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 ($5,000 competition prize sponsored by Delaney Flanagan + $5,000 from Script Anatomy)
- (2) 4-Day StreamFest Industry Passes (travel not included)
- Live Table Read at Napa Valley StreamFest
(Saturday, April 25, 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
- Fiscal sponsorship from StreamFest Society
- iPad Pro (M4, 2024)
SECOND PLACE:
- (2) 4-Day StreamFest Industry Passes (travel not included)
- Script Anatomy Televisionary Video Set OR Theme & Character Workshop Videos
THIRD PLACE:
- (2) 4-Day StreamFest Industry Passes (travel not included)
- Script Anatomy Televisionary Video Set OR Theme & Character Workshop Videos
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 original and may not have previously placed in or won any other screenplay competition or film festival.
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 3 finalists will be notified by March 26, 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 the winner's 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.