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.

The Fast Five: Sony Cashes in on the MCU, and John Boyega Speaks Out

September 8, 2020

I hope everybody managed to have a relaxing Labor Day (or Labour Day if you’re reading from Canada or the UK) long weekend. Meanwhile, the industry had so much happening that the reopening of cinemas with the long-delayed release of Tenet and Disney’...

Write On with 'The Pale Door' Co-Writer and Director Aaron B. Koontz

September 4, 2020

The Pale Door co-writer and director Aaron B. Koontz discusses his approach to juggling different genres, how he generates ideas for his stories, being vulnerable in your storytelling, and much more.

Afro Horror: How To Build Tension In Your Horror Script

September 4, 2020

To paraphrase my good friend, writer-director Jeff Howard, during our recent virtual interview, horror and comedy are twins separated in the womb. They both rely on tension and release. Never have truer words been spoken. No wonder they pay him the b...

Rising Through The Ranks: Lucy Luna

September 3, 2020

Every day is the same for Lucy Luna, a writer on CBS’s new show All Rise: Wake up in her Los Angeles apartment at seven am, work out, shower, and have breakfast by 10 am, at which time she makes the long commute to her desk to open her laptop and pre...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: ‘Lovecraft Country’

September 2, 2020

Right from the first few frames of Lovecraft Country, we know this is no ordinary story. We also simultaneously know this is a story of the American dream, so often broken before it can even get started. Atticus Freeman, aka Tic (played by the steadf...

The Fast Five: Is Network TV Comedy Dead?

September 1, 2020

It feels like major changes happen across the industry on a weekly basis. This week, it looks like independent studios are no longer developing network comedies, and a group of major agents are planning a coup to create their own joint venture. While...

Write On with 'Rogue' Co-Writer and Director MJ Bassett

September 1, 2020

Rogue co-writer and director MJ Bassett discusses how the film came together, her passion for telling genre stories, how she found her way into becoming a filmmaker, and much more.

Write On with #StartWith8Hollywood Partners Thuc Nguyen and Cheryl Bedford

August 28, 2020

#StartWith8Hollywood partners Thuc Nguyen and Cheryl Bedford discuss the roadblocks underrepresented groups often run into, how the campaign got started, success stories they've already seen, and much more.

Weekend Writing Inspiration: 5 Ways to Overcome Impostor Syndrome

August 28, 2020

Do you ever feel like an impostor? Like you’re receiving credit or accolades or attention for something you haven’t earned or don’t deserve? That maybe luck or error has gotten you to where you are? Or that perhaps you’ve been cheating your way throu...