly lampooned by The Nostalgia Critic. Second place? Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot. Occasionally he uses, as examples, older movies and movies I've never heard of. I would think if you want to be successful, you want to keep your case studies as current and outstanding as possible.

So this makes you think "why should we listen?" The answer is because, sometimes, people are better at teaching than doing. And while there are flaws in the technique, the content is solid. Well, I don't know if it works or not, but if you're wise, there's things inside that I believe can help you with writing. show less

I love his approach to story structure, and plan to employ it in all my writing.

It didn't age well, especially on gender and other diversity issues. No wonder the comedies of the late 90s all seem really meh now.