Our Mission
Who CineStory Is
Founded in 1995, the CineStory Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mentoring organization dedicated to mentoring talented emerging screenwriters and television writers who might not otherwise gain entry into the entertainment industry and educating them via mentorship, retreats, and fellowships. These mentoring programs are designed for emerging writers with a high level of craft who are ready to enter or are in the early stages of navigating the entertainment industry.
CineStory has been named one of the best screenwriting contests by Moviebytes, Script Reader Pro, The Script Lab, and elsewhere.
What CineStory Does
CineStory runs two annual contests, one for screenwriters and one for TV writers, through which it provides writers the opportunity to attend retreats in Idyllwild, California. Our aim is to provide a supportive environment in which writers can push their creative boundaries and learn how to improve their writing craft while also learning about the business side of film or television writing to help them better understand writers’ roles in the entertainment industry.
Whether a story explores dark indie fare or dishes out blockbuster action, CineStory’s primary focus is on the craft of screenwriting and TV writing. Our retreats are geared toward educating attendees about how to improve their writing craft. Retreat attendees are paired with industry professionals for one-on-one feedback sessions and also attend specialized panel discussions to educate them about the craft and business of writing for the screen. There is one winner of each competition who, in addition to attending the retreat for free, receives a cash award and a one year educational mentorship with two industry professionals who will continue to educate the fellow about the craft and business of writing for the screen.
CineStory is solely a nonprofit educational organization. It is not a talent representation service of any kind. It does not, nor does it seek to, manage and/or direct the development of writers’ careers in any way. Additionally, it does not, nor does it seek to, procure representation and/or employment of any kind for writers. Its sole purpose is to educate emerging writers about the craft and business of writing for the screen.