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.

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...

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.