Save the Cat rankings

FOUND FOOTAGE script analysis

FOUND FOOTAGE script - Save the Cat beat sheet analysis

A writer, Ellison, moves his family into a haunted house and uncovers Super 8 films that chronicle past horrors. As he digs deeper, supernatural forces prey on his children and marriage strains under the investigation. The stakes escalate from creepy discoveries to full-blown terror, culminating in a tragic finale that mirrors the opening image.

80 Save the Cat fit score 30% analysis confidence / 56 parsed scenes

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1

Opening Image

Scene 1 / Page 1 / 1% target

40%

The grainy Super 8 image of a family hanged from a tree establishes tone and stakes immediately.

2

Theme Stated

Scene 8 / 5% target

35%

Ellison and Tracy’s heated exchange about marriage and career hints at themes of obsession versus family safety.

So you’re not coming to bed?
3

Set-Up

Scenes 2-5 / 10% target

40%

Ellison’s move-in, encounters with the sheriff, and family dinner establish characters, relationships, and the house’s mysterious history.

4

Catalyst

Scene 6 / 12% target

45%

In the attic, Ellison discovers a box of old home movies that catalyze his investigation into the house’s past.

You’ve gotta be kidding...
5

Debate

Scenes 7-8 / 20% target

35%

The family debates staying in the house as dinner talk and marital tension reveal rising unease and doubt.

6

Break into Two

Scene 9 / 25% target

40%

Ellison commits to watching the first home movie, crossing from normal life into investigative obsession.

What the hell. Let’s do this.
7

B Story

Scene 14 / 30% target

30%

Ellison’s relationship with neighbor Fran provides emotional context and support, deepening the subplot.

If staring at it gave anyone any answers, the cops would have solved this thing ages ago.
8

Fun and Games

Scenes 10-17 / 40% target

40%

Montage of Ellison watching films, investigating drawings, interviewing Fran, and uncovering occult symbols showcases the ‘promise of premise’ horror thrills.

9

Midpoint

Scene 19 / 50% target

45%

The disturbing home invasion and murder film raises the stakes—what seems like research becomes direct danger.

I’m putting the kids to bed.
10

Bad Guys Close In

Scenes 27-29 / 65% target

35%

Hauntings intensify, family arguments erupt, and Ellison’s obsession isolates him as supernatural forces tighten their grip.

Drop the book. We can pack up, get out of town and never look back.
11

All Is Lost

Scene 48 / 75% target

40%

Ellison burns the films in desperation, believing he can end the curse—his lowest proactive moment.

12

Dark Night of the Soul

Scene 49 / 80% target

30%

Fleeing the house, Ellison appears safe but realizes the horror may have followed him, deepening despair.

Just do me one more favor and keep it under sixty until you cross the county line, will...
13

Break into Three

Scene 51 / 85% target

35%

An email from Jonas reveals the films’ pattern continues in their new home, compelling Ellison to confront the evil again.

The dates. The addresses. Each family you had me look up had previously lived in the house where...
14

Finale

Scenes 53-55 / 95% target

40%

Ashley’s betrayal, the family’s murder, and supernatural abduction of her finalize the horror cycle—Ellison’s quest ends in tragedy.

Don’t worry, Daddy. I’ll make you famous again.
15

Final Image

Scene 56 / 99% target

45%

The box of films appears in the new attic with a fresh tape, mirroring the opening and implying the curse endures.