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.

Thank You, May I Have Another: How to Receive Notes as a Screenwriter

September 11, 2020

I’ve been part of the same amazing writers group for five years despite my best attempts at getting kicked out. Our process was to read everyone’s work before our meetings then give notes verbally. For the first year, I did not make this easy. When i...

Shelly Mellott Named President of Final Draft, A Cast & Crew Company

September 11, 2020

Cast & Crew , which provides payroll and human resources, accounting and financial, and workflow and productivity software and services to the entertainment industry , today announced the promotion of Shelly Mellott to President of Final Draft, w...

6 Things To Do Once You Get A Script Request

September 10, 2020

Congratulations! Despite all of the odds and self doubt, you queried managers and got a script request! It's okay to celebrate. In fact, you should celebrate. You’ve just joined one of the few writers who's had success querying, so it’s okay if you w...

The Weekend Movie Takeaway: ‘Mulan’ and ‘Tenet’ Among Highlights

September 9, 2020

After six months of uncertainty surrounding cinema-going in America, the past week or so has seen a couple of key developments that say a lot about the degree to which COVID-19 has upended the business of telling stories on the big screen.

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: ‘I’m Thinking of Ending Things’

September 9, 2020

Let’s begin with this: until you have watched I’m Thinking of Ending Things, do not read this. In fact, if you can, read no articles about the new drama-thriller before you watch it. The beauty of the film is you get an unfettered glimpse into Charli...

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...