Short Story Film Program (SSFP)

 

Script Submissions Are Now CLOSED

 

 

CONTACT

Director: shortstory@scriptwritersnetwork.org

 

 

DESCRIPTION

The Short Story Film Program (SSFP) takes Scriptwriters Network’s monthly Creative Writing Challenges to the next level. Designed to help writers maintain a continuous creative flow, the program focuses on short-form storytelling while encouraging writers to develop and execute their unique style, voice, and vision.

 

 

ELIGIBILITY

Eligible scripts must be original works that incorporate required words and/or sentences from Scriptwriters Network’s Monthly Creative Writing Challenges.

Writers must include a minimum of two (2) past Monthly Creative Writing Challenges as part of their submission. All required words and/or sentences from the selected Challenge months must be included in the script and clearly identified on the Required Information Page, including:

  • Challenge months used

  • Words and/or sentences used from each Challenge

  • Corresponding page numbers

One (1) additional Required Information Page is permitted (total maximum submission length: 21 pages).

 

 

PROCESS 

 

Phase One

Three (3) industry professionals (Producers and/or Readers) will read and evaluate each submitted short story script. Writers will receive three (3) individual evaluations, which include:

  • A graded assessment of the first portion of the script

  • Overall written comments on the complete short story project

All evaluations will be returned in the middle/end of January 2026.

 

Phase Two

All three (3) reviewers must unanimously agree on the script(s) selected for advancement in the program. Once agreement is reached, up to two (2) short story projects may move forward toward production consideration.

Because this program may lead to a produced short film, reviewers will strongly consider the number of locations and characters to help preserve the writer’s original vision while remaining production-feasible.

Be creative — but budget-friendly.

 

 

Program Purpose & Limited Publicity

Scriptwriters Network reserves the right to publicize and forward the writer’s name, script title, and logline.

As an educational organization, the objective of the Short Story Film Program is to support writers by providing constructive feedback, professional insight, and creative development opportunities.

 

 

PRIZES

Up to two (2) winning projects may receive:

  • The opportunity to have their Short Story project FILMED

  • One (1) year Scriptwriters Network membership or membership renewal

  • A 4-month InkTip Pro Membership

  • A virtual meeting with participating industry professionals (which may include producers, directors, or program reviewers) to discuss the winning project(s)

  • Writer credit remains intact on the script

  • A one-on-one consultation with Melessa Y. Sargent, President of Scriptwriters Network

  • Additional consideration or consultation time for writers who used words or sentences from a past Creative Writing Challenge

  • Streaming of the completed short film on a partner platform, including availability on a Roku Channel

  • Consideration of other finished projects for additional partner streaming opportunities

Prizes are subject to change.

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS & ENTRY RULES

  • Open to SWN members and non-members age 18 or older

  • Eligible scripts must be original works that incorporate required words and/or sentences from a minimum of two (2) SWN Monthly Creative Writing Challenges

  • All required words and sentences from the selected Challenges must be included

  • Maximum script length: 20 pages

  • One (1) additional Required Information Page is allowed (total maximum: 21 pages)

  • Scripts exceeding 21 pages will be disqualified

Required Information Page must include:

  • Script title

  • Logline

  • Challenge months used

  • Required Words and/or Sentences Used From Each Challenge

  • Corresponding page numbers

Additional rules:

  • Scripts must be unproduced and un-optioned

  • Registration with the WGA and/or U.S. Copyright Office is strongly recommended

  • Interstate and international submissions accepted

  • Do not include your name or contact information on the script or Required Information Page

  • Personal details must appear only on the entry form

  • Industry-standard script formatting required

  • Unlimited entries allowed (separate submission required for each)

  • PDF format only

  • English language submissions only

  • Electronic submissions must be received by midnight on the entry deadline

  • Submissions that do not meet all requirements will be disqualified

Creative Writing Challenges (past information) — Click here

 

 

SUBMITTING SCRIPTS

  1. Submit payment via PayPal using a credit or debit card (guest checkout available).

    • Members will be prompted to log in to access the member rate

    • Non-members will access the non-member rate

  2. After completing PayPal checkout, return to the SWN site to upload your script (PDF format).

  3. Read and confirm agreement to the competition rules and regulations.

  4. Submission will be accepted.

  5. Confirmation and receipt will be emailed.

  6. Questions may be directed to: shortstory@scriptwritersnetwork.org

Entries occur once per year.

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

  • ❗ There are NO refunds.

  • Final results announced middle/end of January 2026

  • All evaluations returned middle/end of January 2026

 

 

NEW READERS

We are currently expanding our pool of experienced readers for our Programs; HCSP, HOP, and TOP.
For details, please contact: top@scriptwritersnetwork.org

 

 

QUESTIONS

Please contact the Director at: shortstory@scriptwritersnetwork.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER

Participation in Scriptwriters Network events, programs, contests, classes, and workshops is for educational and networking purposes only and does not guarantee employment, representation, or career advancement.