Home > Company > Newsletter Archive > January 23, 2008
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| Final Draft’s Big Break Announces 2008 Partnership with CineStory | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| At the CineStory retreat every writer meets with several retreat mentors to discuss their script submissions and possible personal pathways to a professional life in the business. Industry mentors are prepared and well versed in the writers’ works before arriving at the retreat via script submissions and other information collected in advance. Over the three-day time period, lasting relationships are built. At the conclusion of the three-day retreat, the Big Break contest winner will select his/her two industry mentors with whom he/she will work for one year. We are very excited about this new partnership and the value it brings to our prize package offerings. To learn more about CineStory, Visit: www.CineStory.org  Also In the News: The 9th Annual Big Break International Screenwriting Contest opens Feb. 1, 2008. Visit: www.finaldraft.com/bigbreak/ Final Draft releases Tagger 1.2.2 Update Visit: www.finaldraft.com/company/press/press-releases/current/pr-20080123-tagger-update.php Final Draft releases Dramatist’s Guild-approved templates Visit: www.finaldraft.com/support/software/templates/ |
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| A teacher for the blind and visually impaired at Imperial Elementary School in Anaheim, California, Carol Anne McGuire is a trailblazer in education. Focusing on her students' abilities, she fosters exploration and creativity by bringing the world to her students and her students to the world through project-based and expeditionary learning. One visually impaired student in McGuire's class had never seen a lion, and did not believe lions existed. McGuire brought a lion cub into the classroom for the students to hear, touch and smell. When her class studied rainforests, McGuire created one inside the classroom, complete with 40 six-foot tall ficus trees, prop monkeys and crocodiles, and real macaws and toucans. Spray-bottle water created a “canopy” mist, and, when released into their forest, her students were transformed into explorers. It was at this time that McGuire discovered how the digital revolution had brought filmmaking to her own laptop. Although many had reservations about her project -- her students were, after all, visually impaired -- she and her students were determined to create digital stories. McGuire was impressed with how quickly her students were engaged and enjoyed the writing process, and she realized that they were great storytellers. “I discovered something during that first attempt at moviemaking,” McGuire said. “This unlikely group of students were extremely great filmmakers! Their scripts came alive. They used descriptive language and a funny thing happened ... their language arts scores began to rise!” Since their first experiments with visual storytelling, McGuire's students have won awards in film festivals internationally. They have addressed the Department of Education of three different countries and have taught other students, teachers and administrators how to make movies. McGuire has gone on to create Rock Our World -- an international project involving nine classes in eight countries on six continents. The students come together to create stories, films and music in order to share their experiences and learn from one another. Carol Anne McGuire’s class motto is “Vision does not require sight!” To learn more about Rock Our World, Visit: www.rockourworld.org To view other project-based lessons that bring digital storytelling in the classroom, Visit: www.finaldraft.com/sales/k12-teacher-workbook.php |
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 Final Draft -- Back from IndiaIn November 2007, Final Draft was invited by the National Film Development Corporation of India to participate in the International Film Festival of India in Goa. We sent Lynn Hacking, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, to visit our retail channel for the first time and to speak at the fest. The focus of Lynn’s visit was to meet the faces who lead our retail channel supply in India and nearby countries. His hope was to impress upon the Indian filmmaking community the importance of story and screenplay in the filmmaking process. His itinerary included visits to Mumbai, with a special visit to Film City, India’s filmmaking center and location of Whistling Woods Film School, a Final Draft-sponsored institution. Lynn then moved on to attend the International Film Festival of India, located in Panaji, the capital of Goa, in the south of India. There, he met with many of the biggest and brightest performers and filmmakers in the Indian film industry. Lynn was met with open arms and welcomed warmly by our Indian partners and friends as he spoke on the merits of writing a tight script that preserves the story, saving the filmmaker time and money. To see some pictures from Lynn’s journey, Visit: www.finaldraft.com/company/on-the-scene/20071210-india.php |
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 The playwrights spoke. We listened. Final Draft is proud to release Dramatists Guild-approved templates for theatre. Used by numerous regional and professional theatre companies, these standardized templates allow the working playwright to focus on the words, not on the format. Literary managers also appreciate the easy-to-read style and pagination, and stage managers around the globe are finding Tagger™ to be an ultimate stage-management tool. Final Draft is committed to furthering its support within the theatrical community, and will be providing support to this year’s Kennedy Center / American College Theatre Festival’s national event in Washington, D.C., April 15-16, 2008. To download the new templates from our Online Template Library, Visit: www.finaldraft.com/support/software/ For information about the Dramatists Guild, Visit: www.dramatistsguild.com |
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| Final Draft, Inc. supports industry organizations, festivals and events, schools and universities, and community initiatives world-wide whose missions embody principles of scriptwriting and the craft of good storytelling. Through the donation of product and funds, Final Draft hopes to enable writers and educators, of all levels, to become better writers, overcome personal challenges and gain a better understanding of others in the world. Additionally, as a technology company, we recognize that rapid technological advancement has impacted the way in which stories are captured, and that the art of making movies and writing scripts includes everyone, everywhere. Final Draft, Inc. supports KCRW’s The Treatment in 2008. A "treatment" in Hollywood refers to a concise overview of a screenplay. On KCRW's popular public radio program, The Treatment, film critic Elvis Mitchell gives another kind of "treatment" to some of the most influential and innovative forces creating movies, popular art, and entertainment. Each week, Elvis speaks with an amazing array of guests, discussing everything from their inner conflicts to their interior design. With a straightforward style that understates his vast knowledge, Elvis is able to extract insight, issues and inspiration from even the most introverted guests. Conversations on The Treatment are mostly comfortable, sometimes contentious, but always fascinating. Final Draft, Inc. is helping to underwrite The Treatment in 2008 as part of its corporate digital storytelling mission. If you are not already a listener, we encourage our users to tune in to this weekly program airing Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m., PST on 89.9FM KCRW or via live Internet simulcast. If you can't catch the live radio show, download the podcast from KCRW’s website. KCRW, a community service of Santa Monica College, is Southern California's leading National Public Radio affiliate. To listen to The Treatment live, or to download the podcast, Visit: www.KCRW.com Final Draft Sponsors Camino Nuevo Charter Academy Since 1992, Final Draft has supported schools and educators worldwide who are committed to teaching scriptwriting. With the advent of new technology, demands have been placed on today’s K12 educators to be savvy with new media and trends. Final Draft endeavors to assist these educators by providing teachers the training and tools needed to craft digital stories in the 21st Century. Peter Cook understands how critical it is for today’s youth to develop strong literary skills as part of their professional, marketable abilities. As a novelist, screenwriter and humanities instructor at Camino Nuevo Charter Academy High School located in Los Angeles’ Macarthur Park, Cook recognizes that his students are easily engaged and inspired to write in the context of digital storytelling. Last year, Cook’s school launched a Scriptwriting Seminar for which he is the instructor. According to Cook, since the start of last year, Camino Nuevo students are writing feature-length scripts and are committed to their projects. In addition to the craft of scriptwriting, students also learn the ins and outs of the film business, as Camino Nuevo is dedicated to arming its students with life skills preparing them for the real world. “The school’s mission is college ready, college bound and social agents of change, but I’d also like to see them [Camino Nuevo graduates] sell screenplays to make tuition as well!” exclaims Cook. As Camino Nuevo Charter Academy continues to grow and its film program expands, Final Draft has partnered with them to work toward seeding up to 100 computers with Final Draft software over the next three years. The software will initially be given to the high school, but over time students in the middle school and other schools under the Charter umbrella will have access to the software as well. In addition to the software, Final Draft will be sponsoring workshops and lectures that will bring professional screenwriters to the classrooms of Camino Nuevo. Camino Nuevo Charter Academy is a place where students meet high academic expectations and are enriched by cultural experiences. Parents and teachers are leaders in helping students to meet goals. The school engages community partners to bring health and social services to support students and families. Donations for the Final Draft Camino Nuevo partnership were provided by Final Draft’s Global Voices initiative, created to connect with organizations and projects working to better their communities through digital storytelling. Final Draft works with educators and leaders of community organizations, whose sole purpose is to use digital storytelling to improve overall literacy rates, expand English literacy among English-language learners, strengthen emotional intelligence, build self-esteem, and promote tolerance and acceptance. To learn more about Camino Nuevo, Visit: www.caminonuevo.org/aboutus/ |
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 The Writers Store can be best described as a 27-year-long project-in-progress. Beginning in 1982, Gabriele Meiringer and Dan Douma founded The Writers’ Computer Store, anticipating the technology revolution that followed. What was then a small retail shop has now evolved into a thriving hub for writers and filmmakers that boasts the most comprehensive product line for the creative-minded customer. Writers Store’s website provides global delivery of books, software, education, and a myriad of items for writing and filmmaking. The walk-in Los Angeles facility has computer stations for demos, training, a product demonstration room, and special events geared for Hollywood's creative set.Today, The Writers Store (TWS) strives to provide writers and filmmakers with the best specialized products and information relevant to their success. Though still located in Los Angeles, it seems as though every screenwriter, near and far, has heard of or has had contact with TWS. A new generation continues with Dan’s son Jesse Douma, president of TWS. Jesse ensures TWS's success and longevity through technical innovation backed by a dedicated staff. “TWS team is all writers and filmmakers themselves who are specially trained to guide clients to the perfect product for their needs at the most competitive price,” states Jesse. In recent years, Jesse Douma has created new avenues using today’s technology to offer writers further opportunities to reach success. One enterprise is Writers University, an online writing school offering courses on craft and creative writing, developed and taught by the greatest educators in the field. Since the courses are offered online, writers anywhere can participate. Newer still is StoryLink, a free online networking community for writers and filmmakers. StoryLink serves the writing community worldwide through postings of events, services, and the information available to assist creatives with industry connections and craft. Jesse concludes, “Our ultimate success and satisfaction comes from seeing our customers succeed in their creative endeavors.” For more information on Writers University, Visit: www.writersuniversity.com To join Storylink, Visit: www.storylink.com |
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On the Verge showcases emerging writers who are making movies with scripts written on Final Draft software. |
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| UPCOMING EVENT: In-Store Demo - Apple Store, SoHo Friday, January 25, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. 103 Prince Street, New York, NY 10012 tel: 212-226-3126 map: www.apple.com/retail/soho Topic: Write Scripts Like a Pro with Final Draft Writing instructor Joe Mefford demonstrates how to develop your movie idea into a script using Final Draft professional scriptwriting software. Learn from Joe’s tips and tricks about story development and how Final Draft software can help shape your ideas. UPCOMING EVENT: Final Draft Attends the Texas Computing Education Association (TCEA) Conference in Austin February 4-8, 2008 Austin Convention Center, Austin, TX Topic: Connect with Resellers, K-12 Teachers, Faculty and Administrators Founded in 1980, the Texas Computer Education Association is the largest state organization devoted to the use of technology in education. The TCEA annual convention is recognized nationwide for its quality professional development, fun activities, and opportunities to meet and network with other education professionals. To learn more about TCEA and the annual conference, Visit: www.tcea.org UPCOMING EVENT: Blake Snyder’s Save the Cat Seminar in Austin -- Presented by Final Draft Thursday, February 7, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. University of Texas at Austin (exact location TBD) Topic: Blake Snyder’s Method of Story Development Blake Snyder, screenwriter, producer, educator and author, is hailed as the “new authoritative voice” in screenwriting structure, joining the ranks of Syd Field and Robert McKee. Sponsored by Final Draft, Snyder’s Save the Cat Seminar at UT will be open to the public. This inaugural event is Final Draft’s first with Mr. Snyder, connecting him with students and educators, so that he may teach them how to excel at structure and story. To register for this event, Email Rich Kaplan at: rich@blakesnyder.com To learn more about Blake Snyder, visit: www.blakesnyder.com To purchase Save the Cat books and software, visit: www.blakesnyder.com/zencart/ |
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| The following are messages from our sponsors: CineStory Announcing New Deadline for CineStory Screenwriting Awards: February 28. Join the blossoming CineStory community by submitting your script to this 12th annual competition. Winners win the year-long CineStory Mentorship Program. Big prize for the top 20? An invitation to The CineStory Retreat: an intimate exclusive 3-day intensive with nurturing active pros who work one-on-one to provide powerful script feedback, developing true relationships as they guide you on your individual career path. CineStory is proud to now be in partnership with Final Draft, bestowing its retreat & mentorship to Big Break's winners. CineStory is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing new screenwriters with unprecedented access to our mentor pool of producers, managers, agents, & professional writers -- whose goal is to help growing writers advance their craft and careers. Also: check out CineStory's Screenwriting Summer Camp, one week of with our remarkable mentors developing personal tools to construct the rest of your career. For details, Visit: www.CineStory.org Out of the Computer / Into The Industry A seminar dedicated to setting the screenwriter's career on a successful track, brought to you by Final Draft and ScriptShark on March 8, 2008 in New York City. Learn how to transition from aspiring writer to working professional by understanding the inner-workings of the industry, and pitching, positioning and promoting yourself and your screenplay effectively. Topics and events will include: Understanding the entertainment universe: How to navigate the industry's tough realities and harsh truths; Defining the writer: What can you expect, and where should you belong?; Networking lunch; Extended Pitch Practice Session; Professional panel of established industry executives to answer your questions. The seminar will be led by Lee Zahavi Jessup, a veteran of film development and production, who has worked with such companies as Tapestry Films, HBO Pictures, Trimark, Gemstone Entertainment and others. She currently serves as the director of ScriptShark.com. Early bird special -- save 10% if you register before February 1. To register, Visit: www.1automationwiz.com/app/netcart.asp?MerchantID=66621&ProductID=3906456 Aaron Mendelsohn Script Consulting Don't "fade in" to your screenwriting career ... smash cut to it! Go beyond script analysis, get expert career consultation from a working Hollywood screenwriter. Aaron graduated from UCLA with a degree in Screenwriting in 1988. He has been working as a professional screenwriter in Hollywood for over 13 years. He made his feature film debut by co-writing the Disney family film Air Bud, which went on to become one of the most successful independently-financed films of all time and has, to date, sired five sequels. Aaron's consulting services include script development from concept to final draft, expert script, character and scene analysis, and career guidance and strategic planning. Consulting services take place via phone or, for Los Angeles residents, in person. Rates are competitive and availability is limited. Mention Final Draft and receive a 20% discount! For more information, Visit: www.aaronmendelsohn.com The Professional Program in Screenwriting at UCLA The Professional Program in Screenwriting is the only certificate screenwriting program that has oversight by the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, and it is the only viable alternative to the UCLA M.F.A. screenwriting program. The Professional Program stresses the theory and craft of professional screenwriting, without the critical studies seminars and related electives that are required to obtain a degree. The goal of this graduate-level program, which takes place over three academic quarters, is for the student to start and complete two original feature length screenplays. The program begins in October 2008 and will come to a close in June 2009. Each student attends two classes per week -- a lecture class and a screenwriting workshop. The lecture and workshops are taught by UCLA graduate faculty, as well as professional screenwriters. An undergraduate degree in any field will be considered for admission. For more information, Visit: www.filmprograms.ucla.edu/screenwriting.htm |
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© 2007 Final Draft, Inc. |
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