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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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

Any rule-abiding screenwriter whose screenplay is not optioned.

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

To clear the title page:

1. Go to Document/Title Page;
2. Select all the text with Apple+A on Mac and Control+A on Windows;
3. Press the Delete key to clear the page;
4. 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.252193

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

Yes, we are not exclusive.

No, we're a feature film contest only.

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

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

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

Yes, after paying the entry fee again.

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