Want to come to a retreat?

Invitations to the annual retreat go to winners, finalists and semifinalists of our annual screenwriting contest, the CineStory Screenwriting Awards. For rules and deadlines, click here.

2012 CineStory Retreat runs September 28th-October 2nd

CineStory thanks Langtry Estate & Vineyard for its generous support of the 2012 Writers Retreat.


What's in a Retreat?

PRO WRITER PANEL: R-L JOE FORTE, GASTON BIRABEN, MARK FERGUS AND HAWK OTSBY

The CineStory Writer's Retreat takes place over four days in the beautiful mountains of Idyllwild, California. Attendees receive three 90-minute one-on-one sessions with CineStory mentors. During these meetings they can discuss everything from the script(s) they submitted for feedback, to jump-starting their writing careers.

When not meeting in one-on-one sessions, writers participate in "informal rooms." These are interactive sessions with panels of 2-3 mentors, which cover such topics as pitching like a pro to the state of filmmaking in the digital age. In addition, mentors and writers gather for meals, drinks, film screenings and other special events.

WRITERS AND MENTORS SHARE A MEAL

Past Retreat Mentors include:

  • Mark Fergus (writer/director, COWBOYS & ALIENS, IRON MAN, CHILDREN OF MEN)
  • Keith Gordon (writer/director, DEXTER, WAKING THE DEAD)
  • Joe Forte (writer/director, FIREWALL, OUT)
  • Philip Eisner (writer/director, EVENT HORIZON, MUTANT CHRONICALS)
  • Glenn Gers (writer/director, FRACTURE, MAD MONEY, DISFIGURED)
  • Bruce McKenna (writer/producer, BAND OF BROTHERS, THE PACIFIC)
  • Barri Evins (producer, BE MOVIES)
  • David Baird (manager)
  • Monica Chuo (producer/manager, NOUS IDEA)
  • Lisa Callamaro (agent, THE CALLAMARO AGENCY)
  • Michelle Sy (producer, STOLEN SUMMER, FINDING NEVERLAND)
  • Amy Salko Robertson (producer, THE OH IN OHIO, WHEN DO WE EAT?)
  • Meg LeFauve (writer/producer, FLORA PLUM, THE DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS, THE BABY DANCE)
  • Andy Cohen (manager/producer, GRADE A ENTERTAINMENT)
  • Navid McIlhargey (studio executive/producer, LOGAN'S RUN, ROCKNROLLA, PETER PAN)
  • Shelia Hannahan Taylor (producer, FINAL DESTINATION 2, THE FINAL DESTINATION, REPLI-KATE)
  • Julie Lynn (producer, ALBERT NOBBS, MOTHER AND CHILD, WIT, 10 ITEMS OR LESS, THE JANE AUSTEN BOOK CLUB)