Scriptwriters Network's Short Story Film Program

Objective

The Short Story Film Program (SSFP) takes our monthly Creative Writing exercises to the next level (Check our website for monthly Creative Writing Challenges). The program aims to help writers maintain a continuous creative flow with your writing, focusing on the short story format, creating and executing your unique style, voice and vision.

Deadline/Entry Fees

Deadline	Date Days till:	Entry Fee
Final	September 30, 2025 15	See website.

See website.

Notification: Mid-January 2026

Eligibility

See website.

Rules

• SSFP is open to both SWN members and non-members who are 18 years of age or older.
• ORIGINAL scripts created from our monthly Creative Writing Challenges are eligible.
• All words and the sentences SWN provided in the Challenges MUST be included in your Short Story Program projects.
• 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.
• Scripts must be a maximum of twenty (20) pages for your project. HOWEVER, One (1) additional page may be used to include the following on the Required Information Page:
• Name of your project listed at the top – Title of your script
• The Logline – after the title
• If you used words and sentences from our monthly Creative Writing Challenge, enter the challenge month and also the words and the sentence that were used and provide page numbers.

-Total maximum of pages, including the Required Information Page your submission will total to is twenty one (21) pages. Do NOT submit scripts with more than 21 pages – they will be disqualified. -All scripts must be wholly original works of the writer or writing team, unproduced and un-optioned. -Submitted scripts must/should be registered with the Writers Guild of America and/or the U.S. Copyright Office to be selected. -Interstate and international entries are allowed. -Do NOT put your name or contact information anywhere on the submitted script or Required Information Page. -Personal information should ONLY be included on the entry form, so that scripts remain anonymous to the Producers. -Please conform to the industry standard script format. -There is no limit on the number of Short Story entries you can submit. -A separate submission must be completed for each Short Story script entry. -Scripts are to be submitted in PDF format only. -Scripts are to be submitted in the English language only. -Electronic submissions must be posted by midnight on the entry deadline. -Submissions that do not meet the full requirements or are submitted incorrectly will be DISQUALIFIED = MAKE sure to read the instructions/rules. -Creative Writing Challenges – past information – click here.

Awards

• We are presenting up to two (2) winners 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 three Producers, at the same time, to discuss the winning Short Story Scripts.
• Your name will remain as the writer on the script
• The winners will meet one-on-one with Melessa Y. Sargent, President of Scriptwriters Network for script and/or career consultation.
• Let us know that you used words and sentences from one of our past monthly challenges for an additional prize and/or time with Ms. Sargent.
• 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.