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.

The Sunlit Night Screenwriter on the Challenges of Book-to-Screen Adaptation

February 2, 2019

Rebecca Dinerstein, author of The Sunlit Night, never expected her novel to get published. She never envisioned the book would be made into a movie, and she certainly never thought she would be the one to write the adapted screenplay. “Every phase of...

Write On with Mimi Leder

January 11, 2019

In this episode of Write On, director Mimi Leder discusses her latest film 'On the Basis of Sex' and her connection to Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s story.

Write On with Greta Heinemann

January 4, 2019

2017 Big Break Feature Grand Prize winner Greta Heinemann discusses everything from moving to LA from Germany at age 14 to pursue her writing career, working in television, pitching her features and her latest endeavor the Writers Wright journal.

Write On with Madam Secretary Executive Producer Lori McCreary

December 26, 2018

After leaving her role as a co-founder at the software company CompuLaw, Revelations Entertainment CEO and PGA Board Member Lori McCreary returned to her love of storytelling as Executive Producer of the CBS Series ‘Madam Secretary.’ Lori discusses h...

‘Destroyer’ Director Karyn Kusama On Why Working Closely With Screenwriters Is Essential To Her Process

December 25, 2018

Traditionally, a director won’t see a script until it’s been written, rewritten, polished, and perfected to the nth degree. Then, when the script is in a near-perfect state, the screenwriter relinquishes control and sits idly by as the director takes...

Write On with SAGindie Executive Director Darrien Michele Gipson

December 18, 2018

SAGindie Executive Director Darrien Michele Gipson, formerly VP of Development at DEF Pictures, discusses navigating the waters of independent filmmaking and hiring professional actors through SAG-AFTRA’s low-budget contracts.

Write On with Jen Grisanti: Refocusing Your Energy for Next Season's Screenwriting Contests and Fellowships

December 14, 2018

Screenwriting consultant and former studio executive Jen Grisanti discusses crafting stories that resonate, finding your voice as a writer and building a network of professional relationships.

Writing Your Way to Success: Wisdom From the Women in Entertainment Summit

December 14, 2018

The fourth annual Women in Entertainment Summit united all-star creatives to share their expertise on such topics as finding one’s voice, diversity in story, and approaching an investment, production or distribution company. Marvel’s Victoria Alonso,...

Write On with Jenni Gold, Creator of ‘CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion’

October 2, 2018

We recently chatted with writer/producer/director Jenni Gold about her love of storytelling, when she first realized people with disabilities were not fairly represented and how she hopes her latest film CinemAbility: The Art of Inclusion will inspir...