The Why I Write campaign is not a testimonial, nor an endorsement of our products.  Rather, writers are asked to answer the question ‘Why I Write’?  Then, with the writer's permission, we use a photo and quote in our branding ad campaigns.  This campaign started in 2001 as a way to brand Final Draft software while simultaneously helping to elevate emerging writers within the community.  Since then, the campaign has become a core part of our philosophy and a mission to advance, support and celebrate the writer.  Through this campaign, we bring to light writers who often go unrecognized.  Some of the first featured in the Why I Write campaign were Antwone Fisher and Peter Iliff who at the time were both making names for themselves.  We believed that writer-enthusiasts and professional writers alike would be able to identify with the Why I Write message.

Covertly, the Why I Write message is to bring to light the writer who often fades out as directors and actors take the spotlight.  Overtly, the campaign expresses that dreams come true and success can be reached by writers everywhere.  In recent years, the campaign has expanded to include K12 and higher-ed educators and community mentors who use digital storytelling as a method to reach diverse audiences.  The Why I Write campaign also features Kim Krizan, Bobby Moresco, Simon Kinberg, Adam Denzer, James Ragan, Doug Ellin, Bruce Feirstein, Nick Hornby, and many more.

Participation in this campaign provides writers with exposure, recognition and philanthropic benefits.  Ads are published in a variety of print and online publications including Filmmaker, Movie Maker, Script, Variety, Written By, and Zoetrope to name a few.  Additionally, writers featured in the campaign get extended exposure on finaldraft.com and in other collateral used to promote our products and services.  For providing us with a quote, photo, and permission to release both via ad campaigns, a $1000 check is written by our company, in name of the writer, and endorsed to a charity of the writers’ choice.  Some charities that have been beneficiaries of the campaign include Doctors Without Borders, Tippi Hedren’s Shambala Preserve, the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, and the Writers Guild Foundation.