Final Draft Blog

All the tips, tricks and information you need to inspire your writing!
Read interviews with the pros, catch up with industry news, and listen to Write On: A Screenwriting Podcast by Final Draft.

Write On with 'Spontaneous' Writer-Director Brian Duffield

October 27, 2020

Spontaneous writer-director Brian Duffield discusses managing the tricky tone of the film, getting the audience to fall in love with your characters, his writing process, and some major spoilers if you haven't yet seen the film. Spontaneous is a hear...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: 'The Trial of the Chicago 7'

October 26, 2020

The Trial of the Chicago 7 has heavy hitters across the board. It’s very much an Aaron Sorkin film in addition to being a Netflix fall cornerstone release with Oscar® hopes. The cast is also jam-packed with star power, even in minor roles, while the ...

History Of TV: ‘CSI: Crime Scene Investigation’ and the Beginning of the Binge-Watch

October 23, 2020

Around the time I bought my first copy of Final Draft software as a freshman, my university roommate introduced me to a show already in its second season: CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (created when acronyms weren’t such a thing yet and we still nee...

Rising Through The Ranks: Maya Rose Dittloff

October 21, 2020

Photo Credit: Cole McCarthy

Write On with 'Scare Me' Writer-Director-Producer and Star Josh Ruben

October 20, 2020

Phil Galasso and co-host Sade' Sellers discuss Scare Me with writer-director-producer-star, Josh Ruben. He shares his experience in every facet of production, bringing the story to life with Aya Cash and Chris Redd, and more!

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: There Is a World Crazier Than 2020, and it's ‘Utopia’

October 19, 2020

Utopia has undeniably scary parallels to our present day world, even though Gillian Flynn (of Gone Girl fame) started writing it six years ago. There’s a flu that’s heavily affecting children (some are dying), there’s wavering confidence in the effic...

Script Format: All You Need to Know with Dr. Format

October 16, 2020

Dave Trottier, also known as Dr. Format, is an internationally acclaimed script consultant, award-winning teacher, and author of The Screenwriter's Bible. In this video presentation, Dave guides us through the steps of proper screenplay formatting, w...

‘The Opening Act’ is an Honest Look at the Stand-Up Comedy Grind

October 14, 2020

Opening act slots are coveted by newer comedians. It’s a chance to open for an established act, gain new fans, and actually get paid (sometimes pretty decently) for doing comedy after years of free open mics — usually a gateway to more paying gigs. C...

Spec Spotlight: Lionsgate Purchases Stephen Herman's 'The Culling'

October 13, 2020

Screenwriter Stephen Herman is hoping to invigorate the horror genre with his new spec script The Culling, which was recently sold to Lionsgate with David F. Sandberg attached to direct.