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. AIl submissions must be the original work of the entrant, and the use of artificial intelligence (A.I.) tools or software in the creation, development, or writing of the screenplay is strictly prohibited. Use of A.I. for technical terms such as grammar, spelling, etc. is admissible.
2. Submissions: Submissions must be made online through FilmFreeway. 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 screenplay to more than one category. There is an additional entry fee for each category entered..
4. Formatting: Screenplays must be formatted according to industry standards. There is a free guide to screenplay formatting on the Nashville Film Institute website. All script entries should be translated into English.
5. Cover Page: We recommend a cover sheet that contains a title only to preserve anonymity and fairness. This includes omitting your name from the script’s file name. However, we do not disqualify entries for submitting a copy with identifying information. If your file contains identifying information, it will still be considered.
6. Submission Files: Submission files should be in PDF format with the FULL NAME of the script. For example: MY SCEENPLAY.pdf. This makes it easy to identify the file as FilmFreeway assigns an entry number automatically.
7. Script Length Recommendations:
The following is based on the trends currently recommended in the industry for NEW WRITERS looking to break in and is based on distribution models and industry averages. There are ALWAYS exceptions and scripts that exceed the recommended page length have advanced and even won our competitions, so all script lengths are accepted. Any script over 45 pages does not meet the criteria to be considered as a short script based on the definition of a short film.
• Feature Scripts: 75 – 110 pages
• Short Scripts: 45 pages or less
• 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 based on the length.
8. Updated Drafts: As a script can be read at any point after submission, there is no way to guarantee that any reader will have read an updated draft. Therefore our competition takes the position to be up front about that and not accept new drafts until the quarterfinal announcements, at which time updated drafts may be submitted directly to the competition at no further cost.
Minor revisions such as correcting typos, polishing dialogue, trimming scene length, etc.are not relevant to the criteria used to advance scripts to the quarterfinal round. Scripts are advanced based on the originality and execution of concept and character with the understanding that all scripts undergo further revision before production based on the creative vision of the production team.
9. Ineligibility: The NashFilm Screenwriting Competition does not accept novels, short stories, stage plays, treatments, synopses, reality show concepts, webseries, pitch decks, series bibles, scripts for existing TV series (spec scripts), or any works that are not original including use of characters or franchise material owned by other creators.
For example, you may not enter a “Game of Thrones” spinoff based on a minor character or a completely original story based on a lesser known Marvel superhero.
If you do not own the rights to the work, it is not eligible for submission with the exception of the Stephen King Dollar Baby projects or adaptation of works that are in the public domain.
An example of a public domain author would be William Shakespeare.
Scripts must not have been sold or have a current option prior to the competition entry date. If you subsequently sell or option the screenplay during the contest period, you must inform the buyer to see if they want you to withdraw from the competition.
NashFilm employees, including seasonal staff, board members, sponsors, and their immediate families, are not eligible to submit in any category.
10. Judging: Scripts will be judged based on final scores that cover multiple criteria including, but not limited to, originality, structure, premise,entertainment value, and commercial viability. All decisions are final.
11. Entry Deadlines / Notifications:
Open for Entries: December 5, 2025
Early-bird Deadline: January 11, 2026
Regular Deadline: March 15, 2026
Late Deadline: April 26, 2026
Extended (FINAL) Deadline: May 10, 2026
Quarter Finalists will be notified by June 30, 2026. Scripts that advance to the semifinal and final rounds will be personally notified. Winners will be announced live at the 2026 Film Festival, but you do NOT need to be present to win.
12. Multiple writers: Awards are made on a per screenplay basis. NashFilm does not assume responsibility for splitting any part of any award. It is up to the submitting 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 a discounted 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.
