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.

Jason Dean Hall writes the controversial true story of Chris Kyle’s life in ‘American Sniper’

February 17, 2016

Jason Dean Hall discusses what it was like to tell the story of Chris Kyle in 'American Sniper', a polarizing figure whose controversial and disturbing story broke box-office records. The writer's deeply personal connection to the story is filling th...

‘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...

Truth’ writer-director James Vanderbilt talks film school, researching true stories, and landing Robert Redford

February 17, 2016

James Vanderbilt talks about researching 'Truth,' the controversial courtroom drama detailing the 2004 CBS '60 Minutes' report that cost anchor Dan Rather and producer Mary Mapes their careers.

‘Nightingale’ writer Frederick Mensch discusses the fast-paced ramp up into production

February 17, 2016

Frederick Mensch, founder of the online screenwriting database MovieBytes, can now add working screenwriter to his resume. His uncompromising screenplay, 'Nightingale', was recently made into a movie by HBO, starring Golden-Globe nominee David Oyelow...

How To Train Your Dragon 2' Writer/Director Dean DeBlois Discusses Animation

February 16, 2016

Dean DeBlois, writer/director of such animated classics as Lilo and Stitch and the How To Train Your Dragon series, talks about how he got his start in animation, how to approach fantasy/adventure screenplays, and what it's like to write for a dragon...

Anthony McCarten talks ‘The Theory of Everything’

February 16, 2016

Acclaimed novelist, playwright and screenwriter Anthony McCarten tells how it took him eight years to convince Stephen and Jane Hawking to give him the rights to their story, his "exaggerated desire" to express himself, and how "putting words into th...

The Big Short Co-Writer Charles Randolph Stops By The Insider View Podcast

February 3, 2016

Charles Randolph, co-writer of The Big Short, drops by the Insider View Podcast to chat with host, Pete D'Alessandro about his background in aesthetic philosophy, working with Adam McKay and what makes credit default swaps such a fascinating film top...

Final Draft Insider View with The Revenant Screenwriter Mark L. Smith

January 8, 2016

Listen as Mark L. Smith, screenwriter of The Revenant, talks to Insider View host Pete D'Alessandro about everything from Colorado dude ranches to drafting screenplays before pitching.

BONUS: Interview with Big Break Screenwriter Larry Brenner

January 7, 2016

This is a transcript of the Final Draft Insider View, a podcast that takes you inside the screenwriting industry to talk with screenwriters, television writers, executives, and industry influencers.