NOTE: This is the competition portal for SCREENPLAYS, for films go to the Nashville Film Festival Competition page.
1. Original Content: All entries submitted to the Nashville Film Festival (NashFilm) Screenwriting Competition must be original works by the applicant. If the script is an adaptation or based on source material to which the entrant doesn't own the rights, permission to adapt the original work must be submitted as the first page in the screenplay PDF. Projects from Stephen King’s Dollar Baby offering may be submitted without additional documentation. Note on the cover page that this is a Dollar Baby project.
2. Submissions: Submissions must be made online through one of our entry partners. No mailed or emailed entries are accepted. NashFilm does not allow changes to the categories after submission. All submissions are final, and NashFilm does not issue refunds or adjustments of entry fees. Each submission will be sent a confirmation email once payment is processed.
3. Multiple Categories: Entrants may submit the same entry to more than one category. Each category entered requires an entry fee for that category.
4. Formatting: Screenplays must be formatted according to industry standards. Pages must be numbered and typed in 12 point Courier font. All entries must be submitted in English. Include title only on title page. The author’s name should NOT appear on the title page or anywhere on the script, to preserve anonymity and fairness. This includes omitting your name from the script’s file name. We do not disqualify entries for submitting a copy with identifying information so if you fail to remove your name, it will still be considered.
5. Lengths:
• Feature Scripts: 75 – 110 pages
• Short Scripts: under 45 pages
• Teleplay (30 minute pilot): 25-40 pages (longer lengths formatted with acts)
• Teleplay (60 minute pilot): 59-70 pages (longer lengths formatted with acts)
Scripts will not be disqualified on length alone. The guidelines above are strongly recommended based on what our industry jury is looking for from writers looking to break in and is typical of unproduced commercial scripts in those formats. There are always exceptions - we have had longer scripts advance and win the category. A great script is great at any length. If you are a new writer and unsure about why your script runs longer, feel free to contact the competition manager for a checklist of ways to make your script tight.
6. Revisions: NashFilm considers all entries to be complete. You may not send in revisions after the screenplay or teleplay has been submitted. Advancing scripts will have an opportunity to submit an updated draft for final judging. Even competitions who allow you to update the script can't guarantee what version was read by the selection committee.
7. Ineligibility: The NashFilm Screenwriting Competition does not accept novels, short stories, stage plays, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, scripts for existing TV series, or works that are not original. If you do not own the rights to the work, it is not eligible for submission with the exception of the Stephen King project list previously noted. Scripts also must not have been sold or currently be under option prior to the competition entry date. NashFilm employees, including seasonal staff, board members, sponsors, and their immediate families, are not eligible to submit in any category.
8. Judging: Scripts will be judged based on final scores that cover multiple criteria including, but not limited to, structure, premise,entertainment value, and commercial viability. All decisions are final.
9. Entry Deadlines / Notifications:
Open for Entries: December 6, 2024
Early Bird Deadline: January 12, 2025
Regular Deadline: March 16, 2025
Late Deadline: April 26, 2025
Extended (FINAL) Deadline: May 18, 2025
Quarter Finalists will be notified by June 30, 2024. Scripts that advance to the semifinal and final rounds will be personally notified. Winners will be announced live at the 2025 Film Festival, but you do NOT need to be present to win.
10. Multiple writers: All awards are on a per selected screenplay basis. NashFilm does not assume responsibility for splitting any part of any award. It is up to the registering writer to notify NashFilm which writer will be the recipient of the awards package. The additional writer(s) will be eligible to purchase a festival badge at the preferred semifinalist rate.
12. Copyright: All entrants are encouraged, but not required to register their screenplays with the Writers’ Guild of America, East or West: www.wgaeast.org/script_registration, or www.wga.org/registration/index.html.
