The 2025 TV Contest Extended Late Deadline is Almost Here!

Photo by Darko Trajkovic on Unsplash

Monday, October 7th, is the last day to enter our 2025 TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest at the extended deadline submission rate!

QUALIFY TO ATTEND THE RETREAT

Entering the contest is the only way to get the chance to attend CineStory’s 2025 TV retreat on May 2 – 6, 2025 in Idyllwild, CA. Retreat attendees receive three 90-minute one-on-one sessions with CineStory mentors, participate in mentor-led panels and small group writing exercises, socialize with other attendees and mentors, and attend other special events. In addition, attendees participate in a mock drama and a mock comedy writers’ room so they can experience what it’s like inside an actual TV writers’ room.

QUALIFY TO WIN THE FELLOWSHIP

All entrants are also considered for our CineStory Fellowship, who receives a prize valued at $9,000 USD that includes a $3,000 cash prize, free tuition and lodging to the TV Retreat, a meeting at the retreat with all mentors to discuss the Fellowship winner’s career goals and development as a writer, and a 12-month mentorship from 2 industry mentors to help enhance the Fellow’s career path.

MEET OUR MENTORS

CineStory mentors are committed industry professionals who work with retreat attendees to improve their craft and enhance their projects’ marketability. CineStory mentors include key creative personnel for shows like MR. ROBOT, THE 100, MAD MEN, BILLIONS, THE EXPANSE, NEW GIRL, THE NIGHT SHIFT, ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, THE DAILY SHOW WITH JON STEWART, I’M SORRY, HALT & CATCH FIRE, and many more. Click here to learn more about our mentors.

OUR SUCCESS STORIES

CineStory alumni have gone on to direct or write for TV shows including THE EXPANSE, PRIVATE PRACTICE, HAPPY TOGETHER, ANDI MACK, BOOMERANG, SUPERNATURAL, THE GLADES, and GRAY’S ANATOMY.

SCHOLARSHIPS

There are scholarships available for the 2025 TV retreat. To learn more about them, please click here.

TESTIMONIALS FROM 2024 TV RETREAT ALUMS

“My self-imposed deadlines are for CineStory submissions. The first time I attended this retreat, I thought it was a fluke – how can so many like-minded/hearted people be in the same place, wanting the same thing? Then I went again and it was even better. They teach you the business, the craft, unearth the real reason WHY you write, and you meet the most inspiring, GOOD people already working in the business. CineStory is about a diverse family from all over the world who want the same thing: to tell their stories. Thank you, CineStory!” Stephanie Bast

“I’d heard CineStory alumni use superlatives like ‘life-changing’ and wondered how that was possible. I get it now. CineStory staff set an open, safe, inclusive tone – including with the MANY mentors who gave so generously their time and wisdom. The CineStory experience has left me with a creative grounding that I didn’t have going into it. I’ve left the retreat with genuine friends, a supportive writing community and a stronger sense of how I can move forward.” Hope Hickli

“If you want to get immersed in all aspects of TV and Feature writing, there’s no better place than CineStory. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. You’ll be inspired… not just by the written stories of your fellow participants, but the personal ones that explain why they write in the first place.” Dave Kagno

SUBMIT NOW

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to enhance your career. Submit your original TV pilot by the extended deadline of Monday, October 7th to the 2025 TV Retreat & Fellowship Contest. We want to read your scripts!