Volume 6, Number 11
November 8, 2006

1. Final Draft Scripts Next Act

We are increasing our ability to serve, educate and celebrate you, the scriptwriter.

Final Draft, Inc. recently acquired Script magazine and all their associated ventures, including the Scriptwriters Showcase, Take A Meeting and ScriptXpert. This will enable us to become the most comprehensive resource for scriptwriters in the world.

Our first step is to launch a completely redesigned Script magazine in January 2007. It will include more pages, high-end photography, glossy cover and streamlined design throughout. New content will include:

• columns written by working writers and development executives
• industry news and trend reports
• television and new media coverage
• new scriptwriting technology and tools
• guides and tips for success in pitching, selling and management

$24.95 per year (save over $17 from the newsstand price)
Your subscription will begin with the first issue of the redesigned magazine, in January 2007.

** A Script subscription makes a great holiday gift! **

Over the next year, we will be enhancing our software, events and services in many ways. In addition, look for many changes to our website, including expanded content designed to help you sharpen your writing skills and advance your career.

To read the press release:
Visit: www.finaldraft.com/company/press/press-releases/pr-20061016-acquisition.php

For more information:
Visit: www.finaldraft.com

Visit: www.scriptmag.com

2. Registration Now Open for the Scriptwriters Showcase

April 20-22, 2007   Universal Sheraton, Hollywood, CA

The 2nd Annual Scriptwriters Showcase is now open for registration. Final Draft's premier event, the largest public gathering of professional screenwriters ever assembled, returns to the Universal Sheraton April 20-22, 2007.

We promise to bring you the best lineup of speakers and discussion panels and of course, the always popular
Take A Meeting. Not to be missed, the Scriptwriters Showcase offers three registration package options starting at just $199.

Access is limited to just 999 attendees.
This event will sell out, register now!

Receive 10% OFF any package option for a limited time if you register now! Use discount code SWS6 during checkout to receive discount; offer valid until November 30th, 2006.

First 200 registrants receive FREE admission to our kick-off event, the Hollywood Networking Breakfast, on Friday, April 20th at 8am. Offer valid for Silver and Gold package registrations ONLY.

For more details or to register:
Visit: www.scriptwritersshowcase.com

3.  

Michael Bezjian, Wire Image Tom Cosgrove, Yehudi Mercado, Syd Field, Stinson Carter, Marc Madnick It is our great pleasure to congratulate the winners of the 2006 Big Break Screenwriting Competition. These outstanding scripts were selected from 3,000 competing worldwide entries! The entries were compelling and varied and deserved the careful attention they received. We applaud everyone who entered for their artistic endeavors and are honored to bring recognition to promising screenwriters across the globe. Marc Madnick, President & CEO, Final Draft Liz Alani, Contest Director This year’s winners are: 1st Place winner: Tom Cosgrove - The Sea Devils Dublin, Ireland Logline: The world-weary crew of an Atlantic trawler becomes embroiled in a war of survival after winching a monster into their hold from the ocean's dark zone. Cash and Prizes: $15,000 cash plus a Microsoft Tablet PC, Final Draft software, and Microsoft software package. Also, airfare to Los Angeles and 3-night hotel stay. 2nd Place: Yehudi Mercado - Buffalo Speedway   Austin, TX Logline: In the summer of 1994 one pizza outpost delivered the most pizzas ever while the world watched OJ's slow-speed chase. Buffalo Speedway follows five drivers who chase destiny as they compete in Turbo Pizza's Top Driver Race. Do the Right Thing meets Clerks. Cash and Prizes: $4,000 cash plus a Microsoft Tablet PC, Final Draft software, and Microsoft software package. 3rd Place: Stinson Carter - Ananias Los Angeles, CA Logline: Thrown into crippling self-doubt after discovering his father's homosexuality, a fourteen-year-old boy will go to any extreme to prove himself a man. Spurred on by his friends, he embarks with them on a seedy overnight pursuit of proof of his manhood, only to find that letting go of fear is the only proof worth pursuing. Cash and Prizes: $2,000 cash plus a Microsoft Tablet PC, Final Draft software, and Microsoft software package. Congratulations again to all our winners! Get notified by email when the contest re-opens next year! Michael Bezjian, Wire Image Tom Cosgrove, Yehudi Mercado, Liz Alani, Stinson Carter

For a complete list of prizes, finalists and judges, and 2007 contest updates Visit: www.bigbreakcontest.com

4. Final Draft 7.1.3 Released

In our constant effort to improve our software, we have released Final Draft 7.1.3. This release includes many improvements including:

• greater stability during Collabowriter sessions
• correct interaction with Mac OS X File Vault
• optimized CPU usage for Windows
• new keyboard shortcuts for inserting and selecting content

Update for FREE if you are a registered owner of any 7.x version:

Visit: www.finaldraft.com/support/updates-downloads/final-draft-7.php

Upgrade to 7.1.3 for only $89 if you are a registered owner of Final Draft 5 or 6:
Visit: http://www.finaldraft.com/purchase/