OVERVIEW:

• CONTEST OVERVIEW:  Returning this fall is the Tennessee Screenwriting Association’s Short ‘N Scary script contest, in which a panel of Judges will select a Winner and Finalists who will win a Prize package and have their script circulated to local directors for consideration to be produced. Contest Winner and Finalists will be announced at this year’s Script-Com conference.

• ​THEME:  Horror or any horror-themed subgenre (supernatural, found footage, suspense, horror-comedy, etc).

• FINAL DEADLINE:  Oct. 31, 2025

• LENGTH:  Max. 10 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 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 TSA contests, 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:

• WINNER

  • Custom 'Short ‘N Scary Winner' trophy

  • Table read of winning script

  • Script-Com 2025 'Producer' (all-access) badge + 1 'Exec' (dinner) ticket for Winner's guest

  • ‘Writer Survival Kit’ which includes gift cards from AMC, Regal Cinemas, and other vendors as available.

  • ​One-year TSA Membership extension from current join date

  • Announcements on TSA website, social media, newsletter, etc.

• FINALISTS​

  • Announcements on TSA website, social media, newsletter, etc.

• Other prizes may be added at the discretion of the TSA Board of Directors; any changes will be indicated in this section.​

• With permission by the authors, TSA may promote Winner and Finalist scripts to its network of directors and producers who are looking for material to produce. TSA is not obligated or responsible in any way for productions that may or may not result from these efforts.

• No prize substitutions, except as approved by TSA's Board of Directors.

• Winner must be present at Script-Com's TSA Reception on November 15, 2025 to claim prizes.

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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 Scary contest may be directed via email to Contest Manager Daniel Spear.​​​​​