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.

Downton Abbey’s writer, Julian Fellowes, says he’s not a control freak when it comes to writing

December 4, 2015

Phyllis Nagy's 18-Year Journey to Making Her New Film "Carol"

November 18, 2015

Despite having a successful career as a playwright, Phyllis Nagy is best known for her 2005 film Mrs. Harris, starring Annette Benning and Ben Kingsley. She’s now adapted Patricia Highsmith’s 1952 novel The Price of Salt into the new film Carol, dire...

How I Broke In: Randall Wallace

September 11, 2015

Today we have the great pleasure of talking with Randall Wallace, a man who truly needs no introduction (though we’ll provide one anyway, as it’s part of our role). Randall is a multifaceted talent, serving as a director, producer, screenwriter, song...

Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig’s New Collaboration, "Mistress America"

August 12, 2015

Mistress America is a delightfully fun film that celebrates friendship between two women – something rarely seen on the big screen these days. We sat down with writers Noah Baumbach and Greta Gerwig to hear more about their second screenplay collabor...

Evan and Shea Mirzai, Writers of “Beauty Pageant”

July 27, 2015

There is no denying it: Evan and Shea Mirzai are funny. Speaking to the brothers is a whirlwind of movie references, one liners and one-upmanship. The twin writers have managed to hit the coveted Black List an incredible three times, this year with B...

"Downton Abbey"'s Julian Fellowes On Why He Writes Alone

July 6, 2015

Julian Fellowes is a bit of a modern-day renaissance man when it comes to creating engaging and inspiring entertainment. After becoming a successful actor, starring in such British television shows as Monarch in the Glen and films like Tomorrow Never...

Own Your Voice: Joe Ballarini

June 10, 2015

Joe Ballarini is a writer who trades in the mythical. His scripts are populated by terrifying monsters, talking ponies, and hungry zombies.

The Final Draft/New York Film Academy Fellowship

June 8, 2015

What happens after you win a screenwriting contest? For far too many writers, not a whole lot. Winners and finalists of the Final Draft Big Break Screenwriting Contest have a very good track record for success, but the company wanted to do more to em...

How I Broke In: Brian Duffield

June 1, 2015

Today we are talking with Brian Duffield. Brian’s spec sales include his Black List script, Your Bridesmaid is a Bitch, Worst Honeymoon Ever, Jane Got a Gun and The Babysitter, which just sold in an auction to McG’s production company. He also wrote ...