Why is this pigeon smiling?
Perhaps it’s because according to my friends at Disney I had a character in Bolt named after me. Rumor or not, true or not, I’ll go with it. Blake, the screenwriting pigeon, ready to pitch the title character movie ideas. Sounds about right.
One thing that’s definitely not a rumor… it’s been a fantastic year! We’ve had an amazingly successful string of workshops all over the world — including Beijing, China. Our books are now selling worldwide and as part of many school curriculums, and our software continues to break sales records month after month.
We’ve also seen great success from those who’ve read Save the Cat! or taken a workshop. Our News pages have been filled with success stories all year. And just this past weekend, our buddies who wrote Four Christmases watched their film cross the $100 million mark in domestic box office, certifying its hit status.
It’s been a great year, but believe it or not, next year will be even better.
2009 is your year to shine. 2009 has every indication of being the most dynamic, most opportunity-filled, most exciting of your career. It will be your best year ever and we will be with you, helping you succeed.
We look forward to many new products and services coming from Save the Cat! I will be writing and producing more of my own scripts and other projects, including the release of the third, and best, Cat! book yet: Save the Cat! Strikes Back, plus Save the Cat! 3.0 software with lots of new bells and whistles.
We will be introducing service for studios and production companies — all over the world — and applying the techniques of Save the Cat! to help clarify your message and your story, and elevate and empower all those with a story to tell — in and out of Hollywood. And in addition to appearances at Great American Pitchfest, this year I will be speaking to writers — and others — in Latin America, Canada, and Asia.
Thank you all for the great year! Without you, none of what we have accomplished would have been possible — or nearly as fun. Your enthusiasm, creativity, ability to generously give to others and always look at the world as a “glass half full” continues to inspire. And if you thought what we have accomplished together so far is amazing, we look forward to really showing off in 2009! Happy holidays to all and a very Happy New Year!
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I heard about STC in January 08 and then was so excited to hear you speak at RWA in the summer! I can’t wait to see what 2009 brings.
Happy New Year!
Blake – that was my favorite part in BOLT – the pitching pidgeons! I’m not kidding – I have been telling everybody! Now I am even more excited that it was based on YOU! I just want to thank you once again for your books, your workshops, and most of all your enthusiasm! And I encourage your readers to literally consider saving a cat. I got a rescue cat this year named Babaloo. He has added so much to my life. There are so many cats needing homes now, especially in this difficult economy with all the foreclosures. True, a cat might sit on the key board while you are trying to type or will consider the pen you are writing with to be their favorite obsession, but rescuing a cat (or dog!) will add years on your life and put money in the karma bank!
Happy Holidays, Blake. Thanks for the blog!
Blake,
You offer a powerful combination of education and inspiration. I was mired in stacks of textbook-like tomes on story structure, wishing I’d been an English major, when I found Save the Cat. It helped make writing fun again, and helped me remember why I wanted to tell a story in the first place.
All the best in 2009 for you, your family, your team, and for all my fellow Cats! :)
Well, that picture of the pigeon all by itself made me laugh. But learning it might be based on you made me grin big time! You’re becoming a Hollywood In-reference! Hee. (And I carefully refrained from calling you an “in-joke”, because in spite of all the laughter and enthusiasm you inspire, there’s nothing to mock about Save the Cat! when it comes to the basics of writing.)
The best to you and all of your team, Blake, for the holiday season and the new year.
And I’m waiting to see volume three!
Blake,
Thanks for all your hard work and support. Your positive energy never fails to inspire. To you and every Cat around the world — break legs in 2009!
Cheers,
Martin
Wow! I have chills.
Oh, wait, the window’s open.
Blake, I’m truly thrilled for your success.
Thank you!
Perfect! *wink*
See ya soon,
Joe W.
Nice to meet you, Mr.Blake.
I’m an aspiring screenwriter who lives in Sapporo, Japan.
Your”Save the Cat!”books are amazing and I’d like to say thank you for your great works. Your idea on Genre and Structure really inspires me a lot.
I’m looking forward to reading your next book.
See you!
Happy holidays, Blake! I’m thrilled to hear your good news!
Here’s wishing you the best new year ever!!!
And looking forward to hearing more of your tips for screenwriters on The Writing Show at writingshow.com. (You must also come on the show and talk about the new book!)
Best wishes from Paula B. and Alan C.
The Writing Show
Merry Christmas, Blake! You are a golden god. Thanks for being you.
That was my favorite part of the flick! And he even looks like you! (j/k!) Great job, looking forward to working with you next year,
Kev
I thought that pigeon looked familiar!
And imagine… you were born in Chicago!
Congratulations on a year well done. It’s so nice of you to share your expertise with the world. A special thanks from the Midwest…and your loyal cat lovers.
2009 will be the year to shine. Happy New Year! Linda
My goal for 2009 is to be able to post “I sold!!!” in the news section. It’s my own little version of just keep swimming.
And I didn’t recognize Blake the Pigeon without the trademark shoes!
Happy New Year to Blake and all the (Save the) Cats!
It was definitely a nod to you, Blake! And it wasn’t just the pigeon. It was the climactic point in the movie when they must rescue Mittens from the animal shelter and one of the characters yells out: “The important thing now is, who’s gonna save the cat?!” I almost fell out of my chair hooting and clapping. Everyone in the theater must have thought I was nuts. But best of all, the writers not only referenced your book, they must have read it too. The story had all the beats and was incredibly entertaining. A tribute to you in many ways. Congrats, Blake! Happy new year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!
I’m making this the year I sell my first screenplay!
Best of luck to all.
I enjoyed the Hollywood pigeons in Bolt.
Blake: for those who do not like cats, is there a dog version of your famous books? I would actually cheer more if it was a cute little puppy versus felines, who usually get in trouble due to their own curiosity (hence the famous quotation).
Happy New Year everyone!
I totally knew it was you they named the pigeon after when I saw the film. Hilarious! Next time, insist that you do the voice talent for your character. ;-)