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Contest Rules

Please read and follow these directions.  Submissions that do not follow these guidelines will be disqualified.

Contest Rules and Conditions:

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/link below:

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

2. Entry fees: $50 - Early Bird Deadline March 1, 2008, includes complimentary 6-month (3 issues) Script magazine subscription (or extension to existing subscription); $50 - Standard Deadline June 1, 2008 (does not include subscription); $60 - Extended Deadline June 15, 2008. Dates reflect deadlines for electronic submission or postmark of mailed scripts. All entries must be postmarked or electronically submitted by their respective deadlines.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. All submissions should consist of full-length screenplays (approximately 90 to 120 pages) in standard industry format for motion picture screenplays, written in English. SCREENPLAYS OVER 135 PAGES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED. All necessary information is captured upon entry of digital submissions, and title pages are not required. Do NOT include personally identifying information (name, etc.) 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.

6. 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 or submitting a hard-copy entry form, 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. Optioned screenplays are not eligible.

10. Big Break contest entrants retain all rights to their screenplays.

11. Entries will not be returned. Be sure to retain a copy of all material submitted.

12. By entering the Big Break contest, you acknowledge that contest judges receive numerous submissions of ideas, stories and scripts, and that your entry, and the ideas and stories embodied in it, may be similar or identical to other material received and/or developed by one or more of the judges. You agree that you are not entitled to any compensation or credit for use by contest judges of any such other material.

13. By entering the Big Break contest, you represent that your entry is your original work, and does not infringe on the copyright or other rights of other people.

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