Burbank, California (November 19, 2002) - UrbanInsider.com is honored to announce director Joel Zwick as the first judge of The 1st Annual Urban Insider 555-SHORT Screenplay Contest. Hot off the blockbuster success of "My Big Fat Greek Wedding," Zwick will be one of five judges selecting the five winning screenplays. "Having a director of Joel’s caliber is extremely exciting," said Gregory Storm, 555-SHORT Screenplay Contest director. "Industry response to the competition has been phenomenal and we’re very thrilled to be part of this unique opportunity for screenwriters."

The goal of The 1st Annual Urban Insider 555-SHORT Screenplay Contest is to discover, promote, and recognize new, talented screenwriters. What makes this contest unique is that writers are challenged to write engaging screenplays in five pages or less. The contest is open to any individual who has not sold or optioned a screenplay or teleplay for more than $5,000. In addition to the winners being selected by high-profile industry judges, cash and prizes totaling over $3000 will be awarded. The early deadline is December 15, 2002 with a final deadline of January 25, 2003. Entry forms and information may be downloaded from www.urbaninsider.com/download.php?op=geninfo&did=14

Joel Zwick began his theatrical career as an artistic director in New York and quickly moved on to directing on Broadway, Off Broadway and Broadway touring companies. Zwick went on to become recognized as Hollywood's most prolific director of episodic television, having directed five hundred and twenty five episodes. Twenty one of his directed pilots have gone on to become regular series. Recently he directed the independent feature "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" which opened in 109 theaters and went on to amass a $200 million dollar audience and still counting! Zwick is currently in pre-production for Universal’s upcoming feature film "Centerfold."

Sponsors of the 1st Annual Urban Insider 555-SHORT Screenplay Contest include Qoolshop.com and Write Brothers, Inc. (formerly Screenplay Systems) makers of Movie Magic Screenwriter 2000.