Save the Cat rankings

Broadcast News script analysis

Broadcast News script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

Broadcast News follows the professional and personal tensions among three newsroom colleagues as they navigate career ambitions, romantic entanglements, and ethical compromises. The narrative weaves Tom’s breakthrough scoop with Aaron’s broadcasting struggles and Jane’s role as producer, culminating in personal reckonings and reconciliations years later.

70 Save the Cat fit score 56% analysis confidence / 45 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

80%

Introduces ordinary world: Gerald and Tom’s routine father–son drive home.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 2 / Page 1 / 5% target

70%

Tom’s poor grades hint at choices between integrity and ambition.

I got my report card. Three Cs, two Ds and an incomplete.
3

Set-Up

Scenes 3-5 / Pages 1-2 / 10% target

70%

We meet Aaron’s idealism, Jane’s precision, and their personal backgrounds.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / Page 2 / 12% target

70%

Jane earns praise from Bill, sparking tension with Aaron over favoritism.

You finally got a piece in a few minutes early and I hear Bill loved it.
5

Debate

Scenes 7-9 / Pages 2-3 / 20% target

65%

Aaron’s failed interview and Tom’s spurned scoop force all to question their approaches.

6

Break into Two

Scenes 10-11 / Pages 3-4 / 25% target

60%

Tom is chosen to anchor a special report and Jane goes into full producer mode.

7

B Story

Scenes 12-13 / Pages 4-5 / 30% target

60%

Aaron and Jane’s budding relationship provides emotional counterpoint to news drama.

8

Fun and Games

Scenes 14-16 / Pages 5-6 / 40% target

60%

Tom coaches Aaron on delivery; they bond over broadcast craft.

9

Midpoint

Scene 16 / Page 6 / 50% target

60%

Aaron and Tom share a moment of genuine support—stakes are personal as well as professional.

And remember -- you're not just reading the news or narrating. Everybody has to sell a little. You're...
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 29-31 / Pages 11-12 / 65% target

60%

Layoffs begin, tension mounts in the bureau as careers are threatened.

11

All Is Lost

Scene 33 / Page 12 / 75% target

70%

Tom is reassigned to London—his biggest professional setback.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 36 / Page 13 / 80% target

65%

Tom and Jane say tearful goodbyes amid closing newsroom.

13

Break into Three

Scene 37 / Page 13 / 85% target

70%

Tom proposes they escape together—finding personal clarity.

Let's get the hell away to some island fast and find out how we are together away from...
14

Finale

Scenes 41-43 / Pages 15-16 / 95% target

65%

Jane confronts Tom about his integrity, then departs—both choose honest paths.

I saw the taped outtakes of the interview with the girl. I know you 'acted' your reaction after...
15

Final Image

Scene 45 / Page 17 / 99% target

70%

Years later, three meet in the park—career and personal arcs resolved.

I'm going to take it.