CineStory Foundation has always believed in helping writers find their voice. We’re entering a world in which the ways to tell stories are limitless. Those stories always begin with a blank page. Our goal with the Television Retreat is to assist writers achieve their dreams, whether they long for the collaborative nature of television or they’re determined to go out on their own to create their own web series.
Structured like the CineStory Feature Retreat, the CineStory Television Retreat takes place over three days in the beautiful mountains of Idyllwild, California. Attendees receive three one-on-one, one and a half hour sessions with CineStory mentors during which they can discuss everything from the project they submitted for feedback to jump starting their writing careers.
TV writers will experience what it’s like to sit in a professional writers room run by an experienced mentor. In addition, mentors and writers will gather for meals, drinks, screenings, and other special events.
TV Dates, Deadlines & Divisions
RETREAT DATES
- March 20 – March 23, 2021
DEADLINES & SUBMISSION FEES
- Early Deadline – June 14, 2020 ($55)
- Regular Deadline – July 12, 2020 ($65)
- Late Deadline – August 31, 2020 ($75)
- Extended Late Deadline – October 12, 2020 ($85)
ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Top 50 Writers – Mid-December
- Top 25 Writers/Invitees – Mid-January
- Finalists – Early February
- Fellowship Winner – Late February
TV DIVISIONS
- Original Drama – 1 hour series
- Original Comedy – 30 minute series
- Original Sci Fi/Fantasy – 1 hour series
- Original Children/Family – 30 min series
Pilots only. For division details, please visit our TV Submissions page.
Attending the TV Retreat
To earn the opportunity to attend the TV Retreat, writers must submit an original pilot episode teleplay in one of the TV divisions of the TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest. The division winners and finalists will be invited to attend the retreat. Any remaining spots will be offered to category semifinalists and quarterfinalists.
TV Grand Prize Fellowship
The Grand Prize for the competition is the CineStory TV Fellowship, a 12-month mentorship program during which the TV Fellow works with 2 Hollywood professionals hand-picked to help the Fellow advance the Fellow’s craft and career. The TV Fellow also receives $1,000 as well as free tuition and housing for the retreat.
An integral part of the TV Fellowship is becoming part of the extended CineStory community, meeting mentors and other writers and developing relationships that extend past the 4 days of the Retreat itself. Consequently, the winner of the TV Fellowship must attend the Television Retreat in order to receive the cash award and to benefit from all other aspects of the Fellowship.
