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.

5 Takeaways: Quibi

April 13, 2020

Your weekly break-down of a popular movie or television episode to see what a screenwriter—or any writer, for that matter—can take away from what’s on screen: what worked, what didn’t, and how you can use what’s popular to craft better stories.

Weekend Movie Takeaway: Screen Narrative In the Time of COVID-19

April 13, 2020

If COVID-19 hadn't completely upended the entertainment industry, and indeed life as we know it, right about now we would be reporting on what would've been the undoubtedly high box office takings for the latest James Bond film, No Time To Die.

Big Break Prize Package Provides Industry Access for Writers

April 8, 2020

Behind every top screenwriting contest is a group of hardworking individuals tirelessly working to ensure the writers who enter have the best possible experience. Usually, that includes access and exposure to the right people in Hollywood. One of the...

The Fast Five: Netflix’s ‘Tiger King’ Has Police Asking Questions and ‘SXSW’ Heads to Streaming

April 6, 2020

There is an unprecedented amount of entertainment being made available for home viewing now that we’re all confined to our homes. Try something new, from independent film festival movies to blockbuster HBO shows—or you can use your free time to help ...

Weekend Movie Takeaway: Screen Narrative In COVID-19

April 1, 2020

We're a ways off from determining the new normal, or even knowing how long that new normal may last, but every day sees developments in the film industry at least toward a unified future, with a hint of what collective movie-going will look like. The...

The Fast Five: Drive-Ins, Dog Sports and Free Trials

March 30, 2020

We’re all indoors with plenty of time to kill, so why not use this situation as an excuse to teach yourself some new skills, and finally finish that screenplay or film project you put down for one reason or another? And if you’re not in the mood for ...

Week 2: Lee Jessup on What Writers CAN Do Now

March 27, 2020

This week Lee discusses the latest updates on agency layoffs, online pitching trends and answers your questions from social media.

Weekend Movie Takeaway: Screen Narrative Evolution In the Time of COVID-19

March 25, 2020

Well, going to the movies is out for now...

The Fast Five: The Digital Pitch Era Has Arrived

March 23, 2020

It’s an interesting time as everybody in the industry begins working from home and meetings shift to the virtual world. Television festivals scramble to adapt as well and have started launching digital marketplaces to still give exhibitors a chance t...