Short Story Film Program (SSFP)

Script Submissions are now CLOSED!

CONTACT:   Director at [email protected] 

DESCRIPTION:

This NEW Short Story Film Program (SSFP) is a Scriptwriters Network program to take the Creative Writing monthly exercises to the next level.  The program aims to help writers maintain a continuous creativity flow with your writing, focusing on the short story format, creating and executing your style and vision. 

PROCESS:

Phase One: Three (3) Producers will directly evaluate your short story script providing feedback using a grading system for the first half. The second half of the evaluation will be the Producers’ overall comments on your short story project.  

Phase Two:  All Three (3) Producers must agree unanimously on the Short Story Film Program scripts to be turned into a produced short in order to move forward.

Please note, our Producers will read your full script and you will receive two evaluations from the Producers. (All evaluations will be returned in the middle/end of January 2025).

**The Scriptwriters Network reserves the right to publicize the writer’s name and selected scripts.

**As an educational organization, SWN’s Television Outreach Program’s objective is to better assist you in achieving your goals of becoming a better writer by providing positive, constructive feedback, and evaluations. 

PRIZES:

• We are presenting two (2) winners with the opportunity to have their Short Story project FILMED.
• Receive a one (1) year membership or a one (1) year membership renewal to the Scriptwriters Network (SWN).
• Winners will receive a 4-month InkTip Pro Membership. As an InkTip Pro Member, thousands of filmmakers can find and read your scripts, and you’ll be able to pitch directly to production companies every week. With over 3,000 options and 400 movies made, InkTip is the place for independent film.
• The winners will meet VIRTUALLY, with all Producers, at the same time to discuss the winning Short Story Scripts.
• The winners will meet one-on-one with Melessa Y. Sargent, President of Scriptwriters Network for script and/or career consultation.
• As this will be a short film, our goal is to make sure your original vision is maintained as much as possible.
  • The Producers will strongly consider the number of locations and number of characters.
  • Be creative, however, keep it budget friendly = another challenge for you, the writer.
•  Your short film will be streamed on our Partners streaming service, which can be found and viewed on their Roku Channel. 
  • If winners have other finished projects, they will be eligible for consideration to air on our partner’s Roku Channel.
• Prizes are subject to change.

ELIGIBILITY and ENTRY RULES:

1. SSFP is open to both SWN members and non-members who are 18 years of age or older.
2. ORIGINAL scripts from our monthly Creative Writing Challenges are eligible.
3. All words and the sentences SWN provided in the Challenges MUST be included in your Short Story Program projects.
   1. This short story project has a maximum of twenty (20) pages. Your beginning, middle and ending storyline should be developed in twenty pages or less – not more.
   2. Scripts must be a maximum of twenty (20) pages for your project. One (1) additional page may be used to include the following Required Information Page:
      
      1. Name of your project listed at the top
      2. The Logline
      3. Total maximum of pages, including the Required Information Page your submission will total to = twenty one (21) pages.
4. All scripts must be wholly original works of the writer or writing team, unproduced and un-optioned,
5. Submitted scripts must be registered with the Writers Guild of America and/or the U.S. Copyright Office to be selected.
6. Interstate and international entries are allowed.
7. Do NOT put your name or contact information anywhere on the submitted script or title page.
   1. Personal information should ONLY be included in the entry form, so that scripts remain anonymous.
   2. The Title is only allowed on the title page.
8. Please conform to the industry standard script format.
9. There is no limit on the number of entries you can submit.
   1. Please complete a separate submission for each script.
10. Scripts are to be submitted in PDF format only.
11. Scripts are to be submitted in the English language only.
12. Electronic submissions must be posted by midnight on the entry deadline.
13. Submissions that do not meet the full requirements will be disqualified.
14. Creative Writing Challenges – past information – click here.

SUBMITTING SCRIPTS:

1)  Go through the PayPal button below with a credit or debit card. You can pay as a guest user if you are not registered with PayPal.

–   SWN Members will then be directed to log-in with their membership info to access the member rate.

–   Non-members will have access to the non-member rate.  

2) After submitting the required information on PayPal, click to return to the SWN page, where all entrants will be directed to upload their scripts in a PDF format on the following page.

3) Read and check the box confirming you agree to the competition’s rules and regulations.

4) The script submission will now be accepted.

5) Confirmation of completion of entry and receipt will be sent via email.

6) Any questions, please email the Director at [email protected]

Entries occur once per year.

There are NO REFUNDS.

Final results are announced in the middle/end of January 2025.

**All evaluations will be returned in the middle/end of January 2025.

NEW READERS:

We are currently looking to expand our pool of experienced readers in our HCSP, HOP and TOP Programs. Please contact us at [email protected] for more details.

QUESTIONS:

Please contact the Director at [email protected]

Disclaimer: Participation in SWN events, programs, contests, classes and workshops is not a promise or guarantee of employment, and is intended for educational and networking purposes only.