Short 'N Sweet 2026 - Contest Rules​ & Prizes

OVERVIEW:

• CONTEST OVERVIEW:  The Tennessee Screenwriting Association’s Short ‘N Sweet script contest will select one Winner selected by a panel of Judges to win a prize package and have their script circulated to local directors for consideration to be produced. TSA will announce the contest's Winner and Finalists at this year's Spring Social event in Nashville on February 25, 2026.
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• ​THEME:  ​​This contest's theme is centered around Valentine’s Day. We are accepting submissions of short drama, comedy, rom-com, or fantasy scripts that emphasize romance or romantic relationships. Please no erotica and keep it PG-13.
   

• FINAL DEADLINE:  February 14, 2026
   

• LENGTH:  Max. 14 pages
   

• ELIGIBILITY:  Contest 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 two scripts per entrant/Writer.

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

• Entries must be submitted as a PDF document 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. It is recommended (but not required) that Writers copyright or register their material.

• 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 submit material from previous competitions, though any script that has previously won a TSA contest will be ineligible for consideration.

• Bonus scoring points may be awarded for material that can be filmed on a micro- or low-budget.

• TSA does not claim copyright on any submitted material. The original Writer retains all intellectual property rights.

• 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’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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CONTEST PRIZES:

• One ticket to a TSA writing seminar of your choosing in 2026.

• A $50 gift card at AMC Theatres.

• A $25 gift card at Crumbl.

• An additional 12 months on current TSA Membership.

• Customized trophy to be presented at TSA’s Spring Social on February 25.

• Announcements on TSA’s website and across other media.

• Winning scripts will be circulated to TSA's network of local directors and producers for consideration.

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JUDGING & CONTEST MANAGEMENT:

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

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

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

• The Contest Manager has sole authority to intervene in the event that the Panel cannot decide upon a Winner. 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 Manager Daniel Spear.​​​​​