Read a Good Book Lately? : Save the Cat: Writes for Television by Amanda Ryan Knopp

Amanda Ryan Knopp

Save the Cat: Writes for Television

I just got the audiobook version of Save the Cat: Writes for Television as I've come to realize television is the primary direction for me.

Any thoughts on this read?

(I've read the original which was very interesting and perspective-changing)

Ashley Renee Smith

I haven't read it personally, Amanda Ryan Knopp, but I'm replying so that your post can reach my network and hopefully someone can provide you with some insight.

Shane McAndrew

I have listened to the original Save the Cat and Save the Cat Strikes Again, and I have recently seen this audio book appear on Audible. I have also just got it, my only hesitation is that it isn't written by the same author as he sadly passed away a fair few years ago and is written under the banner of the Save the Cat franchise. Based on reviews I have read it seems to follow similar format to how to write a movie screenplay but I am still intrigued. Hopefully will get time to listen to this in the next few weeks to be able to give my thoughts!

Emily J

I am a McKee and Syd Field-purist lol, so I generally don't go with the Save the Cat guides (whether for TV or film) - but I do think that generally speaking they all hit the same core beats and that this book does a good job of getting those essential elements down for TV writing. What about it did you find perspective-changing?

Amanda Ryan Knopp

Emily Jermusyk, do you have any other recommendations? The way Save the Cat looks at genre, character development, beats, etc. is very eye-opening to me.

Amanda Ryan Knopp

Shane McAndrew, the book is actually written by one of the original author’s first ever mentees. He was filled in on all the ideas Save the Cat presents before the book was even published! Definitely a credible source in place of the OG.

Emily J

For TV writing specifically I like WRITING THE TV DRAMA SERIES, THE HERO SUCCEEDS, and WRITING THE TV PILOT (William Rabkin)

Other topics in Read a Good Book Lately?:

register for stage 32 Register / Log In