A 7-day immersive retreat in a hidden gem coastal town in Calabria, 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}.
S. Caterina dello Ionio, Italy 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 creative minds to focus and immerse fully in their work.
The blend of culture, natural beauty, and traditional Italian lifestyle makes it the ideal setting for writers, filmmakers, and artists seeking a peaceful, yet inspiring retreat, away from tourists areas.
Duration: 7 days
Participants: 10 International Screenwriters
Language: English
Retreat Preliminary Structure:
Day 1 – Arrival & Orientation
Day 2 - Project Deep Dive
Day 3 - Story Structure & Arc
Day 4 – Character Development
Day 5 – Pitching Techniques
Day 6 – Refinement of story & pitch
Day 7 – Final Pitches & Celebration
All activities are thoughtfully designed and carefully balanced to provide participants with masterclasses and personalized mentorship, while ensuring ample time to focus on their individual projects. The program fosters a natural, unhurried pace, helping participants engage deeply without feeling overwhelmed.
In addition to learning activities, the retreat experience is enhanced by authentic interactions with Italian culture and lifestyle, set in a location that naturally embodies the principles of slow tourism, a deep respect for nature, and cherished traditions—all thoughtfully organized by us.
MEET YOUR MENTORS & SPECIAL GUESTS
🎤 Special Guest: EVANGELINE LILLY
For our inaugural edition, we are thrilled to welcome Evangeline Lilly—acclaimed actress (Lost, The Hobbit), author (The Squickerwonkers), and passionate storyteller. Known for her deep character work and spiritual approach to storytelling, Evangeline brings a unique perspective on creative inspiration, mindfulness, and narrative development.
✔️ Personalized mentorship & career-changing guidance by:
*LISA ELLZEY - Producer & Pitch Mentor
A film producer and studio executive with 25+ years in Hollywood, Lisa has worked with Ridley Scott, Robert Rodriguez, Russell Crowe, and Ben Affleck. She has produced and overseen films like Warrior, Unhinged, and Hypnotic, and worked on Black Hawk Down, Man on Fire, and Hannibal. A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America, Ellzey remains active in mentorship.
* SARA FURIO - Studio Executive & Pitch Mentor
Sara spent nearly a decade building Netflix’s international efforts, from Hollywood to Bollywood and London to Rome. As a studio executive, she spearheaded the development and greenlighting of international original films that captivated diverse audiences, secured coveted spots on Netflix’s Most Popular Films (Non-English) list, and garnered Oscar nominations. Before her time at Netflix, Sara gained valuable experience at Warner Bros. and worked as a skilled video editor.
*ALEX KENDALL - Screenwriter and Script mentor
Alex is a screenwriter from the UK, currently writing two feature films for Netflix including a project for Oscar-winning director Edward Berger. In 2024 he was also selected for Netflix's marquee talent development scheme 'Grow Creative' and was subsequently commissioned for the project he developed within that scheme. Elsewhere in features, he has written WW2 spy thriller Spikern for Baltasar Kormákur to direct this year with Good Chaos producing - and is currently adapting the acclaimed debut novel Metronome for Archery Pictures, as well as writing an original psychological thriller for Daniel Brühl to direct as his sophomore feature. In television, Alex is the lead writer for a six-part adaptation of Jessikka Aro’s international bestseller Putin’s Trolls which is now in late-stage development with Onerva Pictures, Hummelfilm, and KJ Entertainment.
Previously Alex has worked in writers' rooms for Joe Cornish (Lockwood & Co.), in script development for DNA Films & TV, across shows such as Shōgun and Black Narcissus, as well as films Far from the Madding Crowd, Ex_Machina and T2: Trainspotting. And he worked as a story editor on a slate of features for Netflix including All Quiet on the Western Front, Society of the Snow, Munich: The Edge of War, Troll, and Against the Ice, as well as gaining a ‘story by’ credit on German- language hit Faraway.
*DR. JAKE- Psychologist & character development expert
Dr. Jake brings a wealth of experience as a clinical psychologist specializing in the entertainment industry in more ways than one, collaborating with top film studios and production houses. From Hollywood to the global stage, he works with leaders at every level, ensuring that mental well-being is prioritized from script to screen while consulting on film and TV projects with complex characters, whether in development with writers or directors and on-screen talent during production.
✔️THE LOCATION: Where Inspiration Meets Tranquility
The retreat will take place in a charming historic venue by the beach in Santa Caterina dello Ionio, Calabria. Participants will stay in private apartments with balconies/terraces, ensuring both personal space and community engagement.
This serene, distraction-free environment provides:
🌊 Direct beach access for inspiration & relaxation
🏡 Comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations
🌿 Lush green spaces for reflection & creativity
🍷 Authentic Italian meals & cultural experiences
✔️A NOTE FROM THE FOUNDERS
Dear screenwriters,
As filmmakers ourselves, we understand how challenging it is to push a project forward in today’s industry. From crafting a compelling story to developing essential tools like pitch decks, elevator pitches, and visual materials, the process can feel overwhelming.
That’s why we created this immersive 7-day retreat, a hands-on experience designed to give you not just storytelling insights, but also the tools and guidance to pitch, present, and sell your project effectively.
We specifically designed this retreat with hand-selected mentors, curated activities, and special guest speakers to offer you an experience that blends creativity, productivity, and mindfulness in a place that means so much to us.
From Script to Pitch is an immersive Italian experience, set in Calabria, far from the usual destinations like Tuscany, where you’ll find fresh inspiration, new connections, and an intimate, supportive environment.
With only 10 participants, you’ll have the opportunity to test your ideas, receive tailored feedback, and build lasting industry relationships, all without the pressure of a public pitch.
We can't wait to welcome you to Calabria and work together to see your stories come to life.
See you there!
Francesca & Francesco
🔹 Only 10 participants will be carefully selected by our mentors through a rigorous review process, focusing on the quality and potential of their projects. This exclusive selection ensures that every writer in the retreat is surrounded by ambitious, like-minded peers and receives top-tier mentorship. If you're committed to advancing your screenwriting career, this is your chance—apply now!