HOW YOUR STORY
BECOMES A SCREENPLAY:
A SCENIC RETREAT
October 31st - November 3rd 2024
Your Write Place presents
an exclusive 4-day scriptwriting retreat in the peaceful Tuscan countryside
(12 participants max)
...exploring how to develop an idea for a film from the initial concept to the completion and redrafting of the screenplay.
With a daily touch of mindfulness and introspection to inspire and enrich your creativity.
Our retreat is perfect for you if:
- You have never written for the screen before and want an introduction to the craft
You wrote story ideas for the screen but don’t know how to practically turn them into a screenplay
You have submitted many screenplays to competitions but never won
You want to write screenplays following international standards
You want to learn how to present your screenplay and what additional material to prepare
You need your screenplay to be looked at by a professional and want to receive feedback
You want to connect with your inner creative worth, your confidence and necessary focus as a writer
Why choose our retreat:
- To understand the peculiarities of writing for the screen and apply them to your story
- To work on your story within a small group, where you can be looked after and listened to
To learn and practice how to write a screenplay, scene by scene
To learn how to write loglines, synopses, treatments, pitch decks and outlines
To review and re-draft your screenplay
To take advantage of 1-to-1 consultations with the tutors at the retreat
To work on creative exploration, self-confidence and mind clarity via mindfulness and introspective work
To access to our FAQ webinar before the retreat
To secure a 1.5 hour follow-up consultation with one of the tutors after the retreat
It's not just about writing...
What is our emotional and creative relationship with the characters we create?
As writers, we know all too well how our inner world is connected with the stories we decide to tell.
Enhance your writing skills and make your creative process more fulfilling and insightful with exclusive sessions (collective AND individual) with our specialist.
Through somatic practices, including breathing techniques, visualizations, and gentle movements, you will access body awareness, release tension, foster presence, and stimulate the flow of creativity.
Our aim for this retreat is to create a safe environment where you can embark on a journey of self-discovery and creative exploration.
... We've got what you need!
Location
A long weekend where you can immerse yourself in the Tuscan nature, relax, and improve your
writing skills.
Small group of participants
A comprehensive writing course designed to help you write your screenplay and receive personalised help with your story.
Introspection
A gentle journey to better understand yourself
and the characters you write.
Our tutors
Inga Pelosi Leighton
A British-Italian scriptwriter and teacher, she has written and produced theatre plays, award winning short films and feature scripts with her own production companies. She is Scriptwriting Tutor at the Open College of the Arts (OU) and after completing the Script Editing Course at the Skriva Writing School in Edinburgh, she has been working as a freelance script consultant, supporting writers in making their projects industry-ready; amongst her clients, she has been working with BAFTA winner and Academy Award nominee Mr Michael Radford (‘1984, ‘Il postino’). She also works as a freelance literary translator for major international publishers and brands, and teaches English as a Second Language (ESL).
"Writing stories for the screen is a fascinating journey for a writer, with tons of resources and how-to books to access. But what happens when it comes to deciding what to put and what not to put in a scene? How do you practically use your creative stamina to write a 120 pages of screenplay? That's where most books don't help you".
Gloria Puppi
A story editor and screenwriter, she has worked as an editor-in-chief for TV broadcasters RaiDue and RaiPremium (Fictionmania, Leggende Rock), and as a second assistant director in several productions (Le ragazze dello swing, Il Commissario Rex, Maschi contro Femmine e Femmine contro Maschi, and with Nicolas Winding Refn for a Grey Goose adv). She has been a scriptwriting teacher at Anica Academy, IED, Accademia Cinema Toscana, Rete Doc, NABA, and regularly collaborates with numerous Italian film festivals. She currently works as a consultant and story editor for several production and distribution companies. Additionally, she is a national delegate for CNA audiovisual, a member of Women in Film TV & Media Italia, and she is the founder of Read My Script.
"There are no bad stories, only stories that have yet to find a structure. In this course, we will help you create a memorable one, step by step, according to what the international market demands."
Claudia Colella
https://www.yoursynergyroom.com/
After qualifying at The Sophrology Academy in the UK, Claudia has been working with people from all walks of life in the UK, Europe and Asia, helping them recover from burnout, addictions, traumas and anxiety through a combination of techniques and different methodologies, amongst which TRE (Trauma and tension Release Exercise). She also works with survivors of domestic abuse and violence, and is currently training in Integrative Counselling and Psychotherapy at the CPPD in London. A creative herself, with a background in literature, visual arts and photography, Claudia has been writing poetry since she was seven years old.
"Through guided imagery, I can help you explore rich inner landscapes, draw upon personal experiences, and evoke sensory details that might enrich your writing. Visualisation techniques can also help you connect with your characters, settings, and story on a deeper level, enhancing the authenticity and depth of your creative work."
The programme
🗓️DAY 1
Thursday 31 October
💡 What is my story about?
Morning: we will explore the foundational elements required to create a solid and dramatically-focused story concept for a film and we will discuss how to write a logline, a premise, a synopsis and a treatment.
Lunch break
Afternoon: we will practice writing synopses and loglines for our stories, with the help of examples and handouts, paying attention to language clarity, conciseness and structure.
🗓️DAY 2
Friday 1 November
✒️ How do I write a screenplay?
Morning: we will look at screenplay formatting with software that can help us present our work to the international film industry. We will then study how to practically structure and write a scene, what the role of dialogue is and how to write action and descriptions.
Lunch break
Afternoon: we will open the discussion on doubts, observations and writing practices. Participants will be able to book a 45-minute 1-to-1 session with the teachers to discuss their own project.
🗓️DAY 3
Saturday 2 November
📽️ Does my story work?
Morning: we will explore structure and some of the most used narrative devices in scriptwriting, along with touching on genre and methodologies on how to review and redraft our own screenplays.
Lunch break
Afternoon: we will open the discussion on doubts, observations and writing practices. Participants will be able to book a 45-minute 1-to-1 session with the teachers to discuss their own project.
🗓️DAY 4
Sunday 3 November
💰 How do I sell my story?
Morning: we will look at what pitching our story means, why it is a skill every writer should learn, along with the crucial role of a pitch deck. A final practice session with Q&A will follow.
Lunch break
EACH DAY WILL START AND END WITH A COLLECTIVE MINDFUL SESSION!
WE'RE WAITING FOR YOU HERE
How to reach us
Casa Cares is a holiday home near Florence, in the town of Reggello, surrounded by vineyards, olive orchards and woods.
Villa I Graffi is situated at the base of the Pratomagno ridge, at an important crossroads of history, halfway between Florence, Arezzo and Siena. It is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a relaxing holiday among the hills of Tuscany and not far from the main cultural and artistic cities.
How to reach:
BY CAR
State Road from Florence: Take SR 69 southbound following signs for Pontassieve. After passing Pontassieve, turn left at the junction towards Vallombrosa/Donnini after approximately 6 km. Follow the signs for Donnini and then turn right towards Reggello. Once you pass San Donato in Fronzano, you will find the Casa Cares sign on the left.
Highway (A1): Exit at the Incisa Reggello toll booth and follow the signs for Reggello. After passing through the town, follow the signs for Donnini/Vallombrosa. Once you pass the hamlet of Pietrapiana, follow the signs for Donnini. About 1 km from the junction, you will find the Casa Cares sign on the right.
BY TRAIN
From Florence Santa Maria Novella, take a regional train for about 30 minutes to reach Sant’Ellero Station (5 km from the facility). From there, you can take the Colbus bus which will bring you to Casa Cares. It is also possible to request a taxi service by contacting the reception.
PRICING
EARLY BIRD
699€
Online payment
by September 15th
REGULAR
899€
Online payment
September 16th - October 15th
LATE
1099€
Online payment
October 16th - October 30th
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
✅ All screenwriting classes
✅ All collective mindfulness sessions with the tutor
✅ All lunches and mini-breaks
✅ Digital handouts
✅ A 1-to-1 screenwriting session with one of the tutors
✅ A 1-to-1 mindful/introspective session with the tutor
✅ Special access to our FAQ free webinar in September
✅ A 1.5h follow-up session with one tutor of your choice after the retreat
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
❌ Accommodation (see list of possible accommodation in the area)
❌ Transport
❌ Breakfast and dinner (they can be booked and paid for separately at location)
❌ Extra drinks
F.A.Q.
All three teachers are fluent in Italian and in English, so the language for the collective sessions will depend on the languages spoken by the participants; if you all speak Italian, we will carry out the sessions in Italian, otherwise we will use English as a common language. For this reason and because most screenplay examples will be in English, we highly recommend that all participants have a good understanding of spoken and written English language. The 1-to-1 sessions will be in the language of choice of the participant.
We believe that the best writing happens when we work in small groups; many workshops offer great content but they are unable to give each writer proper space, attention and practical advice. At our retreat, each writer accesses the collective sessions and has the chance to work with the tutors 1-to-1.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer a refund but, after the retreat we will convert your purchase into screenwriting consultancy, translation or other creative services with us.
Yes! In fact, we would like you to send us a 2-page story idea (short film or feature film, no TV series) prior to the retreat so we have a better understanding of what you are working on. The story idea can be in Italian or in English, depending on which language you feel more comfortable writing in.
We will provide notepads and pens, but you can also bring your laptop if you are more comfortable working with that. WI-FI is available throughout the building. The retreat is in a very relaxing and relaxed location, immersed in nature, so we recommend you wear comfortable clothing. You are also welcome to bring an exercise/yoga mat or a blanket as some of the introspective practice might be carried out lying down.
The sessions require no equipment, but we recommend you bring an exercise/yoga mat or a blanket as some of the introspective practice might be carried out lying down. The sessions are gentle and suitable to all levels of fitness.
After you’ve purchased, you will receive an email later on in the summer with the link to the September FAQ webinar and access to the calendar of the retreat where you can book your 1-to-1 sessions.
We highly recommend that you have a good understanding of spoken and written English language. It’s also useful if you are already familiar with scriptwriting software, although we will explore formatting and rules during the retreat.
We will be hosting an FAQ webinar in September with the purpose of answering questions and allowing people to get to know us. If you would like to be included, please email us at [email protected].
In the event of us having to cancel the retreat, we offer all participants the option to receive a full refund of their purchase or conversion into screenwriting consultancy, translation, or other creative services with us.
Find your right place
with Your Write Place
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Have a great day!
