The Ten Types of Stories

This is my number one favorite tool for screenwriters: the ten “genres” from Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat. The book is best known for its 15-point story structure “beat sheet,” which I also use, but for me, the genres are especially helpful in making sure you have a viable story idea in the first place! Of course, my book and especially my course are also really good for that. 🙂

I have done separate posts on each of these individual genres, so if you’re interested in reading my thoughts about any of them, use the search function (magnifying glass icon) above.

The PDF chart below was originally created by JD Scruggs for the SAVE THE CAT website.  I love it and have added many movie titles that I think fit Blake’s ten genres and fifty “subgenres”.

My additions are in smaller print below or to the sides of the existing lists.  You might find it easier to read if you download the pdf (see link at bottom of page to do that).  You can also use the magnifying glass buttons to zoom in.

(If you have trouble viewing the document below, you might need to log in or log out of your Google account, as it uses a Google viewer that sometimes seems to require that.)

Download the Document

 

Erik Bork

I’m a screenwriter best known for my work on the HBO miniseries BAND OF BROTHERS and FROM THE EARTH TO THE MOON, for which I wrote multiple episodes, and won two Emmy and two Golden Globe Awards as part of the producing team. I’ve also sold series pitches (and written pilots) at NBC and FOX, worked on the writing staff for two primetime dramas, and written feature screenplays on assignment for companies like Universal, HBO, TNT, and Playtone. My book THE IDEA: The Seven Elements of a Viable Story for Screen, Stage, or Fiction was released in 2018. Click here to e-mail me. And check out my free Ten Key Principles Successful Writers Understand.”

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