From Script to Pitch Retreat
Italy | 21-28 September 2025
A 7-day immersive retreat in a hidden gem coastal town in South of Italy, designed to transform story ideas from initial development into polished pitches, ready to present to executives and markets, all while embracing the principles of {slow productivity}.
What to Expect:
Part 1 | Script Development: Refine your script and/or story idea with industry professionals
Part 2 | Pitch Coaching & Design: Perfect your pitch for investors and producers
& more:
Creative Community: Work in a stunning Italian setting alongside a community of fellow filmmakers, artists, and visionaries, all collaborating to bring their projects to life.
Workshops & Activities: Enjoy a mix of artisanal workshops, excursions, and activities connected to local traditions, art & culture to immerse yourself in the region’s heritage while gaining inspiration for your film.
At the end of the retreat, participants will have the opportunity to test all they have learnt, pitching their project to a local community and most importantly, in a friendly environment.
The Location: Santa Caterina dello Ionio, Calabria
Nestled on the Ionian coast of Calabria, Santa Caterina dello Ionio offers the perfect environment for creative inspiration. With its stunning views of both the sea and the mountains, this picturesque village embodies the best of authentic Italian life.
It's a place where the pace slows down, allowing you to focus and immerse yourself fully in your work.
The retreat will take place in a charming and historic venue located by the beach in Santa Caterina dello Ionio. Participants will each have their own private apartment with balcony/terrace, providing a serene space to work, relax, and write, accompanied only by the soothing sound of the Ionic sea waves.
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Who is the retreat for?
This retreat is perfect for writers at all career stages, from aspiring to mid-level and advanced, who already have an idea developed into a treatment or script.
The workshop offers a unique opportunity to:
- Explore and refine character arcs and themes
- Find inspiration and build confidence in your writing
- Receive valuable feedback before diving into the full script or next draft
- Develop a polished, fundable treatment ready for further development
- Perfect your pitching skills in preparation for a public event
- Learn effective strategies for selling your stories
& more:
- Build meaningful connections with mentors and peers to expand your network
- Enjoy a week of memorable experiences, real connections, infused creativity & great food
EVANGELINE LILLY
Evangeline has chosen The Film Deck as her first parlay into retreat facilitating because itcombines her love of writing with her industry experience and her spiritual walk.
Mentors
SARA FURIO
DR JAKE
LISA ELLZEY
ALEX KENDALL
Local Experiences
- Movies and gelato under the stars, by the beach
- Visit town of Gerace
- Dinner by the beach with local music performers & bonfire
- Olive Oil Tasting
- Wine Tasting
- Donkey excursions
- Visit local artisans (sculptors, ceramic artists)
****all activities are optional for the participants
Why we created From Script to Pitch retreat
Dear screenwriters,
as filmmakers ourselves, we’ve often found ourselves overwhelmed by the fast pace of markets, festivals, public pitches, and meetings in bustling cities, where the pressure to succeed and create the “next big thing” often clouded the clarity of our vision.
From Script to Pitch Retreat is our antidote to that chaos.
Our mission is to create a sanctuary for creative minds, a space where filmmakers can step back from the hustle and truly focus on developing their stories.
By combining a mindfulness approach to screenwriting with the practical skills of pitching, we offer participants the opportunity to refine their projects with guidance from experienced mentors, engage in hands-on pitch coaching, and build meaningful connections with peers in an intimate, nurturing environment.
Since our first visit to Santa Caterina in 2020, we knew it was the perfect place to bring fellow filmmakers, where their creative process could thrive amidst the inspiring surroundings and at natural pace. Over the years, we’ve deepened our relationship with the locals and crafted a retreat that blends slow productivity with practical tools for filmmakers, all while respecting the authenticity of Calabria, its culture, traditions, and giving back to the community through activities that engage with local life.
If this resonates with your heart and creative purpose, we’d be honored to welcome you to Calabria!
Francesca & Francesco
How to apply?
Only 10 participants will be selected through a careful review process by our mentors, based on the quality and potential of their projects. This ensures that every writer in the retreat is surrounded by highly motivated peers and receives top-level guidance.
To apply, please send us:
- A treatment of your story or full script (if available)
- Writer’s intent and motivational letter to attend the retreat
- Bio / Filmography
Confidentiality Notice: We respect the confidentiality of all submitted materials. Your screenplay, treatment, and any related content will only be reviewed by our panel of mentors for the purpose of selection and evaluation. We do not share, distribute, or disclose any submissions to third parties. All intellectual property rights remain solely with the writer.
From
Script
To
Pitch
Retreat
21-28 September 2025 | Italy
