Final Draft Blog

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“The Revenant” Teaches Us About Writing Action Sequences

March 1, 2016

The Revenant screenplay by Mark L. Smith and Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, based on the book by Michael Punke, is one of the best action films of the year. Set in 1823, the action scenes lack sophisticated weaponry, machinery or major explosions – all...

‘Jim Gaffigan Show’ co-writer Jeannie Gaffigan talks collaboration, balance, and Jim’s appetite

February 17, 2016

Final Draft chats with Jeannie Gaffigan about The Jim Gaffigan Show, her latest series with comedian husband Jim. Jeannie and Jim Gaffigan’s writing/producing credits include such shows as Mr. Universe, Obsessed, King Baby, Beyond the Pale, and My Bo...

Sleepy Hollow' Co-Creator Phillip Iscove on the Evolution of a Hit Show

December 30, 2015

Phillip Iscove, creator of hit TV series Sleepy Hollow, talks about his early days at film school in Toronto, working as an assistant at powerhouse agency UTA for eight years, and how Sleepy Hollow was not just his first sale: it also saved him from ...

"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...

Flawed Characters We Love

June 3, 2015

This marks my second workweek without an episode of Mad Men to discuss with co-workers. All of my fellow fans know what I’m going through. The void has driven me to reflect on what it was that made me adore that series so much.

What Would Elmore Do?

April 21, 2015

Final Draft contributor John Evans interviews Dave Andron, who co-wrote the recent series finale of the acclaimed FX drama Justified and was a producer on the show from the beginning of its six-season run.

How I Got My 1st Network TV Writing Job

March 18, 2015

There are more brain surgeons then there are professional television writers. I don’t know if that’s actually a true statement but it’s something I tell people and it sure does feel true. When I was 17 years old, in my mind, I decided to become a pro...