Final Draft Blog

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Read interviews with the pros, catch up with industry news, and listen to Write On: A Screenwriting Podcast by Final Draft.

Rising Through the Ranks: Lisa Jay

October 29, 2020

Aspiring Hollywood screenwriter Lisa Jay isn't just sitting around, patiently waiting to hear back on whether the options have gone through for her multiple scripts. Jay kept busy through the pandemic writing a new horror feature her manager, Scott F...

History of TV: ‘Buffy the Vampire Slayer’ and High Stakes Teenage Angst

October 29, 2020

The first time I watched Buffy the Vampire Slayer was at a Halloween party in high school. Appropriate — and I was appropriately terrified. Vampires?! Werewolves?! A Hellmouth under the city just waiting to unleash another Monster of the Week?! Nuh-u...

Embracing Entrepreneurship As a Screenwriter Part I: Taking Initiative

October 28, 2020

I believe that being an effective entrepreneur is hugely beneficial when it comes to being a successful screenwriter. First and foremost, it improves your overall chances and opportunities. Secondly, it reduces the number of people you need to rely o...

LIVE Q&A with 'Bring It On' Screenwriter Jessica Bendinger

October 27, 2020

Bring It On screenwriter Jessica Bendinger answers pre-submitted audience questions, discusses her newly released screenwriting book 'The Bring It On Book,' and much more!

Write On with 'Spontaneous' Writer-Director Brian Duffield

October 27, 2020

Spontaneous writer-director Brian Duffield discusses managing the tricky tone of the film, getting the audience to fall in love with your characters, his writing process, and some major spoilers if you haven't yet seen the film. Spontaneous is a hear...

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: 'The Trial of the Chicago 7'

October 26, 2020

The Trial of the Chicago 7 has heavy hitters across the board. It’s very much an Aaron Sorkin film in addition to being a Netflix fall cornerstone release with Oscar® hopes. The cast is also jam-packed with star power, even in minor roles, while the ...

Write On with 'Scare Me' Writer-Director-Producer and Star Josh Ruben

October 20, 2020

Phil Galasso and co-host Sade' Sellers discuss Scare Me with writer-director-producer-star, Josh Ruben. He shares his experience in every facet of production, bringing the story to life with Aya Cash and Chris Redd, and more!

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: There Is a World Crazier Than 2020, and it's ‘Utopia’

October 19, 2020

Utopia has undeniably scary parallels to our present day world, even though Gillian Flynn (of Gone Girl fame) started writing it six years ago. There’s a flu that’s heavily affecting children (some are dying), there’s wavering confidence in the effic...

‘The Opening Act’ is an Honest Look at the Stand-Up Comedy Grind

October 14, 2020

Opening act slots are coveted by newer comedians. It’s a chance to open for an established act, gain new fans, and actually get paid (sometimes pretty decently) for doing comedy after years of free open mics — usually a gateway to more paying gigs. C...