Big Break International Screenwriting Contest

Description

Big Break, a Final Draft, Inc. contest, is an annual, global screenwriting contest designed to support emerging creative talent. Big Break rewards screenwriters with cash, prizes and A-list executive meetings. Winners and finalists alike have had their screenplays optioned and produced and have secured high-profile representation as well as lucrative writing deals.

Since its inception in 2000, Big Break has awarded screenwriters with over $100,000 in cash and prizes and invaluable industry exposure. A panel of notable industry professionals conducts the final judging.

The contest objective is to bring recognition to promising screenwriters across the globe, paving the way for the next generation of film artists. To create inroads into an increasingly impenetrable industry, and empower creativity.

Big Break

Deadlines and Fees

Awards

Over $30,000 in cash and prizes plus trips to Hollywood for industry meetings!

First Place Prizes
$15,000 total cash plus finalist prizes. Also, airfare to Los Angeles and 3-night hotel stay (unless winner resides in or around Los Angeles).

Second Place Prizes
$4,000 total cash plus finalist prizes. Also, airfare to Los Angeles and 3-night hotel stay (unless second place winner resides in or around Los Angeles).

Third Place Prizes
$2,000 total cash plus finalist prizes. Also, airfare to Los Angeles and 3-night hotel stay (unless third place winner resides in or around Los Angeles).

Top 10 Finalist Prizes Prizes

$500 cash
Final Draft software
Script read by top industry companies
Gotham Writers’ Workshop 10-week class
$150 gift certificate from The Writers Store
Free admission to any one 2008 Take A Meeting
One-year Script magazine subscription

Big Break

Formats

Screenplay - Feature

Genres

Action, Comedy, Crime, Detective, Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Myth, Political, Romance, Science Fiction, Thriller

Rules

1. Online or hard-copy entry forms must be filled out completely. (Digital entries are preferred.) For hard-copy (paper) entries, the completed entry form and printed script must be mailed to:

Big Break Contest
Final Draft, Inc.
26707 W. Agoura Road, Suite 205
Calabasas, CA 91302

Online entrants can also send in hard-copy scripts. Instructions on how to do this will be available on the confirmation page after completing your online entry form.

If you are not able to complete the online entry form, download our hard-copy entry form by clicking on the icon below:

Big Break Contest hard-copy entry form (PDF format)
follow the instructions on the form

2. All entries must be postmarked or electronically submitted by their respective deadlines.

3. Fees: $50 - Early Bird Deadline March 1, 2008, includes complimentary 6-month Script magazine subscription; $50 - Standard Deadline June 1, 2008; $60 - Extended Deadline June 15, 2008. Dates reflect deadlines for electronic submission or postmark of mailed scripts.

4. Entrants may submit multiple entries. Each submission must include its own entry form and entry fee. For Without a Box (WAB) online entrants, a "New Project Form" for each entry must be created.

5. Online entrants who choose to mail their hard-copy script are required to write the tracking number on page 1 of the script. You will be given your tracking number during the online entry process.

6. All submissions should be full-length screenplays (approximately 90 to 120 pages) in standard industry format for motion picture screenplays, written in English. All necessary information is captured upon entry of digital submissions, and title pages are not required. Do not include personal identifying information on any page of your script. If you are using a word processing program that automatically formats screenplays, such as Final Draft, select the Screenplay format template.

7. Screenplays written by up to two people may be entered in the contest. Only one entry fee and one entry form is required for such entries. Both writers’ names should be listed on the entry form. List the writer who will be the primary contact first, and include the address, telephone and email address for that person only. Both writers must authorize submission of the entry. By clicking Submit, both writers authorize the submission. If a screenplay written by two writers is any of the top three prize winners, Final Draft, Inc. will pay airfare and hotel for both writers, and both writers will have the option to attend meetings with studio executives and agents. All cash awards will be split equally between both writers. If a screenplay written by two writers is any of the top ten finalists, prizes will be divided at writers’ discretion.

8. To enter your script electronically, you must submit your screenplay in Final Draft (.FDR or .FDS) or .PDF format. If you cannot produce your script in one of these formats, please send a hard copy of your screenplay instead. You can still use the online entry form and send a hard copy of your script if you desire. Instructions on how to do this will be available on the confirmation page after completing your online entry form.

9. If you are using a program that has the capability of including macros in the screenplay file, do NOT include such macros. If macros are included, or if a file contains or appears to contain malicious or other harmful code, Final Draft, Inc. may, at its discretion, reject the submission.

10. Optioned screenplays are not eligible.

11. Big Break entrants retain all rights to their screenplays.

Announcements

Subject to date change up to ten days.

Discussion

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