The latest trend in Hollywood is The Rise of the YouTube Filmmaker©, as evidenced by the recent success of the horror films Iron Lung, Obsession, and Backrooms - all of which had their origins on YouTube.

I wanted to share some of the amazing success stories that members of the Tennessee Screenwriting Association have had in the first half of 2026.

The Tennessee Screenwriting Association is excited to announce a new script contest in partnership with Penumbra Entertainment... the 'Short 'N Shoot' contest! The winner could have their script produced and win a cash prize!

Writing "we see" in a script is something we're told to avoid, yet "we see" it all the time in produced screenplays. The move "Send Help" is an example. But does it help the screenplay or take you out of the action?

What would success as a screenwriter look like to you?

When I started making my first film, I craved a community where I could both learn and share experiences. After checking out options in the Nashville area, I decided to join the Tennessee Screenwriting Association. It was one of the best decisions I’ve made as a filmmaker!

A new video on the TSA’s YouTube channel by author and writing instructor Ley Esses explores techniques on giving and getting feedback on screenplays and story.

My Substack interview with the man who wrote Ay-ay-ron for Key & Peele https://open.substack.com/pub/gailemoss/p/rich-talarico-the-man-behind-ay-ay?utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

So we all know one of the best ways to learn about screenwriting is to read screenplays. Especially Oscar nominated screenplays. And the wonderful John August makes them available on his app. I got the news about this thru his newsletter.. Check out the link below. I will be reading them all. https://blog.quoteunquoteapps.com/get-ready-for-the-oscars-with-the-2025-weekend-read-awards-collection/

One thing is true: writing a screenplay on a low- or micro-budget improves the odds that your script will be read, optioned, purchased, or if you're really lucky... filmed.

I hate "The Shawshank Redemption." There. I said it.

At this year's Spring Social, writer Brooke Mihalek won the Tennessee Screenwriting Association's 'Short 'N Sweet' script contest with her romantic drama, "One Last Ride."

In my latest blog, I look at women helping women in the entertainment industry, including Joy Kimbrough and TSA's Melissa Sheridan.

Check out my interview with screenwriters Phil Hudson and Kevin Lewandowski from Rook Digital who explain how your followers on social media could actually help you break into the business.

When we learned that "Samurai" - episode 103 of the Fox crime drama series 'Memory of a Killer' - was co-written by TSA Board member Heidi-Marie Ferren, we sprang into action and not even Nashville's recent Ice-pocalypse could stop us!

Tennessee Screenwriting Association members are invited to submit a short script themed around Valentine’s Day and romance for TSA’s Short ‘N Sweet Script Contest!

What will your screenwriting goal be in 2026? If you haven’t already given that question some serious thought - or even if you have - I would like to present you with the TSA Challenge for 2026…

On December 13, the Tennessee Screenwriting Association held its Annual Meeting in West Nashville prior to the Holiday Party.

The Tennessee Screenwriting Association continues its celebration of TSA members who thrived in ‘25 by hosting table reads of scripts that placed in the finalist rounds of this year’s Short ‘N Scary competition.

As we celebrate with friends and family over the next few days, I just wanted to say how thankful I am for all the amazing people I got to meet and work with since this time last year.