My Journey With the TSA

Written by Shantell Ogden, contributing writer

Shantell at TSA's Summer Seminar, featuring Marti-King Young

When I started making my first film, I knew something big was missing. Since I was new to well…everything, I really needed to find people who understood the ups and downs of the crazy journey I was taking. 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!

Here are a few things I’ve learned in my first year as a member of the TSA.

Don’t let the cost of membership fool you... you are getting more than your money's worth! TSA's membership fee is only $25 per year. Admittedly, part of me was thinking “how good could these workshops be at that price?” Boy was I wrong! TSA's 'Study Hall' seminars were packed with great discussions, valuable insights and wonderful guest speakers who really know their stuff. Two of my favorite Study Hall hosts were Marc Clebanoff and KD Amond – both of whom write, produce and direct (their seminars are available in TSA's Member Portal). Since I’m a believer in DIY filmmaking as well, it was great to hear how they have made their own movies and overcome challenges. TSA also does Table Reads of members' scripts and there's the twice-monthly 'Open Mic' where members can share their loglines, pitches, or pages and get solid, actionable feedback from other screenwriters. The TSA also rolled out its Script School program. Script School is built around recorded class modules from instructor/filmmaker Bob Giordano, accompanied by weekly homework assignments. The best thing about Script School, though is that you work with "lab partners" who you can lean on for feedback, brainstorming, and support. These are other students in the program who have the same goal as you - to write a new feature film script in 9 months. Script School by itself is a massive value for the membership fee and everyone who wants to write a new feature script really should be participating in it.

Shantell at the premiere of her first film, 'Music City Mistletoe,' now streaming on Amazon Prime and other outlets.

TSA's special events are fantastic! Last year I attended two workshops that were more intensive. The 'Summer School' seminar featured Will Trent staffer Marti King Young who gave a full day workshop that was jam-packed with writing advice and behind-the-scenes insights on working for a TV network series. The other special event I made it to was the amazing Script-Com Screenwriters Conference, which in 2025 had a hybrid format made up online seminars and in-person events. I couldn't attend in-person, but I did get in on several of the online seminars which were mostly organized around the different film genres. The lineup of panelists was incredible - easily as impressive as anything at Austin or in LA. Industry vet John Turman's (The Incredible Hulk) advice to "develop instant empathy for your characters by putting them in difficult situations" was a personal 'ah-ha' moment for me.

TSA is a melting pot of storytellers! TSA events are attended by people who range from "baby writers" working on their first screenplay and "lifers" who have been writing screenplays for years - sometimes decades. Several working pro writers like Bob Saenz and Heidi-Marie Ferren are members of TSA, as are dozens of independent filmmakers - including me! Regardless of your own journey, you are welcome at the Tennessee Screenwriting Association! I also personally appreciated the support and encouragement I received at key moments during the year. After all, everyone has highs and lows and I always felt like TSA supported me and had my back. They'll have yours too!

In short... 2025 was a great first year for me at the Tennessee Screenwriting Association and I’m looking forward to what comes next!