The Big Short | A Short Script Competition
Presented by Napa Valley StreamFest in partnership with Script Anatomy

The Big Short is a short screenplay competition seeking production-ready short scripts that are ready to move from page to screen.

Open to writers 18 and older, the competition invites original short film scripts (15 pages max, any genre) that demonstrate bold storytelling, industry-standard formatting, and—most importantly—real-world producibility. We are actively looking for shorts that are ready to be funded and shot in Fall 2026.

The winning script will receive $10,000 in funding, mentorship from Script Anatomy, and a live table read at Napa Valley StreamFest. The winning script will be fiscally sponsored by StreamFest Society 501c3. Mentorship and production support from Ashella Productions, with the goal of taking the project into active production fall 2026.

Finalists will be announced in late March, with the winner celebrated live at Napa Valley StreamFest (April 23–26, 2026).

If you’ve written a short you’re ready to make—not someday, but soon—this is your moment.

Awards & Prizes

WINNER:
- $10,000 total cash award
- (2) 4-Day StreamFest Industry Passes (travel not included)
- Live Table Read at Napa Valley StreamFest 2026
(Saturday, April 25, 12:30 PM during a festival commercial break)
- 1-on-1 Zoom Mentorship with Kevin Townsley (Script Anatomy)
Includes a full script read and notes prior to the meeting
- Script Anatomy Feature Development Lab and Short Film Workshop (via Zoom)
- Fiscal sponsorship for you short from StreamFest Society
- Line Producer to create your short film budget
- iPad Pro (M4, 2024)
- Final Draft 13

SECOND PLACE:
- (2) 4-Day StreamFest Industry Passes (travel not included)
- Script Anatomy Televisionary Video Set OR Theme & Character Workshop Videos
- iPad Air
- Final Draft 13

THIRD PLACE:
- (2) 4-Day StreamFest Industry Passes (travel not included)
- Script Anatomy Televisionary Video Set OR Theme & Character Workshop Videos
- Final Draft 13

Rules & Terms

Here’s How It’s Gonna Work:
Once submissions close on March 16th, we’ll read every single one—yes, really.

Eligibility:
Open to writers 18 years of age or older at the time of submission.

Original Work:
Scripts must be the screenwriters original work.

Format & Length:
– Short film scripts only
– Any genre
– 15 pages maximum
– Must be formatted to industry standards

Submission Dates & Fees:
– Submissions open: February 2, 2025
– Early Bird Deadline: February 14, 2025 — $10
– Final Deadline: March 16, 2025 — $20

Judging Criteria:
Scripts will be evaluated based on storytelling, clarity of vision, formatting, and producibility.

Notification:
The Top 10 finalists will be notified by March 31, 2025.

Rights, Credit & Production:
Writers retain full ownership of their scripts.
By submitting, entrants grant Napa Valley StreamFest and Script Anatomy permission to use the writer’s name, script title, and brief excerpts for promotional purposes only.
The winning script will be fiscally sponsored and produced by StreamFest Society.
Napa Valley StreamFest and Script Anatomy will receive on-screen producer credits on the final film, in addition to any standard festival acknowledgments.

Table Read:
Participation in the live table read requires winner availability during the festival dates. *No travel or lodging is included.

Disqualification:
Submissions that do not meet eligibility, formatting, or originality requirements may be disqualified without refund.

We’re here to support and uplift your creative journey—and we take your trust seriously.
6 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Shariq Khan

    Though my script reached the Quarter Final, it was a valuable experience. Better luck to me next time. I truly appreciate the efforts of the Napa Valley Film Festival team for creating such a great platform for filmmakers and writers. Wishing the festival continued success.

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Joe Leone

    I greatly appreciate the recognition of Short Screenplay - Detention: Room 107 as a Finalist. Due to unforseen medical situation, I was unable to attend the festival this year. However, I hope to join in the festivities next year. The event appeared to be very well received🫵🏻💥✌🏻

    April 2026
    Helpful
  • Kevin McDevitt

    Was honored to have my new short script, "PickleHeads" selected as a Finalist for Napa Valley StreamFest's Big Short contest! I don't enter a lot of writing contests, but I was submitting "Bike Short" to their very excellent film festival and saw there was the potential for a Live Read at StreamFest--had to try, and I'm glad I did because it resulted in this little baby script getting some helpful positive attention. "PickleHeads" will be going into production soon and we hope to make it to Napa in person next year!! I heard the real life Napa Boys were there...

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hey Kevin! thanks for the review! We'd love to consider "PickleHeads" for next years fest!

  • Sherri Z. Heller

    A very classy, fun event. Genuinely well-made films and actually helpful, informative speakers. Comfortable, fun locations. The event for screenwriters was particularly useful. Great networking; will be staying in touch with people I met there. The two hosts really know what they’re doing.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Thanks so much Sherri! Great to have you!

  • Alan Walsh

    “Window to His Soul,” my new short script currently in development, has been selected as a Semi‑Finalist in the Napa Valley StreamFest – The Big Short Script Competition 2026. A tale of love, endurance, and the fragile line between hope and illusion, this story continues to find its way — and I’m deeply grateful to Napa Valley StreamFest for recognising and supporting the work at this stage — and wish the festival many years of success.

    April 2026
    Helpful
    Response from festival:

    Hey Alan! Thanks for the review and the well wishes!