The CineStory Feature Retreat takes place yearly over five days in the beautiful mountains of Idyllwild, California. Attendees receive three 90-minute one-on-one sessions with CineStory mentors. During these sessions, mentors will give attendees feedback on improving the craft of the script(s) they submitted in advance and will also discuss with writers various aspects of the business of screenwriting to help attendees better understand the screenwriters’ role in the entertainment industry.
When not meeting in one-on-one sessions, attendees participate in mentor-led panel discussions and group writing exercises. The discussions educate writers about various aspects of the craft and business of feature writing to help writers improve their craft as well as better understand feature writers’ role in the entertainment industry. The writing exercises are designed to help writers with everything from writing visually, generating new ideas, and pitching like a pro. In addition, mentors and writers gather for meals, drinks, games, and other special events.
Feature Retreat & Fellowship Contest
To earn the opportunity to attend the Feature Retreat, writers must submit a feature screenplay to the Feature Retreat & Fellowship Contest. The winners, finalists, and semifinalists are invited to the attend the retreat for an additional fee. Any remaining spots are offered to quarterfinalists.
Grand Prize Feature Fellowship
The Grand Prize for the competition is the CineStory Feature Fellowship, a 12-month mentorship program, during which the Feature Fellow works with 2 Hollywood professionals hand-picked to continue to educate the Fellow about the craft and business of writing for the screen to help the Fellow better understand the screenwriters’ role in the entertainment industry. The Feature Fellow also receives $10,000 as well as free tuition and housing for the retreat.
An integral part of the Feature Fellowship is becoming part of the CineStory community. Consequently, the Feature Fellowship winner must attend the Feature Retreat in order to receive the cash award and to benefit from all other aspects of the Fellowship.
Feature Dates & Deadlines
RETREAT DATES
- October 4 – October 8, 2024
DEADLINES & SUBMISSION FEES
- Early Deadline – February 19, 2024 ($50)
- Regular Deadline – March 24, 2024 ($69)
- Late Deadline – April 21, 2024 ($81)
- Extended Late Deadline – May 19, 2024 ($88)
- FINAL DEADLINE – JUNE 9, 2024 ($92)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Quarterfinalists – Late June
- Semifinalists/Invitees – Late July
- Finalists – Mid August
- Fellow – Early September
RETREAT FEE
- The retreat fee for the 2024 Feature Retreat is $2,500 for individual participants and $3,200 for teams (who participate in all retreat events as a team).
- The retreat fee covers 3 meals per day (a light breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and all retreat events, including mentor-led panel discussions and group writing exercises, one-on-one meetings, social gatherings (cocktail parties, etc.).
- Click here for Scholarship Opportunities.
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.