'Short 'n Sweet' Script Contest

Love is in the air and Tennessee Screenwriting Association members are invited to submit a short script themed around Valentine's Day for TSA’s Short ‘N Sweet script contest.

Our panel of judges will select a winner to receive a prize package which includes having the winning script circulated to local directors for consideration to be produced. In TSA's Short 'N Scary 2024 contest, the winner was able to get a greenlight to produce the script and it is now in pre-production.

Short 'N Sweet contest details and the submission form is below.

'Short 'n Sweet' Script Contest 2025

Theme

The contest theme is centered around Valentine's Day, so any drama, comedy, or "dramedy" that emphasizes romance or romantic relationships is acceptable. The word "Valentine" must be used in a line of dialogue at least once in the script.

Deadline

No later than midnight on February 14, 2025 - no exceptions. Early entries are welcomed and encouraged.

Length

Maximum of 14 pages in standard screenplay format (Courier, 12 pt)

Prizes (Contest Winner)

One copy of Final Draft 13, the industry standard in screenwriting software.
One all-access pass to the Script-Com Screenwriting Conference.
A $25 Regal Cinemas gift card.
An additional extra 6 months on a TSA Membership.
Award & Trophy to be presented at TSA's Spring Social and announcements on TSA's website and other media.
The winning script will be circulated to our network of local directors and producers for consideration.

Eligibility

There is no entry fee, but the contest is only open to dues-paying TSA Members. Non-members may join TSA at the regular membership rate of $25/year and then enter their script. You do not have to live in Tennessee to enter this contest.

Contest Rules

The Writer’s name or contact information shall not be on the title page or in the script.
The word "Valentine" must be used in dialogue at least once in the script.
No more than two script submissions per Writer.
Electronic submissions only via upload and completed Contest Entry Form. If there is a problem with the form or submitting a script, contact the Contest Director.
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, pitch decks, treatments, stage plays, music videos etc.
Script must be a complete story with a beginning, middle, and end.
Bonus scoring points may be awarded for scripts that can be filmed on a micro- or low-budget.
Due to prize structure and other concerns, only material written by a single Writer is eligible. No writing teams.
Script files must be in .pdf format – no MS Word or Final Draft documents, please. TSA reserves the right to reject entries that do not observe basic screenplay format or the length and genre guidelines.
Sorry, no prize substitutions.
TSA does not claim copyright on any submitted material and the original writers retain all intellectual property rights, however by submitting an entry to the contest the writer agrees to release their material for promotional and educational purposes by the TSA.
TSA's designees have the final say on eligibility, prizes, and contest rules and reserve the right to change them at any time.