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.

Notes Are Feelings, Not Facts: 4 Tips to Giving Good Script Feedback

September 18, 2020

I believe that being able to give good notes is more important than being a good writer. Before you drag me on Twitter, hear me out. Being a good writer means being able to tell a story well and effectively—which is great. That’s probably why you’re ...

No Escape' Screenwriter-Director Will Wernick on Notes and the All-Important Ending

September 18, 2020

The best part about writing this column is meeting and interviewing some amazingly talented and genuinely nice artists; and writer-director-producer Will Wernick is no exception. Even over the phone, Wernick, 38, exudes such a calming cadence and fri...

Write On with 'The Broken Hearts Gallery' Writer-Director Natalie Krinsky

September 18, 2020

The Broken Hearts Gallery writer-director Natalie Krinsky discusses her script's long journey to the screen, how her own life experiences inform the story, her work on TV shows like Grey's Anatomy, and Gossip Girl, and much more.

FYC: 3 Common Story Problems in Beginner Pilots

September 17, 2020

With online writing classes and screenwriting books available at the click of a button (and a lifetime of TV watching under our belts) it’s no wonder that writing for television feels more accessible than ever.

Write On with Final Draft SVP Joe Jarvis & Chief Architect Steve Brost

September 15, 2020

Final Draft's Senior Vice President Joe Jarvis and Chief Engineer Steve Brost discuss how they work with professional writers when developing the software, the partnerships and integrations we've done with major studios like Netflix, and more.

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: 'Upload'

September 15, 2020

Despite the pandemic, a plethora of good content was released throughout the summer, and Upload is no exception. If you were like me and initially a bit hesitant to watch a show about a self-contained world, considering we all currently live in micro...

Afro Horror: 3 Steps to Crafting the Perfect Twist Ending

September 11, 2020

The year is 1999 and The Sixth Sense was just released. Everyone, including nine-year-old me, is talking about that shocking twist ending. Bruce Willis is a ghost? Who saw that coming? Who could ever top that? Well, you could! The twist ending has be...

Weekend Writing Inspiration: Is It Time For a Writing Coach?

September 11, 2020

Sometimes you need help to make writing happen, solve a story problem, or sort out the next steps in your screenwriting career. One of the most powerful reasons to work with a writing coach is to have someone on your team — someone to turn to when th...

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...