Contents of This Issue:

Volume 6, Number 3
March 14, 2006

1. Take a Meeting at the Scriptwriters Showcase

Access - you want it, you got it!
Until now, you've been limited to attending “pitch fests.” Scriptwriters Showcase provides writers with a professional, comfortable environment in which to develop a rapport with the executive. You'll get 15 minutes -- one on one -- to question, to discuss or to pitch anything you want. Plenty of time to work out your ideas, get feedback on your story and career path, and develop a contact in the industry.

Register now for only $99 (regular price $149) and get first choice for Take A Meeting sessions!
Use code FD20306.

Visit: www.scriptwritersshowcase.com

2. Microsoft® Unveils Big Break! Case Study

Final Draft's Big Break! Contest Goes Paperless

In 2005 Final Draft teamed with Microsoft® to implement a Tablet PC−based solution to automate script management for the Big Break! International Screenwriting Contest. Readers and judges used an online web site portal and ink-enabled forms to download, read, and score their scripts on a Tablet PC. Instead of printing more than 500,000 pages of screenplays, evaluation forms, and score sheets, Final Draft printed none and benefited the environment!

The Final Draft case study has been published to the Microsoft® web site.
Visit: www.members.microsoft.com/customerevidence/search/EvidenceDetails.aspx

3. Advanced Screenwriting with Richard Krevolin and Jeff Arch in London

The Screenwriters Store presents Advanced Screenwriting April 29-30, a special and unique 2-day event offering participants the rare opportunity to meet and learn from a master teacher (Professor Richard Krevolin; USC Film School) and an Academy Award™ nominated screenwriter (Jeff Arch; Sleepless in Seattle).

You will learn in a lively and interactive environment the fundamental principles, practical tips and little-known secrets behind writing dynamic dialogue, creating surprising plots, devising characters that come to life and surviving as a writer.

Early bird discount and offer available.
Visit: www.thescreenwritersstore.net/product_info.php/cPath/30/products_id/121

ADDITIONAL EVENT! London, May 5-7, an intensive, hands-on, 3-day workshop with Krevolin and Arch to develop your own project and receive expert advice on your work. Limited to 12 participants.
Visit: www.thescreenwritersstore.net/product_info.php/products_id/66

Visit: www.TheScreenwritersStore.com
Email: johanna@thesws.com
Phone: +44 (0)20-7261-1908

4. 7th Annual Big Break! International Screenwriting Contest Just Got Bigger

$20,000 in Cash and Prizes! Who says screenwriting is a thankless job? The 7th annual Big Break! International Screenwriting Contest has super-sized the rewards and confirmed an exclusive global sponsor: Microsoft®. The winning cash prize has grown to $15,000! The winner also receives a Microsoft® Tablet PC, Final Draft software and a Microsoft® software package—plus a trip to Los Angeles for meetings with industry professionals.

Since its founding in 2000, Big Break! has rewarded screenwriters with nearly $100,000 in cash and prizes and provided exposure to the entertainment industry, through meetings with industry professionals, studio executives and agents. Winners and finalists have been optioned and produced.

For previous winners, judges, the writer's hall of fame and to enter for your Big Break!
Visit: www.bigbreakcontest.com

5. Free Chat Support

We're pleased to announce that we're now offering free online chat support, Monday through Friday from 9:30AM - 4:30PM pacific time.  This is a whole new way for us to offer online help, and we're excited about what we believe will be an effective way to further support our users.

We still recommend that you look through the extensive Frequently-Asked Questions pages on our website. We've found that about 95% of the people who use this comprehensive resource find what they need immediately.  But if you wish to contact us, there's the Ask a Question tab at the top of the FAQ pages or the link for the chat service on the right-hand side.

Visit: www.finaldraft.com/help
Phone: 800-231-4055

6. The Sanata Barbara International Film Festival's 10-10-10 Competitions

10 Days 10 Crews 10 Films

Final Draft co-sponsored the 2006 10-10-10 Competitions as part of the Santa Barbara International Film Festival. For the first time, screenwriting was added as a component to this competition. The challenge, to write a 10-paged Aesop fable adaptation using Final Draft software. Writers were teamed up with working professionals who helped mentor the students as they wrote their scripts. Ten finalists were chosen, five from local high schools and five from local colleges. Each finalist was given Final Draft software as well as other cash prizes.

For more information about the competition:
Visit: www.sbfilmfestival.org/html/101010_filmmakers_sbiff.html

7. On The Road

Come see demonstrations of Final Draft and Final Draft AV and have your questions answered by our representatives.

Location	Date	Time
Apple Store The Grove 189 The Grove Drive Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-965-8400	Sat, Mar 18	2:00-3:00pm
map:   www.apple.com/retail/thegrove
Apple Store Santa Monica 1248 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-576-1011	Sat, Mar 18	4:00pm
4pm - Final Draft product demo
6pm - Final Draft Presents: Apple Store Movie Showcase The Movie Showcase is a monthly series designed to allow Apple Store customers showcase the movies they have made on their Mac. Whether it’s an independent avant-garde short film or a family slideshow, the Movie Showcase allows people to invite their friends and celebrate what they have made.
map:   www.apple.com/retail/thirdstreetpromenade
Scriptwriters Showcase Sheraton Universal Studios Universal City, CA	Fri, Apr 7 - Sun, Apr 9
website:   www.scriptwritersshowcase.com
Apple Store The Grove 189 The Grove Drive Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-965-8400	Sat, Apr 15	2:00-3:00pm
map:   www.apple.com/retail/thegrove
Apple Store Santa Monica 1248 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-576-1011	Sat, Apr 15	4:00pm
4pm - Final Draft product demo
6pm - Final Draft Presents: Apple Store Movie Showcase The Movie Showcase is a monthly series designed to allow Apple Store customers showcase the movies they have made on their Mac. Whether it’s an independent avant-garde short film or a family slideshow, the Movie Showcase allows people to invite their friends and celebrate what they have made.
map:   www.apple.com/retail/thirdstreetpromenade
National Association of Broadcasters 2006 Las Vegas Convention Center Las Vegas, NV Booth SL1376 – South Hall	Mon, Apr 24 - Thurs, Apr 27	10:00am - 6:00pm
website:   www.nabshow.com
Schedules are subject to change. Check with the location to verify dates and times.

8. Ask the Pros Monthly Excerpt

The Final Draft book, Ask the Pros: Screenwriting, is now available for sale through www.finaldraft.com. Click on the link below to view this month's featured excerpt from screenwriting professionals.

Question:
Which books on writing do you find most helpful?

For the answer, and an archive of previously featured excerpts, visit:
www.finaldraft.com/products/book-answers.php4?answer=0603

Visit: www.finaldraft.com/orders to purchase the book.

9. Customer Support / Tech Tip

The current version of Final Draft 7 is 7.1.1
The current version of Final Draft AV 2 is 2.5

Please log on to this web page for Final Draft 7 current version information:
www.finaldraft.com/support/downloads.php4

To determine which version of Final Draft 7 you have, open the program and go to Help > Customer Support. If you have an online connection, go to Help > Program Updates. If your Final Draft needs to be updated, you will automatically be forwarded to the appropriate download page.

IMPORTANT: If you have Mac OS9, the current version is 7.0.0.54. The 7.1.1 update is not supported on OS9.

Final Draft AV 2.5 includes the revolutionary new Rearrange Guide Line as well as expanded importing and exporting capabilities. Please log on to this web page for AV 2.5 information:
www.finaldraft.com/products/av-features.php4

The current version of Final Draft 6 is 6.0.6.0

To determine which version of Final Draft 6 you have, go to Help > Technical Support. If you do not have the current version you should download, then install, the free update. To download the update, go to:
www.finaldraft.com/support/downloads.php4

Please note that you must have Final Draft 6 already installed to your hard drive to install the 6.0.6.0 update. The 6.0.6.0 update will not update Final Draft 7, Final Draft 5 or earlier versions.
To upgrade for $89:
Visit: www.finaldraft.com/orders/upgrades-fd.php4

Tech Tip
Need to print out just one character's dialogue?  Want to see how many lines each character has or how many locations are in your script?  Want to see an overview of all your scenes and their statistics?  Then check out the Reports feature in Final Draft!  Click on Tools > Reports.  You can customize each report to get just what you need! 

For more information on Final Draft features, refer to the Final Draft User Guide PDF document found in the Final Draft folder on your hard drive or visit our online Knowledge Base. 
Visit:  www.finaldraft.com/help

10. Contact Us

To respond to this email, DO NOT CLICK REPLY; it will only bounce back to you. Comments and suggestions should be directed to newsletter@finaldraft.com.

NOTE: Support questions sent to the above address will not be answered. If you have a question you would like answered via email, visit www.finaldraft.com/help. You can search for an answer from our database of almost 900 sales and technical questions. If you still can't find the information you need, click the Ask a Question tab on any answer page.

If you want your name to be removed from the Final Draft mailing list, visit
www.finaldraft.com/media/newsletter-signup.php4 and follow the directions there.

11. Writers' Resources
The following listings are a compilation of events in the area. They are enumerated for you, the writer, and may be to your benefit.

Free Teleseminar: 21 Powerful Rewrite Strategies*

"It's the best rewrite class I've taken. I've taken three: one was two months, another two days and the third six weeks. I learned more high-quality tools in two hours with Hal than all of the other courses combined."
- Kymber Yung

In 2 hours, you'll learn:

• 7 professional rewrite processes
• 3 mistakes that cause your writing to have an amateur feel
• 6 ways to cut through the confusion and make sure your story works
• 4 methods of intensifying the most important moments of your screenplay

Overall, you'll get 21 ways to increase your chance of winning a contest,
getting an agent and selling your screenplays. Best of all, there's no charge.

For info or to sign up:
Visit: www.ScriptForSale.com/rewrite_conference2.htm

GET DISCOVERED!*

Fade In's 13th Annual Hollywood Filmmakers Conference & Power-Pitchfest
May 20 & 21, 2006
Sheraton Universal Hotel, N. Hollywood, CA

- LEARN: Pitch Class sessions with A-list filmmakers.
- SUBMIT: Agency Submissions (ICM, William Morris, UTA, Endeavor and others)
- PITCH: Over 70 prominent production companies, studios and agencies to meet with (including Paramount, Universal, New Line, William Morris, HBO and many many more)
- NETWORK: Catered Networking Reception

Fade In conferences are limited to 175 attendees and do sell out.  #1 Pitch event with the most sales and options and agency signings.

Mention Final Draft and receive $25 off!
Visit: www.fadeinonline.com
Phone: 310-275-0287 or 800-646-3896

The UCLA Extension Writers' Program

The UCLA Extension Writers' Program offers certificates in Feature Film Writing and Television Writing for results-oriented screenwriting students interested in writing 1-3 feature film scripts or 2-3 television scripts.  As the largest and most comprehensive continuing education writing program in the United States, offering more than 200 on-site and online film and television writing courses annually, the Writers' Program develops a deep knowledge of craft and the writing process.  Certificate students receive ongoing professional evaluation and are eligible for perks such as complimentary one-day courses and a full-scale script consultation.

For more information about the Writers' Program,
Visit: www.uclaextension.edu/writers
Phone: 310-825-9415

Firefox Flicks 30-second Ad Contest*

Got the vision and skills to create a tour-de-force ad for Firefox?
We're offering unequaled exposure and awesome prizes.

Global Exposure
Be featured in Firefox's worldwide marketing campaign.
Get on the shortlist for the NYf Ad competition.
Have your work screened at the Vail Film Festival.

Amazing Prizes
Win $5,000 to buy that next piece of gear.
Upgrade to a new 9X Media multi-screen display.
Get your media organized with an Alienware media PC.

Expert Judges
Jim Denault, Cinematographer for Maria Full of Grace
Scott Goodson, Founder, Chief Creative Officer, StrawberryFrog
McG, Director for Charlie's Angels 1 & 2, Producer for the OC
Freddy Rodriguez, Actor on Six Feet Under and Harsh Times
Geo Santini, Music Video Director for Arista, UMG, and Motown
Ben Younger, Writer & Director for Boiler Room and Prime
Warren Zide, Producer for the American Pie Franchise

Deadline is March 31, 2006
Visit: www.firefoxflicks.com

FIND Screenwriters Lab*

Film Independent is now accepting submissions for its annual
Screenwriters Lab that will take place in Los Angeles July and
August 2006. The deadline for submissions is April 10 (postmarked).

Film Independent's Screenwriters Lab is an intensive and very
selective seven-week program in which participants develop their
feature length scripts. For consideration, each applicant must submit
a complete feature length screenplay that they would like to develop during the Lab.

For an application or more information,
Visit: www.filmindependent.org/program.html
Phone: 310-432-1275

10% Discount on Final Draft Software Training from The Digital Media Training Series™ (DMTS™)

Magnet Media, publishers of the award-wining DMTS™ - Digital Media Training Series - of self-paced training DVDs is now shipping its Inside Final Draft 7 training DVD.
This expert instruction provides insider tips, tricks and techniques to get you working quickly and confidently.

Use promotional code FD10 to get 10% off your entire order.

Visit: www.digitalmediatraining.com/products/finaldraft7

Action/Cut Filmmaking Seminar*

“Excellent”-MovieMaker  
“Essential”-scr(i)pt     
“Terrific”-Creative Screenwriting
Ignite your career with the most creative and visual filmmaking seminar in the film industry.

Chicago: March 18 & 19               
Las Vegas: March 25 & 26
New York: April 1 & 2
Ft. Lauderdale: April 8 & 9

An essential seminar for filmmakers and screenwriters from networking to visual writing! 
In two days, gain first-hand career knowledge from a working director/writer/producer with an audio-visual scene studies workshop that teaches the skills to take your project from page to shoot to finished film. 
Seminar Director: Guy Magar - International film instructor & contracted to Miramax Films.
Professional credits include over 60 feature films and television network shows.

"Excellent…the complete process…don't miss this seminar!”-IndieVision

Home of the Action/Cut Short Film Competition: Call For Entries: January 15 to May 15.

For a brochure and registration
Visit: www.actioncut.com
Phone: 800-815-5545

Gus Van Sant, David Byrne, Neil Burger Contribute to Zoetrope: All-Story's Spring Issue*

The Spring issue of Francis Coppola's National Magazine Award-winning story and art quarterly, Zoetrope: All-Story, is now on newsstands.

Contributors include filmmakers Gus Van Sant (a new short story about gay actors playing straight cowboys) and Neil Burger (an essay on the director's role as illusionist, in anticipation of his new film, The Illusionist, starring Ed Norton and Paul Giamatti), musician David Byrne, Pulitzer Prize®-winner Steven Millhauser and Daniel Handler (aka, Lemony Snicket).

Registered Final Draft users are eligible for an exclusive discount of 30% off any subscription discount code 5FDH. Single issues are also available at the website.

Visit: www.all-story.com/subscribe.cgi

STORY Audio CD By Robert McKee - Available at The Writers Store*

STORY is a must-read (or must-listen-to!) for writers of all genres. Robert McKee is a world-class lecturer and coach to writers, able to impart his wisdom clearly and simply. Narrating the audio himself, he clarifies such intricacies as the difference between form and formula, as well as principles versus rules. What was once available only in his seminars and classrooms can now be listened to wherever and whenever you want. After listening to STORY, you won't be able to escape McKee's enthusiasm for the craft – it's contagious and will force you to create.

Order Today and Save 15%. Offer Expires 3/31/06.
Visit: www.writersstore.com/?e=1020

Track Development. Connect with Hollywood. Move Your Project Forward.*

THE HOLLYWOOD DEVELOPMENT COMBO - $79.95* ($104.90 value)
With The Hollywood Development Combo, writers can learn who is acquiring projects, find out what type of projects are getting developed and stay informed on the key buyers around town.

Includes:

- Hollywood Creative Directory, 56th Edition --- Producers and studio & network executives, plus TV shows & staff.

- The Studio Report: Film Development, Premiere Edition --- A complete breakdown of film development project tracking from the previous four months. It's the first film directory series of its kind, in print for the first time.

Order the HOLLYWOOD DEVELOPMENT COMBO to get the competitive edge that will move your project forward. Discount code: FINALDRAFT0306. Offer good through March 31, 2006.

Visit: www.hcdonline.com
Phone: 800-815-0503

Gotham Writers' Workshop  - Spring Workshops Begin Soon*

LEARN HOW TO SELL YOUR SCREENPLAY
Industry insider David Title teaches techniques for finding success in selling your screenplay. This four-week, online seminar begins March 22.  

"This course has helped me to create a terrific marketing plan for my overall career, and individual target plans for each individual screenplay. This course is an absolute necessity for anyone wanting to go from writing for a hobby to writing for a living."  - A. Shirey, Screenwriter

SAVE ON ACCLAIMED ONLINE SCREENWRITING WORKSHOPS
The professional screenwriters of New York's renowned Gotham Writers' Workshop offer comprehensive 10-week classes in basic and advanced screenwriting that were selected "Best Classes for Screenwriters" by MovieMaker magazine.  Registered Final Draft users can save $50 off the full tuition of your first 10-week workshop. New session begin in March and April. Mention promotion code FD50 when registering to receive the discount.

To learn more:
Visit: www.writingclasses.com 
Phone: 877-974-8377  

*These activities are not endorsed by Final Draft, Inc.

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