'Short 'n Shoot' Script Contest - 2026

OVERVIEW:

• CONTEST OVERVIEW:  The Tennessee Screenwriting Association’s Short ‘N Shoot script contest will select one Winner selected by a panel of Judges.
   

• PRIZES:  The winning script's Writer will be offered an Agreement to have the script made into a film, along with a $250 cash prize.
   

• ​THEME:  ​​There is no theme for this contest, so the script and story can be in any genre. The main criteria for this contest is that the script be "highly-producible" (more details below).
   

• FINAL DEADLINE:  All entries must be received by 11:59 pm (central) on June 28, 2026, though early entries are welcomed and encouraged.
   

• LENGTH:  Max. 10 pages (does not include title page).
   

• ELIGIBILITY:  While there is no Entry Fee for this contest, it is only open to dues-paying Members of the Tennessee Screenwriting Association. Non-members may join TSA and are eligible to submit once dues payment has been made.

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RULES:

• The Writer’s name or contact information shall not be on the title page or in the script.

• Maximum number of submissions is one script per entrant/Writer.

• Only material written by a single Writer is eligible - no writing teams.

• Entries must be submitted using the contest Entry Form on the TSA website.

• Script files must be in .pdf format; no Word or Final Draft-type documents will be accepted.

• TSA reserves the right to reject entries that do not observe basic screenplay format, length, deadline, and genre guidelines.

• The material must be the Writer’s original work, except for material in the public domain or published material which the author holds the copyright for.

• Scripts are to be written in the narrative form. No documentaries, industrials, poems, short stories, stage plays, music videos etc.

• Script must be a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end. No outlines, treatments, or pitch decks.

• Writers may not submit a script that has been previously submitted in a TSA contest.

• TSA does not claim copyright on any submitted material. 

• By submitting an entry to the contest, the Writer agrees to release their material for promotional and educational purposes by the TSA, including for tutorials and table reads. Winning and Finalist scripts may be uploaded to TSA's password-protected Member Portal.

• TSA and Penumbra's designees have the final say on eligibility, prizes, and contest rules and reserve the right to change them at any time.

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WHAT DOES 'HIGHLY-PRODUCIBLE' MEAN?

• 10 pages or less (fewer pages is easier to produce).

• Limited number of characters and extras (6 or fewer is recommended).

• Limited number of locations (preferably a single home or place of business. Exteriors on said location are considered part of said location.) No equipment load.

• No night shoots.

• Limited or no CGI/VFX.

• No stunts or large action sequences.

• No public gun or weapons use.

• No scenes inside moving vehicles.

• No permits or fees required.

• Locations must be something that can be found within the Nashville area.

• Shootable in one production day​​​​​​​.

• WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND viewing the Writing a No-Budget Movie Study Hall session on May 6 @ 7:00 pm cst, where representatives from TSA and Penumbra will offer some recommendations and best practices relevant to the Short 'N Shoot contest.​

WRITER/PRODUCER RIGHTS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• THE WINNING SCREENWRITER

  • Will be invited to the set for the shoot.

  • Must sign “Certificate of Authorship” and “Copyright Assignment” documents, transferring all rights to the Production Company in exchange for prize money and production authorization.

  • Will not be responsible for any fees or licensing affiliated with production or promotion of completed film.

• PENUMBRA ENTERTAINMENT

  • Is responsible for any fees and licensing associated with production and promotion of resultant short film.

  • Retains all rights for distribution and promotion of completed short film to festivals, streamers, and other online services.

• THE TENNESSEE SCREENWRITING ASSOCIATION

  • Retains the right to promote the finished film and the writer in promotion/publicity for the TSA.

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JUDGING & CONTEST MANAGEMENT:

• Scripts will be read and judged by an independent panel, using a scorecard created by TSA to rank each script.

• The top 5 ranking scripts will be submitted to production company Penumbra Entertainment, which will choose the winning script. At Producer’s discretion, Producer may conduct a short interview with Finalists to help pick the winning script.

• Producer may decide not to produce ANY of the finalist scripts. In this event, one will still be chosen as a winner, though other prizes may be nullified.

• Producer will provide brief notes to Finalists describing why their script was or wasn’t chosen for production.

• Contest Judges will score all scripts using a Scoring Sheet approved by TSA's Contest Committee.

• The Contest Manager, Coordinator, and Contest Judges are ineligible to enter the contest.

• All decisions made by the Judging Panel and Penumbra Entertainment are final. The TSA is under no obligation to provide notes, coverage, or copies of Scoring Sheets to contest entrants.

• The Contest Manager shall maintain all records, contact information, and reporting for the contest for the TSA and will coordinate all activity with the Judging Panel. The Contest Manager is responsible for distributing the Contest Score Sheet and hosting any necessary Judging Panel conferences. ​

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QUESTIONS/CONCERNS:

All questions or concerns regarding the Short 'N Sweet contest may be directed via email to Contest Coordinator Bob Giordano.​​​​​