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"Breathing Underwater" by Torye A. Mullins Wins Final Draft Big Break Screenplay Competition

LOS ANGELES,CA - MAR. 12, 2001 - Torye A. Mullins from Los Angeles, CA, USA has been named the winner of the Second Annual Final Draft BIG BREAK SCREENPLAY COMPETITION, in association with Cannell Studios and presented by Express.com. Her script, entitled "BREATHING UNDERWATER," is about a young girl, orphaned by her mother's death, who returns east to live with her grandmother and three unmarried aunts. Facing a challenging readjustment in a cold house of broken dreams, the young girl holds fast to her goals and learns that real love, with all its difficulties, is the only thing in life that isn't temporary. It was announced today by Marc Madnick, president and CEO of Final Draft Inc., Stephen J. Cannell of Cannell Studios and Michael Dubelko, founder and CEO or Express.com.

"I feel very, very lucky," said Mullins about winning the competition, "there are so many talented writers out there... winning this contest has been surreal, crazy and a great honor all at once!" When asked what she might do with some of her $10,000 prize money Mullins quipped, "Since my Irish background played such a big role in my script, I think I'm going to take that trip to Ireland that I've been longing for over the past four years."

Mullin's prize package included: $10,000 cash and the opportunity to meet with some of the industry's top literary agents, directors and producers, including Stephen J. Cannell.

"Illusion of Illusion" by Jennifer LaMoureaux and "The Would Be Witch" by Pearl Englander rounded out the top three finalists for this year's competition.

"We were impressed with the amount of quality scripts that were submitted this year. It's truly a gratifying experience to give writers from all over the world the chance at Hollywood success," said Marc Madnick, president and CEO of Final Draft Inc.

Last year's winner, DAWG by Ken Hastings, is currently being produced by Gold Circle Films, starring Elizabeth Hurley & Denis Leary.

This year's judges included Stepehn J. Cannell, Syd Field and Andrea McCall of Dreamworks SKG, Jeff Okin of Metropolitan Talent Agency, Jo Swerling, Jr., among others.

Stephen J. Cannell said, "As a sponsor for the contest, as well as a Judge for the finalists, I am amazed by the top level of creative writing I saw in the entries. There is obviously a huge pool of undiscovered talent. This has been a two-year eye-opener for me. I am excited for the future of these writers."

"We are extremely pleased with the success of this competition," said Michael Dubelko, founder and CEO of Express.com. "It is important to give unknown writers around the world the chance to see their scripts end up on the big screen. Congratulations to the winners."

Final Draft Big Break Top Ten:

1. Breathing Underwater - Torye Mullins, Los Angeles, CA

2. Illusion of Illusion - Jennifer LaMoureaux, Scottsdale, AZ

3. The Would Be Witch - C. Pearl Englander, Baltimore, MA

4. Turning Green - Michael J. Aimette, New York, NY

5. Dreams in the Dust - Mike Theobald, Adelaide, Australia

6. Shut Up and Kiss Me - Scott K. Murphy, West Hollywood, CA

7. The Froggy Doo Show - TJ Lynch, Tujunga, CA

8. The Name Droppers - William F. Brown, Columbus, OH

9. Of Fools and Kings - Christopher Schaefer, Redondo Beach, CA

10. The Riddle - Brendan Foley, London, England (brendan.foley@btinternet.com)

Updated: 03/11/2001

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