Volume 6, Number 5
May 12, 2006

1. Updates for Final Draft and Final Draft AV

Final Draft version 7 users --
Update to 7.1.2 :

- Final Draft Mac® now works on PowerPC G3, G4, G5 and
  Intel Core Duo processors.
- Final Draft Windows® now allows Windows Tablet PCs to set where the scroll bar
  is positioned (for left or right handed users).
- Many improvements to product stability.

Read more about the new features in Final Draft:
www.finaldraft.com/products/fd-new-features.php4

$59 UPGRADE SPECIAL for registered owners of version 6 or below (regular price $89)
www.finaldraft.com/orders/upgrades-fd.php4

FREE UPDATE for registered owners of version 7
Visit our Updates & Downloads section to get the 7.1.2 download:
www.finaldraft.com/support/downloads.php4

Final Draft AV version 2.5 users --
Update to 2.5.1 for improvements to product stability.

$49 UPGRADE SPECIAL for registered owners of version 2.0 or below
www.finaldraft.com/orders/upgrades-av.php4

FREE UPDATE for registered owners of version 2.5
Visit our Updates & Downloads section to get the 2.5.1 download:
www.finaldraft.com/support/downloads.php4

2. 7th Annual Big Break! International Screenwriting Contest Deadline Nears

3. On The Road - Coming to Tekserve in New York City


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, May 20	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, May 20	5:00pm
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
Media Services 500 S. Sepulveda Blvd., 4th Floor Los Angeles, CA 90049 Telephone: 310.440.9600 www.media-services.com Final Draft + Gorilla Scheduling and Budgeting + Frame Forge 3D	Thurs, Jun 1	4pm
map:   www.mapquest.com
Tekserve Seminar Room 119 West 23rd Street New York, NY 10011 www.tekserve.com/seminars/detail.php?id=544	Thurs, Jun 1	5:30pm
map:   www.mapquest.com
Apple Store The Grove 189 The Grove Drive Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-965-8400	Sat, Jun 17	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, Jun 17	5:00pm
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
Schedules are subject to change. Check with the location to verify dates and times.

4. Ask the Pros Monthly Excerpt

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

Question:
How did you get your first paying gig?

For the answer and an archive of previously featured excerpts, visit:
www.finaldraft.com/products/book-answers.php4?answer=0605

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

5. Customer Support / Tech Tip

Final Draft version 7 users:
The most recent update is 7.1.2

To find out if your version 7 is up to date, go to Help > Program Updates. If your Final Draft needs to be updated, you will automatically be forwarded to the downloads section of our website. If you have are not online, open the program and go to the Help > Customer Support menu option and make sure it shows the most recent update. To visit the Updates & Downloads section of our website:
www.finaldraft.com/support/downloads.php4

IMPORTANT: The 7.1.2 update requires Mac OS X v10.3.9 or better or Windows XP/2000.

Tech Tip -- Product Registration
If you've tried to log in to our phone system or website for tech support or updates & downloads and your number has been rejected, it's likely that you haven't registered. If you've ACTIVATED Final Draft, it will run but this step does not register your customer number with us. Registration is strictly voluntary -- some people prefer to use their program anonymously -- but we do strongly recommend that you register. Only registered users are eligible for technical support, free updates and discounts on upgrades.

For more information about the benefits of registration or to complete the online form, visit:
www.finaldraft.com/support/productregistration.php4

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:  
www.finaldraft.com/help

Final Draft version 6 users:
The most recent update is 6.0.6.0

To find out if your version 6 is up to date, go to Help > Technical Support. If you do not have the most recent update, you should download and then install the free update from our website:
www.finaldraft.com/support/downloads.php4

Please note that you must have version 6 already installed to your hard drive to install the 6.0.6.0 update. The 6.0.6.0 update will not update any version other than 6.

Registered owners of version 6 can UPGRADE to version 7 for only $59!
www.finaldraft.com/orders/upgrades-fd.php4

Final Draft AV version 2.5 users:
The most recent update is 2.5.1

Final Draft AV includes the revolutionary new Rearrange Guide Line as well as expanded importing and exporting capabilities. For more information, visit the product information page on our website:
www.finaldraft.com/products/av-features.php4

6. 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.

7. 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.

The Second City Summer Programs*

The Second City has launched the careers of countless actors, writers, directors and producers, and has influenced American comedy like no other theater. Spend part of your summer at The Second City where you can work out your creative juices in our improvisation and comedy writing boot camps. Our summer programs are held in Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Detroit, Las Vegas, and Toronto and attract students from all over the country and abroad..  

Visit: www.secondcitysummers.com

Hollywood Creative Directory, 57th Edition – NEW EDITION NOW AVAILABLE!*

Just released with thousands of changes and NEW mobile content producers and broadcasters, the HOLLYWOOD CREATIVE DIRECTORY, 57th EDITION is the ultimate insider’s guide to the insiders.

Contact information for:

-11,000 Producers and Studio and Network Executives

-More than 2,000 Production Companies, Studios & Networks

-Mobile Content Producers and Broadcasters – NEW!

-TV shows & staff section

-Listings include addresses, phone and fax numbers, credits, staff with titles       
                                     and development & production slates

Use code FD0506 when ordering.

To order the HOLLYWOOD CREATIVE DIRECTORY, 57th EDITION today:
Visit www.hcdonline.com
Phone: 800-815-0503

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

Directing Commercials Seminar on DVD*

This popular 2-day class is now available on DVD. Everything the class offers is included on the 4-disk set- including all the handouts, spec spots and professional spots.

Breaking into the lucrative field of Commercial Directing can be a daunting task. Craig Worsham's 2-day seminar teaches everything you need to know about the business of directing spots. From creating an effective spec reel and talking to production companies to contracts, pitching and dealing with the agency, this will transform you from a complete novice to a well-informed professional ready to tackle the market.

Worsham, an established commercial director, provides insightful commentary on several spec reels that will help you understand why a commercial fails or succeeds.

Jump start your career now!

Special Price for a limited time!

For details, to see video previews and Buy the DVD:

Visit: www.DirectingCommercials.com

Million Dollar Screenwriting Seminar -- Saturday and Sunday June 3rd and 4th Only!*

$100 off for Registered Final Draft Users!

Produced screenwriter Chris Soth will reveal the Mini-Movie Method of Story that made him over a million dollars in Hollywood. Breaking a two-hour movie into eight fifteen-minute films, Mini-Movies, or sequences -- an industry secret not taught in any other course, book, or seminar. Learn Mini-Movies and conquer the Act Two Monster!

READ THE REVIEWS AT:
www.screentalk.biz/reviews/minimovie_review.php
www.slashfilm.com/article.php?story=2005110608111132&query=soth

Chris Soth, BA in Dramatic Literature, MFA Screenwriting, sold his screenplay Firestorm for $750,000 while still at USC Film School and wants you to do the same!

Visit: www.MillionDollarScreenwriting.com
Email: chris@milliondollarscreenwriting.com
Phone: 310-397-3124

Save 15% On Award-Winning Screenplays*


Ask any successful screenwriter the secret behind learning the craft, and you will hear the same response - read screenplays! The more scripts you analyze, the sooner you will understand the essential elements of a quality film. Because what you see on screen is only half the story. The essence of an award-winning movie can only be truly grasped by studying the style and format employed by the screenwriter.

Start your screenplay studies today. The Writers Store has the largest selection of published scripts available.

Mention or enter promo code FDNEWS during checkout.  Expires 5/31/06.
Visit: www.WritersStore.com

"BEST CLASSES FOR SCREENWRITERS" - MovieMaker*

According to the Winter 2006 issue of MovieMaker magazine, the "Best Classes for Screenwriters" in New York City are those offered by Gotham Writers' Workshop. The article notes that "students praise GWW's total immersion offerings that are also easy on the pocketbook." Earlier, Forbes selected Gotham's comprehensive online workshops as "Best of the Web."

Gotham is offering Final Draft registered users a $50 tuition discount when they sign up for a comprehensive 10-week screenwriting or TV writing workshop offered online at www.WritingClasses.com. Workshops begin in April and May, are taught by professional writers, and are offered at levels from basic to advanced. Class size is strictly limited, so enroll today.

To receive the $50 savings on the tuition on your first 10-week class, you must provide promotion code FD50 when registering online or by phone. (This offer is valid only on 10-week class tuition for students new to Gotham and may not be combined with any other offer. Promotion code FD50 must be provided at time of registration to receive discount.)

Visit: www.WritingClasses.com
Phone: 877-974-8377

UCLA's ArtsDayLA*

Join the UCLA Extension Department of the Arts on May 13 for the third annual ArtsDayLA – a free, festive and unique educational event that brings together a vibrant community of artists, writers, designers, architects and landscape architects who share their insights, tips and artistic know-how on 32 arts-related topics.  Visit more than 30 community groups including museums, art collectives, non-profit organizations and professional societies.  Outdoor activities include drawing from a live model for adults, and mask-making, book decorating and storytelling for kids ages 3-7.  There's live music, book-signings, gift bags for the first 300 attendees, drawings for cool arts-related prizes, discounts on selected summer courses and so much more.  While there, stop by and say hi to the folks from Final Draft! 

Visit: www.uclaextension.edu/artsdayla
Phone: 310-267-4888

Gus Van Sant Will Judge American Zoetrope's Screenplay Contest*

Francis Ford Coppola's production company, American Zoetrope, has announced that Gus Van Sant will judge its Fourth Annual Screenplay Contest, which opens for submissions June 1. The Grand Prize is $5,000. The winner's and top ten finalists' scripts will be considered for film option and development by leading major and independent studios, and the writers will be considered for representation by the principal agencies.

The early deadline is August 1 ($35 entry fee).
The late deadline is September 1 ($50 entry fee).

Beginning June 1, for contest rules and electronic entry forms:
Visit: www.zoetrope.com/contests

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

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