The Scriptapalooza Screenwriting Competition was founded in 1998, and has generated heat, publicity and a reputation that demands respect. Scriptapalooza, Inc., along with its various divisions, was created to nurture talent and create opportunities. Storytellers come from all over the world and from all walks of life, because of the simple fact that everyone has a story. Scriptapalooza's goal: to seek out that storyteller and honor their script with a grand prize of $10,000. Each year dozens of production companies and literary representatives sign on as participants to read our winners, resulting in many scripts being optioned, sold or bought outright. The early deadline is Jan. 7, 2008, the first deadline is March 5 and the final deadline is April 15. For more information, visit www.scriptapalooza.com.

Babelgum, the free to view global television network, is hosting the Babelgum Online Film Festival. Submissions will be exposed to public rating on Babelgum before being judged by the festival jury, led by Spike Lee. The other jurors consist of film experts from across the globe, including the directors of established film festivals, film schools and film industry associations. For more information, visit www.babelgum.com.

Save the date and plan to join free webinar on April 18 when eBook contributors and animators Wayne Gilbert and Keith Sintay share their professional knowledge, personal tips and answer questions from the audience. Gilbert, animation director and writer, has animated for films, television, and commercials and is the winner of two Clio Awards. In addition to working as an animator at major studios, he has also designed and taught classes for other animators at Disney, Industrial Light & Magic, and Electronic Arts. Gilbert's book, SIMPLIFIED DRAWING FOR PLANNING ANIMATION, has been a leading resource for animators since 1999. Sintay is a senior animator at Digital Domain and a mentor at Animation Mentor. He has worked on the films POCAHONTAS, THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME, MULAN and TARZAN at Disney, and SPIRIT, SINBAD and SHARK TALE at DreamWorks Animation. Most recently, he worked as a senior animator on OPEN SEASON, SURF'S UP, MONSTER HOUSE, BEOWULF and I AM LEGEND at Sony Pictures Imageworks. Having just finished work on G.I. JOE: THE RISE OF THE COBRA, he is currently working on TRANSFORMERS: REVENGE OF THE FALLEN. The webinar is hosted by Microsoft Live Meeting. They support only PCs not Macs, and only the following countries: U.S., Canada, U.K., Finland, Japan, France and India. If you are from an unsupported system or country sign up for the replay, available after April 22.

The number one question we are always asked is how to protect your TV show idea from being stolen. In this Master Class teleseminar/webinar, we'll reveal: -- What you can and can't do to protect your idea -- When you shouldn't worry about protecting your idea -- Copyright protection myths -- Why most stories of stolen concepts aren't true -- Links to help you protect your idea -- Why you want to sign Submission Release Forms -- Do you need a Non-Disclosure Form -- Common themes pitched to all networks Interviews with: -- Patric Verrone, president of the WGA and head writer/co-executive producer on FUTURAMA. Verrone will talk about protection offered by the WGA He will share his views on if you should worry about your idea being stolen -- Marc Zicree Writer/Producer on STAR TREK, SLIDERS, BABYLON 5 about protecting his ideas (or not) -- Linda Simensky - SVP PBS Kids, SVP Original Animation Cartoon Network -- Joel Andryc - Saban, Fox Family Channel We will answer your questions about protecting your idea Date: Tuesday, May 5, 2009 Time: 8:30 PM Eastern/ 5:30 PM Pacific Cost: $49 Where: Telephone/Online (Live online streaming offered to avoid overseas charges) Register: www.HitMakerSeminars.com Hosted by Mark and Jeanne Simon Founders of www.SellYourTvConceptNow.com

The Zimbabwe International Film Festival (ZIFF) is back for its 9th edition. The event screens feature films, documentaries and short films from any genre. The films will be up for 11 coveted Mweya awards at the annual Closing Night ceremony on Saturday Sept. 2, 2006. In 2006, the festival will be bringing audiences in Harare, Chitungwiza and Bulawayo the best in world cinema. For more information, visit www.ziff.co.zw.