Shore Scripts Short Film Fund
Shore Scripts Short Film Fund
The Short Film Fund offers an opportunity for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to receive much-needed financial support to get their work produced and seen. In addition to cash grants, our partnerships with ARRI Rental, Oscar-nominated producer Maria Gracia Turgeon, and Tribeca short film programmer Kimberley Browning elevate the films that come through our Fund through free camera equipment, mentorship, and film festival strategy.
Oct 30, 2026
15 days remaining
2 options
Fall 2026
Overview
The 2026 Fall Season of the Shore Scripts Short Film Fund will award a $15,000 cash production grant to one short script and $4,000 cash in finishing funds to one short film in post-production.
The Short Film Fund offers an opportunity for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to receive much-needed financial support to get their work produced and distributed. Our partnerships with ARRI Rental, Oscar-nominated producer Maria Gracia Turgeon, and Tribeca short film programmer Kimberley Browning elevate the films that come through our Fund with free camera equipment, mentorship, and film festival strategy.
Many of our 28 previously funded short films have screened at some of the top film festivals in the world, including Sundance, Tribeca, BFI London, Austin, Cannes, Encounters, and Palm Springs. One even won a BAFTA! Several of those writers and writer/directors have gone on to gain representation, sell screenplays, get staffed on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, & BBC shows, and develop their shorts into features and TV shows.
“Winning the Short Film Fund has brought so many gifts, the least of all being the financial support you provided. I can’t say how grateful I am for all of you and what you do for emerging filmmakers. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Alexandra Qin
writer/director of THIRSTYGIRL, Fall 2022 2nd Place Winner, Sundance 2024 Official Selection
Summary of Benefits:
- The Grand Prize Winner will receive a cash production grant of $15,000, free camera equipment rental from ARRI Rental for the duration of production, and support from Shore Scripts from development to distribution.
- The Finishing Funds Winner will receive a cash grant of $4,000 in finishing funds for a short film currently in post-production, and support from Shore Scripts through post-production and distribution.
- Both Winners will connect with two-time Oscar-nominated producer MARIA GRACIA TURGEON for project and career guidance, receive a film festival strategy package from Tribeca programmer KIMBERLEY BROWNING, and have the opportunity to have their completed films circulated to select members of our Industry Roster.
- Top 5 Finalists (production grant) will receive feedback on their script from one of our esteemed Judges.
- Top 15 Finalists (production grant) will have the opportunity to have their scripts circulated to select members of our Directors Roster.
- Finalists (finishing funds) will receive feedback on the rough cut of their film from one of our esteemed Judges.
"I would just like to reiterate my gratitude to Shore Scripts. This isn't something that I would have believed possible and it was entirely enabled by the Short Film Fund. So thank you!"
Lindiwe Makgalemele
writer/director of THE TOWN, Spring 2021 Grand Prize Winner
The Short Film Fund accepts submissions from writers, directors, and producers from around the world for narrative short films (live-action & animation), including proof-of-concept shorts for TV series and features.
Projects submitting for the Production Grant must submit a screenplay written in English; however, the production can be filmed in any country and in any language (English subtitles in the finished film are required). We are open to working with writer/directors and directors already attached to the project, including first-time directors. If you are a standalone writer, we can assist in attaching a director and team to the project, if needed.
Projects submitting for Finishing Funds must submit a link to a rough cut, scene assembly, dailies, and/or trailer. For non-English language films, please provide English-language subtitles. You will also be asked to submit a screenplay of the project.
We do not seek to obtain any rights over your script or the finished film at any time. For those who take the funding, we ask for a production company credit and access to promotional material for the short film to promote the project and Fund in the future.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR PREVIOUSLY FUNDED FILMS: https://www.shorescripts.com/historyoftheshortfilmfund/
"Getting to meet with Maria Gracia Turgeon was an amazing experience. The insight and expertise she was able to share with us about our upcoming short film was invaluable, and we are incredibly grateful to Shore Scripts for connecting us!"
Harvey John
writer/producer of TO CATCH A SIREN, Spring 2024 Grand Prize Winner
“We shot on an ARRI Alexa 35 and, man, it was such a bonus having ARRI as part of the prize package. Not just for the budget, but their team was great to work with.”
Eddie Mujica
writer/director of LOCO, Spring 2023 Grand Prize Winner
Shore Scripts Short Film Fund | Trailer
Prizes
Grand Prize Winner
Finishing Funds Winner
Top 5 Finalists (production grant)
Opportunity to have their scripts circulated to select members of our Directors Roster
Top 15 Finalists (production grant)
Opportunity to have their scripts circulated to select members of our Directors Roster
Finalists (finishing funds)
Feedback on their rough cuts from one of our esteemed judges.
Semi-Finalists
Rules & Guidelines
Each writer, or writing team, may not have earned more than $50,000 in screenwriting fees in the preceding 12 months. This clause is in place to help us support emerging talent. (Contest and Fellowship awards and writing fees received outside of fiction screenwriting do not count toward this total).
Please note that our sponsor ARRI may not be able to supply equipment if the project is to be filmed in a country where they do not operate, or in a country where production insurance cannot be obtained. The camera rental prize package is currently available out of ARRI’s New York and London offices, with additional locations determined on a case-by-case basis. Production will also need to cover any logistics and costs of transporting the camera equipment to set, as well as provide proof of insurance. Production may be asked to provide a refundable deposit.
Jury
Farah Nabulsi
Writer, Producer, Director
Kimberley Browning
Filmmaker & Short Film Programmer at Tribeca
Corin Taylor
Executive Producer at Blink Productions
Libby Peterson
Head of Development at Caviar
Oliver Shuster
Writer
Brendan Beachman
Writer, Producer, Director
Emilio Vazquez Reyes
Writer, Producer, Director
Amir Ovadia Steklov
Writer, Director
Elena Ruscombe-King
Writer
Sam Baron
Writer, Director
Nora Kirkpatrick
Writer, Director
Jones
Director
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can a writing team enter?
- Absolutely. However, both/all writers must consent.
- Can I apply for the production grant even though I will be shooting my film prior to the Winners’ announcement?
- No, the production grant is intended for projects that need the funding in order to go into production. If you submit to our Short Film Fund for the production grant, but then you end up completing principal photography while the current season of the Fund is still open, you can instead be considered for Finishing Funds. Please email us at [email protected] to notify us to update your submission.
- Can I direct my own short script if I win?
- To date, every winning filmmaker has directed their own short, if desired, or has had their choice of director. If the writer intends to direct, we may want to chat with them and see samples of previous work before making a final decision on the Winner. If the script progresses to the Semi-Finalist round, the filmmaker will have an opportunity to provide supplementary materials, including samples, at that time.
- Can I enter more than one submission?
- Yes. You can make as many submissions as you wish. We offer multiple submission discounts starting at 2 submissions: 2 Submissions = 10% Discount 3 Submissions = 15% Discount 4 Submissions = 20% Discount 5 Submissions = 25% Discount 6 Submissions = 30% Discount 7 Submissions = 35% Discount 8 Submissions = 40% Discount Discount coupon codes are issued by email and can be used for Standard entries made via our website, or on Coverfly, across all our contests running in the same calendar year. Submissions must be made before each contest’s Final Deadline and these discounts cannot be used for the purchase of submissions + feedback/coverage reports. Please email us at [email protected] to obtain the appropriate discount coupon code to use BEFORE making your submissions or to obtain a retrospective discount.
- Can I enter my script into other competitions at the same time?
- Yes, you can enter as many competitions as you like.
- Can I get a fee waiver?
- Unfortunately, we do not issue waivers directly as we feel that would be unfair to the writers who have paid to enter. And sadly, we do not have the resources at this time to fully investigate and adjudicate each waiver request we receive, and hence, granting one and not the other would also be potentially unfair.
- Can I include supplementary materials such as a pitch deck, lookbook, budget, links to my past work, etc. as part of my submission to the Short Film Fund?
- For the first round, we only review the script. If you are submitting an in-production film for finishing funds, we review your rough cut (or any footage provided) and only refer to the script if we need clarification on the story. If your project progresses to the Semi-Finalist round, we will reach out at that time and provide an opportunity for you to send us supplementary materials, which are welcome but not required. It is during the Semi-Finalist round and beyond when we review these additional materials.
- Can I still enter if I don’t live in the USA or UK?
Yes. We are open to writers from all over the world. However, all script submissions must be in English. Finishing Funds submissions to the Short Film Fund must include English-language subtitles if the film was shot in a language other than English.
- Can I submit a newer version of my submission?
Yes, you may re-enter an updated draft of a submission made earlier. There will be a small fee involved. To find out more, tap this link to visit our Resubmissions page. Links to the Resubmission page can also be seen using the button on our website's contest page.
- Can I submit an adaptation?
- Yes, but only if you own the copyright or the rights are in the public domain.
- Can I talk to someone if I have feedback or wish to make an inquiry?
Inquiries and complaints can take many forms – from issues of bias, misunderstanding, carelessness, or requests for more information where things are unclear or new. If a writer has questions about their coverage or contest submission, they can raise an inquiry or complaint with us at any time. Further information can be found by clicking here.
- Can the short film be filmed in any country?
Absolutely. However, if your short film is filmed in a language other than English, we do ask that English subtitles be provided in the final product. Additionally, the free camera equipment rental provided by our partner, ARRI Rental, is currently available out of their New York and London offices, with additional locations considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Does Shore Scripts ever have any rights over my work?
- No. You wrote it, it’s yours! We will never hold any rights over your work. Even if your script is awarded production funding through the Short Film Fund, you will maintain all copyrights and ownership and will have control over all elements of the produced short film. The production team will retain all revenue that may be generated from the produced film.
- How do I enter?
Navigate to your chosen Contest page. You will then see the ‘ENTER’ buttons or 'SUBMIT' buttons. Clicking on your chosen entry will direct you to our submission page. You will be sent an email confirmation once we have received your script and submission fee.
- How does the reading process work?
We use Scrybe to manage all of our contest submissions. Once your script has been submitted, it will be logged on our system and made available to the Reader Team. Members of our Reader Team can choose which scripts they read based on the logline, additional comments (if applicable), the genre, and the page count. Once they claim a contest submission based on these provided details, they will have access to the screenplay. All scripts are reviewed on-platform in Scrybe, meaning our Readers are unable to download, print, copy/paste the scripts, nor can they view the scripts in a separate browser, tab, or window. We use an internal rating system and written and/or verbal discussions to determine which scripts advance to the next round. The brief written feedback that is provided with every script submission will be delivered on the first announcement date. This brief written feedback is not the criterion used to determine whether a script advances. Rather, it is provided as a courtesy to all submitters, regardless of the outcome.
- How long will it take for me to receive my contest script coverage?
If you have added coverage to your contest submission, it will be returned to you prior to the first placement announcement date of the specific contest. For Feature and TV, this is the Quarter-Finalist announcement. For the Short Film Fund, this is the Semi-Finalist announcement. However, coverage reports are typically returned much sooner (most commonly within 10 business days), depending on how busy we are and depending on when the script was submitted (i.e. there is typically a heavy influx of submissions on/around deadline dates). If you would prefer to receive your coverage report within our typical 3-5 day turnaround, we recommend submitting your script for our coverage services separately from any contest submission.
- How will I be informed of competition developments?
All applicants will be informed via email, sent through the contest submission platform Scrybe, regarding placings at each stage of the contest. These results will also be on our website.
- How will I know when you have received my submission?
You will receive a confirmation email from the contest submission platform, Scrybe. Once the competition has closed, we will email everyone who has entered with all the announcement dates. We will keep you informed throughout the year. It’s also worth signing up for our Mailing List.
- I am not located in the United States. If I win, how will the funds be delivered?
- For international transfers, we use WISE. We will pay the transfer fees so that the full grant amount is delivered to the winner.
- If my script is over the recommended page count, will I be disqualified?
- For the Short Film Fund, scripts should be between 2-30 pages. Submissions can exceed the recommended page length by a maximum of 15 pages (up to 45 pages total) for an additional fee of $1 per page. If we receive any submissions over 45 pages, we will reach out to the writer requesting an edited version that falls at or below the maximum page count.
- My film is already completed. May I still submit it for finishing funds?
- No. Our finishing funds are intended to support films that are currently in post-production and need additional funding to make it over the finish line.
- My script isn’t copyrighted, is that OK?
Your script does not need to be copyrighted to be considered for our contests; however, it is recommended. You can also register your screenplay through the WGA.
- What are the Short Film Fund dates?
We run two Short Film Fund seasons, Spring & Fall, each year. For 2026, SPRING SHORT FILM FUND Opens: Jan 15th Early Deadline: Feb 28th Regular Deadline: April 2nd Final Deadline: May 2nd NOTIFICATION DATES Semi-Finalists Announced: May 28th Finalists Announced: June 9th Winners Announced: June 23rd FALL SHORT FILM FUND Opens: July 15th Early Deadline: Aug 20th Regular Deadline: Sept 30th Final Deadline: October 31st NOTIFICATION DATES Semi-Finalists Announced: November 24th Finalists Announced: Dec 4th Winners Announced: Dec 16th
- What are the Submission Fees?
- SHORT FILM FUND – SPRING EARLY DEADLINE (28TH FEB) – $39 REGULAR DEADLINE (2ND APRIL) – $49 FINAL DEADLINE (2ND MAY) – $59 SHORT FILM FUND – FALL EARLY DEADLINE (20TH AUG) – $39 REGULAR DEADLINE (30TH SEPT) – $49 FINAL DEADLINE (31ST OCT) – $59
- What do I need to include on the Title Page?
Just the script title. That’s all we need. We prefer that identifying information be removed from the title page, but not doing so will not disqualify your submission.
- What file format do you accept?
- Please enter your script submissions as PDF files. For finishing funds submissions of rough cuts and/or video footage, please send us a link to your video and include the password, if necessary. Please make sure the link does not require specific permissions, as various members of our team will be reviewing it. The most common services utilized are Vimeo, YouTube, Google Drive, Dropbox, and Frame.io.
- What happens if I option or sell my script off my own back, or through the help of Shore Scripts, before the end of the competition?
- Great news! However, you will no longer be eligible for the competition or be entitled to get your entry fee refunded.
- What if I don’t want to direct my short script?
- You don’t have to. If your script wins, we will attach the right director and producer. You will of course be heavily involved in this decision, and every other decision made in the filmmaking process.
- What sort of stories are you looking for?
- We are looking for stories that move us. Your script can be about any subject in any genre. It’s all about the quality of the writing and whether the writer has a distinct voice.
- Who decides the winning script?
The Shore Scripts Team and our Industry Judges are responsible for choosing the winning scripts that will go into production.
- Why should I enter? How will you help me?
- Our goal is to help emerging screenwriters break into the industry. There is no single way to achieve this. However, we know from experience that many writers and filmmakers launch their careers through short films. Our Short Film Fund offers an opportunity for emerging screenwriters and filmmakers to have their short films financed and produced, and create a calling card to help them progress in the industry as a writer or writer/director. For the most part, agents, managers, and producers are not particularly interested in short scripts because they are rarely sold, and produced short films rarely make a profit. However, those same agents, managers, and producers will absolutely watch short films to discover new talent they may want to sign and work with, as well as find short-form material to adapt into features or TV series. Short films can absolutely gain notable momentum at film festivals and/or online, garnering the writer and director much-deserved attention from the industry. Attending festivals and meeting like-minded people will allow you to build connections that will help pave the way for your future projects and successes. Our commissioned short films have gone on to play at hundreds of renowned festivals including Tribeca, Cannes, BFI London, Austin, Palm Springs, Encounters, and many more. The Short Film Fund provides many of the necessary resources to get your short film, web series pilot, or proof-of-concept made, including financing, camera equipment rental, script development, production and post-production advice and support, film festival consultancy, access to filmmaking contacts if needed, and more. Further, if you’ve already shot your film, our Fund is open to projects seeking finishing funds as well. Additionally, Finalists who are not awarded the production funding will still have the option to have their scripts circulated to the relevant members of our Industry and Directors Rosters who may be interested in helping you get your short produced.
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