Final Draft -- Events and Services > Big Break

Home > Events and Services > Big Break > FAQ



Enter by June 1st! (Extended entry June 15th)	Over $30,000 Cash & Prizes Rules and Conditions Frequently Asked Questions Event Galleries

Success Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

Big Break: When are the semifinalists, finalists, and winners announced?
Big Break: How will semifinalists, finalists, and winners be notified?
Big Break: What is the deadline to enter the 2008 Big Break contest?
Big Break: What are the criteria for judging, and which genres are accepted?
Big Break: Who will be reading and judging my screenplay?
Big Break: Do you prefer digital or printed scripts?
Big Break: Which digital formats do you accept?
Big Break: I don't live in the United States. Can I still enter?
Big Break: Can I find out more about the Cinestory retreat and mentorship prize?
Big Break: Do I retain the rights to my screenplays after submitting it to the Big Break contest, whether or not I win?
Big Break: Who can enter?
Big Break: How long should my screenplay be?
Big Break: Since I shouldn't include my personal information in the body of my script or on the title page, how do I remove or clear the title page?
Big Break: How can I verify that my submittal is in order and received?
Big Break: Can I enter the Big Break contest at the same time as other contests?
Big Break: Do you accept teleplays or stage plays?
Big Break: Can I submit a screenplay with a writing partner?
Big Break: Can I submit multiple screenplays during one contest year?
Big Break: Can I enter the same script more than one year?
Big Break: Can I enter the same revised script more than once in the same contest year?
Big Break: Is coverage provided?

Didn't find the answer you were looking for here?
Use our online form to submit your question directly to our sales team >>


Answers:

Big Break: When are the semifinalists, finalists, and winners announced?	back to top of page

The semifinalists and finalists will be announced on or around September 1, 2008. The winners will be announced on or around October 17, 2008.



Big Break: How will semifinalists, finalists, and winners be notified?	back to top of page

Semifinalists, finalists, and winners will be notified by the contest director via phone and email.



Big Break: What is the deadline to enter the 2008 Big Break contest?	back to top of page

The 2008 entry deadline is June 1, with an extended entry deadline of June 15.



Big Break: What are the criteria for judging, and which genres are accepted?	back to top of page

All genres are accepted and our script analysts do not judge by genre, or commercial vs. independent, but by the merit of the story and the strength of the writing. The readers and judges look for qualities such as craft & execution, originality, dialogue, characterization, and structure.



Big Break: Who will be reading and judging my screenplay?	back to top of page

Our readers are professional script analysts who carefully evaluate each entry and sign confidentiality agreements to ensure that your work is protected. Once a screenplay becomes a top ten finalist, a panel of notable industry professionals conducts the final judging. These stellar jury members represent award-winning writers, producers and A-list executives. The 2008 judges will be announced mid-season.



Big Break: Do you prefer digital or printed scripts?	back to top of page

We're environmentally-conscious and strongly prefer digital scripts. We accept Final Draft (.FDR or .FDS) or Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) files.



Big Break: Which digital formats do you accept?	back to top of page

We accept Final Draft (.FDR or .FDS) or Adobe Acrobat (.PDF) files.



Big Break: I don't live in the United States. Can I still enter?	back to top of page

Yes, we accept entries from every nation and territory in the world. We've received submissions from Canada, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Spain, Zimbabwe and China, to name a few. And if you're one of the top three winners, we'll fly you from wherever you live to Los Angeles for the contest awards event in October 2008.



Big Break: Can I find out more about the Cinestory retreat and mentorship prize?	back to top of page

This year, Big Break has partnered with CineStory, a non-profit organization that provides new screenwriters with opportunities to work with committed industry professionals to raise the level of their craft and career marketability. CineStory's commitment to helping writers improve their craft and gain access into the industry aligns itself perfectly with the philosophy of Final Draft’s Big Break. This partnership allows Final Draft to add to its Big Break contest prize package a mentoring component which sets its contest apart from the sea of others. While Big Break has always awarded its finalists with substantial cash and prizes, including industry meetings for the top three winners, the contest has never before offered a year-long industry mentorship as part of its grand-prize winner package. CineStory will also invite the top three Big Break finalists to participate in CineStory’s annual retreat in Idyllwild. At the CineStory retreat, writers meet with several retreat mentors to discuss their script submissions and possible personal pathways to a professional life in the business. At the conclusion of the three-day retreat, the Big Break contest winner will select two industry mentors with whom he or she will work for one year. 369983



Big Break: Do I retain the rights to my screenplays after submitting it to the Big Break contest, whether or not I win?	back to top of page

Yes, you retain all rights until you choose to sell or option your screenplay.



Big Break: Who can enter?	back to top of page

Any rule-abiding screenwriter whose screenplay is not optioned.



Big Break: How long should my screenplay be?	back to top of page

Suggested length is 90 to 120 pages. Entries over 135 pages WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.



Big Break: Since I shouldn't include my personal information in the body of my script or on the title page, how do I remove or clear the title page?	back to top of page

To clear the title page: Go to Document/Title Page; Select all the text with Apple+A on Mac and Control+A on Windows; Press the Delete key to clear the page; Go to File/Close to return to your script. After the script is saved, when it's next opened in Final Draft, Document/Title Page will be blank. To remove the title page from the PDF export: Final Draft 6: Simply clear the title page as directed above. This will cause the title page to be removed from the PDF export. Final Draft 7: Click HERE. For information on how to create the title page, click HERE.



Big Break: How can I verify that my submittal is in order and received?	back to top of page

You will be notified by email within 15 to 20 days after your submission is received, allowing time for processing.



Big Break: Can I enter the Big Break contest at the same time as other contests?	back to top of page

Yes, we are not exclusive.



Big Break: Do you accept teleplays or stage plays?	back to top of page

No, we're a feature film contest only.



Big Break: Can I submit a screenplay with a writing partner?	back to top of page

Yes, you and one other writing partner will be credited and take meetings and share prizes.



Big Break: Can I submit multiple screenplays during one contest year?	back to top of page

Yes, you may enter as many times as you wish.



Big Break: Can I enter the same script more than one year?	back to top of page

Yes, many entrants revise their scripts several times and re-enter. Some have gone on to become finalists after doing so.



Big Break: Can I enter the same revised script more than once in the same contest year?	back to top of page

Yes, after paying the entry fee again.



Big Break: Is coverage provided?	back to top of page

The Big Break is a rewards-based contest and offers cash, prizes and Hollywood meetings for the winner -- no feedback or coverage.

Big Break adds mentorship in 2008!

Coverage services
ScriptXpert info
Order Services Now

Hall of Fame Recipients

Inspirational industry leaders honored by Final Draft

Visit the Hall of Fame Galleries

Big Break Sponsors

The Big Break sponsors add value to this extraordinary contest.

Complete List of Sponsors

Sponsorship / Exhibitor Inquiries:

Shelly Mellott
mellott@finaldraft.com

WGA WEST Script Registry

Find out more