Volume 6, Number 6
June 13, 2006

Final Call for Scripts!

1. Final Call for Big Break! Scripts

Over $20,000 in Cash and Prizes!

The 7th annual Big Break! International Screenwriting Contest deadline is two days away! The final deadline is June 15, so get those digital scripts uploaded or printed scripts postmarked. This year’s winning cash prize has increased 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, for a prize package exceeding $20,000. All top-ten finalists also receive Final Draft scriptwriting software, and the top three winners receive a Microsoft® Tablet PC.

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

For previous winners, judges, the Writers Hall of Fame and to enter for your Big Break!

Visit: www.bigbreakcontest.com

2. Upgrade Sale on Final Draft Version 7 Ends Soon

$59 UPGRADE SPECIAL ENDS JUNE 30!
For registered owners of version 6 or earlier (regular price $89)
www.finaldraft.com/orders/upgrades-fd.php4

Final Draft version 7 users --
Update to 7.1.2 :

- Final Draft Mac® now works on PowerPC G3, G4, G5 and
  Intel Core Based 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

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

3. 51 Tips for Winning Screenplay Contests

Want to know what contest winners do to win?

ScriptForSale.com interviewed contest winners, readers, and contest
directors from Nicholl, Austin, Final Draft and others.

The players gave us 51 must-know tips that will increase your
chance of winning a contest.


The 51 Tips include:

- The Basics That You Must Not Blow
- 7 Winning Story Tips
- 5 Ways to Create Unforgettable Characters
- 6 Tips on Writing Outstanding Dialogue
- 5 Steps to Building Entertaining Scenes
- 7 Methods for Turning a Win into a Career
- And others

It's yours FREE as a gift from Final Draft and ScriptForSale.com.

Visit: www.scriptforsale.com/listmail/link.php?id=82dbb1efd

4. Free Chat Support

Don’t forget, Final Draft offers FREE real-time online chat support, Monday through Friday from 9:30AM - 4:30PM Pacific Time.  We’re excited to offer our users yet another support resource and we invite you to give it a try if you need help. The link for free chat support is on the right-hand side of our Technical Support section of our website.  

We also recommend that you look through the extensive Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ) section on our website. We've found that about 95% of the people who use this comprehensive resource find what they need immediately.  You can also email us by clicking on the Ask a Question tab at the top of the FAQ pages.

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

5. On The Road - Coming to Cinegear Expo LA

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, 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
Cinegear Expo LA Wadsworth Theatre and Grounds: 11301 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90073-1003	Fri, Jun 23 Sat, Jun 24	10am-6pm 10am-5pm
directions:   www.cinegearexpo.com/location.html
Apple Store Santa Monica 1248 Third Street Promenade Santa Monica, CA 90401 310-576-1011	Mon, Jun 26	7:00-9:00pm
7pm - Final Draft 8pm - Gorilla Scheduling & Budgeting
map:   www.apple.com/retail/thirdstreetpromenade
Apple Store The Grove 189 The Grove Drive Los Angeles, CA 90036 323-965-8400	Sat, Jul 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, Jul 15	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.

6. 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:
Do you prefer to write on spec or on assignment? Why?

For the answer and an archive of previously featured excerpts, visit:
www.finaldraft.com/products/book-answers.php4?answer=0606

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

7. 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 -- Need to view two parts of your script at the same time?  Now you can in Final Draft 7! 
Use the Panels buttons on your toolbar, or click on View > Split Vertically to see your single script file in two windows, side-by-side. Now you can skip down to the start of the third act in one panel while your first act break stays onscreen in the other.

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! Ends June 30
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

8. 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.

9. 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. Final Draft, Inc. does not endorse all of the following activities.

In-Depth Interviews with Hollywood’s Hottest Writers!

80 MIN. DVD's
NOW AVAILABLE
FREE SHIPPING UNTIL JUNE 28

Paul Haggis (Crash, Million Dollar Baby)
David Goyer (Batman Begins, Blade)
Jim Uhls (Fight Club)

Stuart Beattie (Collateral, Derailed)
Ted Griffin (Ocean’s 11, Matchstick Men)
Sheldon Turner (The Longest Yard)

and more…

TOPICS DISCUSSED: inspiration, writer’s block, pitching, structure, outlines, character development, rewriting, work space, studio politics, agents, etc.

HOSTED by Hollywood legend Mike De Luca: former studio president (New Line Cinema, DreamWorks SKG), and producer of Zathura and Ghost Rider.

Powerful knowledge, straight from the source, delivered to your living room or laptop.
Order by 8/31/06 and SAVE 10% BY USING CODE FD83106

To purchase these DVD's:
Visit: www.thedialogueseries.com

The Writers Guild Foundation Presents

The Writers Guild Foundation presents screenwriters Lowell Ganz & Babaloo Mandel live on stage. Writer Ed Solomon (Men in Black) interviews the most successful comedy screenwriting team in Hollywood. Their career includes Night Shift, Splash, Spies Like Us, City Slickers, A League of Their Own, Parenthood, Mr. Saturday Night, Forget Paris, EdTV, Robots, and Fever Pitch. Followed by cocktail reception sponsored by Chipotle.

Thursday, June 22 - 7:30 PM
At the Writers Guild Theater
135 S. Doheny Dr.
Beverly Hills, CA 90211

$25 - General Public; $20 - Faculty and WGA members; $15 - Students; $10/student for student groups of 5 or more."

SPECIAL OFFER: purchase tickets online by Friday, June 16th and receive $5 OFF ALL PRICES listed above.

To purchase tickets:
Visit: www.WGFoundation.org
Phone: 323-782-4692

Script Magazine’s Open Door Screenwriting Contest

“Big projects, big clients...looking for the next big idea.”

Sponsored by Smart Entertainment (Producers of Anger Management, The Ringer and the upcoming Blades of Glory)

$3,000 GRAND PRIZE! Plus, consideration by Smart Entertainment for representation, as well as hundreds in other great prizes for all top 3 finalists!

NEW! EXTENDED DEADLINE ­ July 1
Entry Fee: $45

Register online now and find out more:
Visit: www.scriptmag.com

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

Get connected with THE HOLLYWOOD COMBO

Find a new agent.

Reach a producer.

Sell your screenplay.

Get a three picture deal.

Buy THE HOLLYWOOD COMBO - Only $109.95* ($129.90 value, includes Hollywood Creative Directory & Hollywood Representation Directory)

Use code FD0606 when ordering.

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

The American Zoetrope Screenplay Contest, Judged by Gus Van Sant, is Open for Submissions

Francis Ford Coppola's production company, American Zoetrope, has announced that its Fourth Annual Screenplay Contest is open for submissions. Gus Van Sant will judge and award the Grand Prize of $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 film agencies.

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

For contest rules and electronic entry forms:
Visit: www.zoetrope.com/contests

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

Produced Screenwriter Tells All!

FREE! FREE! FREE!

Selling a spec? Selling a pitch? Becoming a WGA member? Getting produced? Do you have questions on becoming a screenwriter and filmmaker? On format? Story? Character? Dialogue? Theme? Join an ongoing dialogue with working professional screenwriters!

Free Screenwriting Newsletter in your email every week. It's one year since the first MillionDollarScreenwriting.com Seminar, and we want to give something back!

Go to MILLIONDOLLARSCREENWRITING.COM, scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your email -- you'll get a confirmation email, click "confirm" or respond and you'll be signed up for your free newsletter!

Thanks "A Million"
Visit: www.milliondollarscreenwriting.com

Learn Fiction Writing and How to Approach a Literary Agent at Writers University

As writers, each of us wants our work to be read all the way to Fade Out.  Fiction or fact, fantasy or biography, no matter how lofty or lowdown, an author's first requirement is to recognize that we must learn the essentials of our craft.

So whether you are just starting on your first story or are a seasoned professional looking for that extra little boost, WritersUniversity.com will make the difference in your creative life!

In "Introduction to Fiction Writing" successful writer Thomas Sawyer teaches you his practical, take-it-to-the-bank approach that guides you through the fiction writing process and shows you techniques for turning your idea into a workable, gripping tale. Acclaimed literary agent Noah Lukeman shows you why and how most manuscripts, from an agent's perspective, are rejected before they even have a chance and puts you on the road towards acceptance in, "From Rejection to Acceptance: The Most Common Mistakes Fiction Writers Make When Approaching an Agent."

Next Session begin on July 10th.  Save 20% when you register before June 20th--space is limited.

Visit: www.WritersUniversity.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 June and July, 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 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

American Screenwriters Association Update

The American Screenwriters Association announced the finalists for the 9th Annual International Screenplay Competition and has started accepting entries for the 10th Annual Competition. Grand prize includes $10,000 cash and a script development trip to Hollywood.

To learn more or to enter:
Visit: www.goasa.com

The UCLA Extension Writers’ Program

The UCLA Extension Writers’ Program is delighted to announce that more than 100 talented screenplay students entered the 2006 inaugural screenplay competition and three of them have been selected as finalists. Over the next two months, the finalists will work one-on-one with screenwriter mentors to help them ready their scripts for final judging by industry professionals who will determine first, second, and third-place winners.

The results will be announced in the trades and sent to various agents, producers, and film companies and the scripts will be registered with Baseline. The winners will also collect a cash prize.

The odds are excellent, by Hollywood standards, that you can do the same!

Sign up now for summer feature film writing courses--either in the classroom or online--and get one step closer to qualifying for the 2007 UCLA Extension Screenplay Competition. To be eligible to enter next March, you must have taken at least three full-length feature film courses within the Writers’ Program during the previous 18 months.

For information on summer screenwriting courses beginning in June:
Visit: www.uclaextension.edu/writers

Phone: 310-206-1542 contact Brandon Gannon

The Art and Craft of Screenwriting
. . . the essentials of creating, writing and selling screenplays for film and TV

New NASHVILLE Classes starting soon!

This 8 week comprehensive screenwriting course will focus on creating the story idea, screenplay structure, developing the plot and subplots, creating dimensional characters, constructing scenes, writing effective dialogue, protecting creative work, marketing the screenplay, and much more. Students will have the opportunity to write, cast others in the class to bring their screenwriting to life, and get valuable critiques to develop their writing skills.  

The Art and Craft of Screenwriting will be taught by Dyann S. Rivkin, an award-winning writer-producer from Hollywood, who has also taught this course at Belmont University and is featured in the book Final Draft: Ask the Pros: Screenwriting.

Now you can attend screenwriting classes if you live mid-coast!

For more information
Email: screenwriting@mindspring.com
Phone: 615-781-8874

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