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, 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 “informal rooms,” which are interactive sessions run by two to three mentors. Informal rooms educate attendee on topics ranging from pitching like a pro to the state of filmmaking in the digital age. In addition, attendees, mentors, and staff gather for meals, drinks, film screenings, and other special events.
Feature Dates & Deadlines
RETREAT DATES
- October 7 – October 10, 2023
DEADLINES & SUBMISSION FEES
- Early Deadline – February 6, 2023 ($50)
- Regular Deadline – March 13, 2023 ($69)
- Late Deadline – April 10, 2023 ($81)
- Extended Late Deadline – May 8, 2023 ($88)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Quarterfinalists – late June
- Semifinalists/Invitees – Mid July
- Finalists – Late August
- Fellow – Early September
RETREAT FEE
- The retreat fee for the 2023 Feature Retreat is $2,200 for individual participants and $3,000 for teams (who participate in all retreat events as a team).
- The retreat fee covers meals (a light breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and all retreat events, including informal sessions, one-on-one meetings, social gatherings (cocktail parties, etc.).
- Scholarship Opportunities Page COMING SOON
Attending the Feature Retreat
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.
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.