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.

Write On with Final Draft SVP Joe Jarvis & Chief Architect Steve Brost

September 15, 2020

Final Draft's Senior Vice President Joe Jarvis and Chief Engineer Steve Brost discuss how they work with professional writers when developing the software, the partnerships and integrations we've done with major studios like Netflix, and more.

5 Screenwriting Takeaways: 'Upload'

September 15, 2020

Despite the pandemic, a plethora of good content was released throughout the summer, and Upload is no exception. If you were like me and initially a bit hesitant to watch a show about a self-contained world, considering we all currently live in micro...

Afro Horror: 3 Steps to Crafting the Perfect Twist Ending

September 11, 2020

The year is 1999 and The Sixth Sense was just released. Everyone, including nine-year-old me, is talking about that shocking twist ending. Bruce Willis is a ghost? Who saw that coming? Who could ever top that? Well, you could! The twist ending has be...

Weekend Writing Inspiration: Is It Time For a Writing Coach?

September 11, 2020

Sometimes you need help to make writing happen, solve a story problem, or sort out the next steps in your screenwriting career. One of the most powerful reasons to work with a writing coach is to have someone on your team — someone to turn to when th...

Thank You, May I Have Another: How to Receive Notes as a Screenwriter

September 11, 2020

I’ve been part of the same amazing writers group for five years despite my best attempts at getting kicked out. Our process was to read everyone’s work before our meetings then give notes verbally. For the first year, I did not make this easy. When i...

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’...