Master Storytelling with Save the Cat! Story Structure Software

Master Storytelling with Save the Cat! Story Structure Software

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. What is the Board?
3. The Benefits of Using a Board
4. Understanding the Save the Cat Board 4.1. Board Layouts for Different Project Types 4.2. Customizing Your Workspace 4.3. How to Determine Page Numbers for Beats 4.4. Utilizing the Novel Board 4.5. Exploring the TV Episode Boards
5. Working with the Save the Cat Board 5.1. Adding Scenes and Sequences 5.2. Using Color-Coded Labels 5.3. Tracking Characters and Entities 5.4. Filtering the Board for Focus 5.5. Deleting and Copying Boards
6. Conclusion

The Save the Cat Board: Organize and Visualize Your Storytelling Journey

Introduction

Writing a screenplay or Novel involves various elements that need to be meticulously organized to Create a Cohesive and engaging story. Save the Cat, a popular methodology in the screenwriting world, offers a digital tool called the Save the Cat Board. This board allows writers to Outline, plan, and arrange scenes and story elements in a visually appealing and convenient manner. In this article, we will explore the concept of the Save the Cat Board, its benefits, and how to effectively utilize it for different types of projects.

What is the Board?

The board, in the Context of Save the Cat, refers to a digital representation of a physical cork board or bulletin board. It serves as a visual platform for writers to map out their stories by placing scenes on index cards and arranging them in the correct order. The Save the Cat Board takes this concept further by incorporating beats, which are specific story elements, into the board layout. With the board, writers can have an overview of their entire screenplay or novel and easily manipulate the scenes until they are organized in the most effective way.

The Benefits of Using a Board

The Save the Cat Board offers numerous benefits to writers, making it an invaluable tool in the storytelling process. These benefits include:

1. Visual Representation: The board provides a visual representation of the story, allowing writers to see the entire narrative laid out before them. This visual layout helps in identifying gaps, pacing issues, and the overall structure of the story.

2. Easy Scene Manipulation: With the board, writers can easily move scenes around, ensuring they are placed in the most suitable beats and flow seamlessly with the story's progression. This flexibility allows for experimentation and refinement during the writing process.

3. Enhanced Story Planning: By incorporating beats into the board, writers gain a clear understanding of what they need to accomplish at each point in the story. This planning helps in maintaining focus and ensuring that scenes and story elements Align with the intended beats.

4. Different Project Types: The Save the Cat Board offers different layouts tailored to specific project types, including movies, novels, half-hour TV episodes, and one-hour TV episodes. This versatility allows writers to utilize the board effectively regardless of their storytelling medium.

Understanding the Save the Cat Board

4.1 Board Layouts for Different Project Types

The Save the Cat Board provides specific board layouts for different project types, ensuring optimal organization and planning. Let's explore the layouts available:

• Movie Project: The board for a movie project is divided into three acts, with the Second act split into two parts. Each section on the board represents a specific beat, with page ranges indicated for reference. The layout allows for a comprehensive overview of the entire screenplay.

• Novel Project: The novel board closely resembles the movie board layout. It also consists of three acts, but the individual beats are slightly different. For a deeper understanding of the novel beats, Jessica Brody's book "Save the Cat Writes a Novel" is a valuable resource.

• Half-Hour TV Episode: For half-hour TV episodes, the board accommodates commercial breaks while maintaining the fundamental structure. The beats and sections on the board guide the Writer in moving the story forward while ensuring viewer engagement at each act break or commercial break.

• One-Hour TV Episode: One-hour TV episodes have a teaser and five acts. Similar to the half-hour episode board, it accounts for commercial breaks but provides a comprehensive guide for each act, keeping the story progressing and the audience captivated.

4.2 Customizing Your Workspace

The Save the Cat Board offers customization options to tailor the workspace according to personal preferences. Writers can configure the workspace by adjusting the board's size, zooming in or out, and selecting what elements are visible. By customizing the workspace, writers can focus on specific sections of the board or maintain a broader view of the entire story.

4.3 How to Determine Page Numbers for Beats

When starting a new movie project, the Save the Cat Board defaults to 110 pages for the beat sheet. The beats and board layout page numbers are Based on how these beats fit into the 110-page count. However, writers have the flexibility to change the page count, and the page numbers in the beats and board layout will adjust accordingly.

4.4 Utilizing the Novel Board

For authors working on novels, the Save the Cat Board offers a specific layout that aligns with the novel's structure. By using the novel board, writers can effectively plan and organize their story's beats, ensuring a cohesive and engaging narrative. It is recommended to refer to Jessica Brody's book "Save the Cat Writes a Novel" for a detailed understanding of the novel beats.

4.5 Exploring the TV Episode Boards

The Save the Cat Board caters to both half-hour and one-hour TV episodes. These boards take into account the specific requirements of television storytelling, including commercial breaks and the need to engage viewers throughout the episode. Writers can utilize the TV episode boards to structure their episodes effectively and maintain the desired pacing.

Working with the Save the Cat Board

5.1 Adding Scenes and Sequences

Adding scenes and sequences to the Save the Cat Board is a straightforward process. Writers can click the "Add Scene" button on the toolbar, and a scene card will be created. The scene card can then be placed on the board by dragging and dropping it into the desired location. Writers can add descriptions and details to scene cards, ensuring a clear understanding of each scene's purpose.

To streamline the storyboarding process, the Save the Cat Board also allows for the creation of sequences. Sequences combine multiple scenes that are thematically or chronologically connected. By adding sequences, writers can manipulate and organize larger story arcs on the board effortlessly.

5.2 Using Color-Coded Labels

Color-coded labels are a useful feature of the Save the Cat Board, allowing writers to visually categorize and differentiate various story elements. Writers can add labels to the board by clicking the "Add Label" button on the toolbar. These labels can represent different themes, motifs, or important elements within the story. By implementing color-coded labels, writers can swiftly identify and track specific aspects of their narrative.

5.3 Tracking Characters and Entities

In addition to scenes and sequences, the Save the Cat Board enables writers to track characters, locations, and other important entities throughout the story. By dragging and dropping character cards, writers can mark specific turning points, relationships, or character arc milestones. This tracking helps ensure consistency and coherence within the overall narrative structure.

5.4 Filtering the Board for Focus

As the story progresses and the board becomes more populated, writers may find it beneficial to focus on specific aspects of the narrative. The Save the Cat Board offers a filtering function that allows writers to hide or reveal certain elements. By using the filter, writers can isolate specific characters, beats, or color-coded labels, creating a customized view that aids in concentrated storytelling and analysis.

5.5 Deleting and Copying Boards

The Save the Cat Board also provides options for deleting and copying boards. If a writer wishes to remove a board from their project, they can select the "Delete Current Board" option from the board menu. It is important to note that at least one board must remain, as deleting the last board is not possible.

Alternatively, writers can make copies of their boards for various purposes. By selecting the "Copy Board" button on the toolbar, writers can create an exact replica of their current board. This functionality allows for experimentation and alternate story arrangements without affecting the original board.

Conclusion

The Save the Cat Board is a powerful and versatile tool for writers, facilitating efficient organization and visualization of their storytelling journey. With its ability to accommodate different project types, customizable features, and comprehensive tracking capabilities, the board empowers writers to create compelling screenplays or novels. By effectively utilizing the Save the Cat Board, writers can enhance their storytelling process and craft engaging narratives that captivate audiences.

Highlights:

• The Save the Cat Board provides a digital platform for writers to organize and visualize their stories.
• The board allows for easy scene manipulation, enhancing story planning and pacing.
• Different layouts cater to movie projects, novels, and both half-hour and one-hour TV episodes.
• Customization options enable writers to tailor their workspaces to their preferences.
• Adding scenes and sequences, using color-coded labels, and tracking characters are key features of the board.
• Filtering functionality helps writers concentrate on specific story elements.
• Boards can be deleted or copied to facilitate experimentation and alternate story arrangements.

FAQ:

Q: Can I use the Save the Cat Board for both screenwriting and novel-writing? A: Yes, the Save the Cat Board offers specific layouts for both screenwriting projects and novels.

Q: Can I customize the appearance of the board? A: Yes, the Save the Cat Board provides customization options such as resizing, zooming, and selecting visible elements to cater to individual preferences.

Q: Can I track multiple characters' story arcs on the board? A: Absolutely! The Save the Cat Board allows writers to track characters, locations, and other entities to ensure consistency and coherence in their narratives.

Q: Can I delete a board if I change my mind about its structure? A: Yes, it is possible to delete a board, but remember to keep at least one board remaining as deleting the last board is not possible.

Q: Can I experiment with different story arrangements using the Save the Cat Board? A: Certainly! The board allows writers to make copies of their boards, enabling them to explore alternate story arrangements without affecting the original board.