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.

Is Screenwriting For Me?

January 18, 2021

As I sit down to write another article focusing on questions asked by new screenwriters, I truly hesitated about writing on the topic inspired by the question, "Is screenwriting for me?" It's probably one of the most difficult questions to answer.

Writer-Director Eugene Ashe on Classic Love Stories and 'Sylvie's Love'

January 18, 2021

Craving a distraction from the 24-hour news cycle, I had the opportunity to find sanctuary in Amazon Prime's Christmas Day release, Sylvie's Love, about a woman working at her father's Harlem record store in the late 1950s who meets an aspiring saxop...

Afro Horror: A Recap of 2020's Best Tips For Writing Horror That Thrills

January 15, 2021

It’s a new year, so let’s kick 2021 off right by revisiting some of the tips and rules for the horror genre I've written about in this space. It has been my honor to talk shop with you, so I thought I'd pause for a moment to give you a round-up of my...

The Enneagram For Writers: Characters and Careers: Part II

January 15, 2021

Welcome to part two of our deep dive into the Enneagram for writers! We’re taking a look at how the nine Enneagram types can be used for character inspiration, as well as provide insight on bad habits writers may have.

Looking Beyond Labels With Isabel Sandoval: Part 2

January 15, 2021

In Part 1 of our interview with Isabel Sandoval we discussed her latest film Lingua Franca, the power of the trans female gaze and giving women agency on screen, as well as making films as an immigrant in the era of Trump. We continue our conversatio...

History of TV: 'Family Matters' Gave Us Wholesome Comedy...And Urkel

January 14, 2021

Family Matters will most likely go down in history for its breakout character Steve Urkel (played by Jaleel White), but it offered plenty more in terms of laughs and screenwriting takeaways for sitcom writers. As one of the longest running American s...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways from 'Ma Rainey's Black Bottom'

January 14, 2021

Rich colors and stellar dialogue spoken by amazing performers are just some of the factors that makes Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom well worth the watch the next time you turn on Netflix. Undoubtedly an awards contender this season, Ma Rainey’s Black Bott...

Should You Script Without a Deal?

January 13, 2021

As a writing hobbyist, you are doing the work; creating story premises, pitches, outlines and script drafts.

Video Game Film Adaptations: How They're Changing For the Better

January 12, 2021

Hollywood has a long-standing history of adapting any IP they can get their hands on in their quest to find a project with a built-in audience — in other words, a sure bet. Books, graphic novels, board games, real-life stories; all are fair game, and...