The 26th "A Place Called Sacramento" Script Competition & Short Film Incubator
We proudly invite you to participate in Access Sacramento’s 26th “A Place Called Sacramento” (PCS) scriptwriting competition and short film incubator for local writers and producers. PCS challenges local screenwriters to write ten-minute scripts about the people, places, and events that make our county community such a unique place to live. All submitted scripts are reviewed by local professionals, and ten winners are selected. Script submission deadline through midnight, Monday, March 9, 2026 (electronic submission) or 5 pm (in person delivery at Access Sac office, Coloma Community Center).
The ten (10) screenwriters/producers are then introduced to actors and production teams at the PCS “Volunteer Cast and Crew Call,” Wednesday, May 6, 2026, 6:00 – 8 pm.
Production teams are formed and production commences during the summer months. Finally, friends gather at the Red Carpet Film Premiere at the CREST Theater on Friday, October 16, 2025 at 7:00 pm (doors open at 6:00 pm).
Script Submission Deadline:
5:00 pm if submitted in-person to the Access Sacramento office OR by midnight if submitted electronically on Monday, March 9, 2026 through the button link here.
Ready to submit your script?
Incubator Workshops
Short-Form Script Writing Workshop
You need a script. So now what do you do? This workshop will get you up and writing that screenplay in just 2 Saturdays. Dawn is a celebrated screenwriter and we recommend this course to first-timers and veterans alike. Polish up that script!
Instructor: Dawn Spinella
Member Cost: $75
Total Workshop Session: This workshop consists of a two, 2-hour sessions.
Dates/Times: Saturdays, January 31st and February 7th, 2026, 10 am – Noon, Access Sacramento digital media lab, Coloma Community Center, 4623 T Street, Sacramento.
Call the office at 916.456.8600 to sign up.
Making a Short Film Workshop
You have a script. So now what do you do? This workshop samples script breakdown, highlights scheduling, discusses managing expectation–all of the production realities for a beginner filmmaker.
Instructor: Carlos Hernandez
Member Cost: $20
Non-member Cost: $35
Total Workshop Session: This workshop consists of a single three-hour session.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 21st at Access Sacramento in the Coloma Community Center, 4623 T Street, Sacramento.
Call the office at 916.456.8600 to sign up.
Camera Ready Make-up Basics
Bunny Stewart teaches this fun, hand-on workshop where you learn how to apply camera ready make-up. Plan on getting your make-up done and on doing another student’s make-up. This area needs more trained make-up artists on set which could be you!
Instructor: Bunny Stewart
Member Cost: $40
Non-member Cost: $50
Total Workshop Sessions: This workshop consists of a single four-hour session.
Date/Time: Saturday, May 16th, 1 – 5 pm at Access Sacramento in the Coloma Community Center, 4623 T Street, Sacramento
Call the office at 916.456.8600 to sign up.
Check out the complete list of workshops available. Others include Lighting Basics, How to Shoot Video with your Phone, Field Production, Editing in Adobe Premire Pro, and how to use a green screen. Check out the Get Involved/Classes and Workshops section of this website for complete updated listing. To enroll in any of the PCS workshops, call (916) 456-8600 x0. Advance enrollment is required. Limited registration.
Hosting the PCS screenwriting competition since 1999, 244 short films have been created. Access Sacramento is a nonprofit that provides the community with low-cost media tools and training in order to empower all Sacramento County residents to lift their voices.