261 | Clarity, Subtext, and Want vs. Need: Kaz Firpo on Crafting Great Screenplays

In *Story*, Robert McKee provides a detailed and integrated explanation of the craft of writing for the screen. The book expands on the concepts he teaches in his highly regarded seminars, offering insights into the relationship between structure and character, and the underlying principles that make a story compelling. McKee draws from a wide range of sources, including Aristotle and classic films, to offer practical advice on storytelling that is applicable to screenwriters, novelists, playwrights, and non-fiction writers.

Adventures in the Screen Trade is a candid and insightful look at the Hollywood film industry, written by William Goldman. The book is divided into three parts, offering essays on Hollywood realities, stories from Goldman's projects, and a practical guide to adapting a short story into a screenplay. It includes the full screenplay of 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and provides valuable advice for aspiring screenwriters.

In 'Save the Cat!', Blake Snyder provides a detailed analysis of the three-act structure and introduces his 15-beat sheet, a method for structuring screenplays. The book covers key elements such as the Opening Image, Catalyst, Debate, Break into Two, B Story, Fun and Games, Midpoint, Bad Guys Close In, All Is Lost, Dark Night of the Soul, Break into Three, Finale, and Final Image. Snyder also discusses the importance of making the hero likable through the 'Save the Cat' rule and breaks down successful films to illustrate his points. The book is widely regarded as a definitive resource for screenwriters, offering practical advice and a clear framework for storytelling.