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The CineStory Feature 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 sessions, attendees can discuss anything from the script(s) they submitted for feedback to jump-starting their writing careers.

When not meeting in one-on-one sessions, attendees participate in “informal rooms,” which are interactive sessions run by two to three mentors. Informal rooms cover topics ranging from pitching like a pro to the state of filmmaking in the digital age. In addition, attendees and mentors gather for meals, drinks, film screenings, and other special events.

Feature Dates and Deadlines

  • RETREAT DATES – October 19 – October 22, 2019

  • Early Deadline – January 2, 2019 ($55 Submission Fee)

  • Regular Deadline – February 4, 2019 ($65 Submission Fee)

  • Late Deadline – March 11, 2019 ($75 Submission Fee)

  • Extended Late Deadline – April 15, 2019 ($80 Submission Fee)

Attending the Retreat/Grand Prize Feature Fellowship

To earn the opportunity to attend the Feature Retreat, writers must submit a feature screenplay to the Feature Retreat & Fellowship Competition. The winners, semifinalists, and finalists will all be invited to attend the retreat. Any additional spots will be offered to quarterfinalists.

The Grand Prize for the competition is the CineStory Feature Fellowship, a 12-month mentorship program, during which the Feature Fellow works with two Hollywood professionals hand-picked to help the Fellow advance his/her craft and career. The Feature Fellow also receives $10,000 as well as free tuition and housing for the retreat.

An integral part of the Grand Prize Feature Fellowship is becoming part of the extended CineStory community: meeting mentors and other writers and developing relationships that extend past the four days of the Retreat itself. Consequently, the winner of the Feature Fellowship must attend the Feature Retreat in order to receive the cash award and to benefit from all other aspects of the Fellowship.

Click here for Feature Rules & Guidelines 

Click Here for More information about Feature Prizes

Click Here to Submit

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Past Retreat Mentors

  • Mark Fergus (writer/director, COWBOYS & ALIENS, IRON MAN, CHILDREN OF MEN)

  • Meg LeFauve (writer/producer, INSIDE OUT, FLORA PLUM, THE DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS, THE BABY DANCE)

  • Susan Cartsonis (producer, THE DUFF, WHAT WOMEN WANT)

  • Brian Udovich (producer, BAD TURN WORSE, THE WACKNESS, ALL THE BOYS LOVE MANDY LANE)

  • Karen McCullah (writer/producer, 10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU, LEGALLY BLONDE, EXPENDABELLES)

  • Sharon Bordas (producer, MAR VISTA ENTERTAINMENT)

  • Keith Gordon (writer/director, DEXTER, WAKING THE DEAD)

  • Jessica Julius (executive, WALT DISNEY ANIMATION STUDIOS)

  • Joe Forte (writer/director, FIREWALL, OUT, THE MAN WHO SAVED BEN-HUR)

  • Michael Colleary (writer/producer, FACE/OFF)

  • Peter Dodd (UTA agent)

  • Marc Manus (manager)

  • Philip Eisner (writer/director, EVENT HORIZON, MUTANT CHRONICALS)

  • Adrienne Biddle (producer, STEPHANIE)

  • Chris Whittaker (producer)

  • Tani Cohen (producer)

  • Glenn Gers (writer/director, FRACTURE, MAD MONEY, DISFIGURED)

  • Bruce McKenna (writer/producer, BAND OF BROTHERS, THE PACIFIC)

  • 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?)

  • 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)