A screenwriting retreat
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 }.
13-20 sept, 2026
calabria, italy
from script to pitch
from script to pitch
who is it for?
Emerging Writers: Who have a film idea / story treatment and need to transform it into a solid screenplay.
Mid-career Writers:Who want to refine characters, story arc and and overall film structure with expert guidance.
Experienced Professionals: Who are ready to sharpen their pitch and confidently present to producers and investors.
Creative Writers: Looking for inspiration, focus, and a supportive community to bring new energy to their work
the program
In the first part of the program, dedicated to Script Development, you’ll dive deep into your story, refining your script or idea step by step with the support and guidance of experienced industry professionals.
Then, in the second part, Pitch Coaching & Design, you’ll focus on shaping your project into a compelling pitch, learning how to present it with clarity and impact to investors and producers.
The language of the workshop is english.
JESSICA NORMAN, writer and producer
Jessica Norman is an award-winning writer for stage and screen whose projects in development include The Appeal,Crimefest!, The Healing, and Carlisle House. Her theatre work includes This Little Earth—praised as “a staggering debut”. An alumna of leading writers’ programs at Hampstead Theatre, Oxford Playhouse, and Soho Theatre, she began her career as a West End theatre producer, contributing to productions including Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.
SARA FURIO: producer and studio executive
Sara spent nearly a decade building Netflix’s international efforts, from Hollywood to Bollywood and London to Rome. As 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 world as a skilled video editor.
Our immersive screenwriting retreat is set in Calabria, Italy, along the spectacular Costa degli Dei, the “Coast of the Gods.”
Located just minutes from Tropea, one of Calabria’s most celebrated coastal towns, the retreat takes place at Villaggio Marco Polo, surrounded by the extraordinary landscape of the Tyrrhenian coast. Here, dramatic cliffs meet turquoise waters, hidden coves line the coastline, and the pace of life invites you to slow down and reconnect with your creative process.
Meet the special guest:
evangeline lilly
Evangeline Lilly is a humanitarian, actor and writer.
She has had an accomplished career in Hollywood spanning from her 6-year run as the female lead of the ABC hit series, Lost, to becoming a bonafide movie star in blockbuster franchises The Hobbit, Marvel’s Antman and the Wasp and Marvel’s Avengers.
But, Evangeline’s first passion has always been writing. Evangeline debuted as an author to resounding success at the 2013 San Diego Comic Con with her children’s book series, The Squickerwonkers, and has many more stories she wishes to bring to life in the coming years.
A self-professed “woman of faith” Evangeline’s spiritual life was always the cornerstone of everything she did professionally, and has, most recently, lead her into the retreat space.
MEET THE MENTORS
DR. JAKE KNAPIK, psychologist and character specialist
Dr. Jake brings a a wealth of experience as a clinical psychologist specializing in the entertainment industry in more ways that 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 directions and on-screen talent during production.
LIZA ELLZEY: producer
Lisa Ellzey is an Emmy-winning producer whose credits include My Fault: London, Hypnotic, Unhinged, and the Oscar®-nominated Warrior. A former studio executive at Lionsgate and EuropaCorp, she also produced HBO’s Emmy-winning The Gathering Storm and worked on Black Hawk Down, Man on Fire, and Hannibal.
discover the location
Tropea, known as the “Pearl of the Tyrrhenian,” offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history and authentic southern Italian culture. From its historic streets and local traditions to spectacular sunsets overlooking the Tyrrhenian Sea and the volcanic island of Stromboli, the setting provides inspiration far beyond the writing room.
This is a place designed for creative immersion. Away from the distractions of everyday life, writers and filmmakers can dedicate time to developing their stories, refining their scripts and exploring how to bring an idea from the page to a compelling pitch.
At From Script to Pitch, the environment is part of the experience: inspiring landscapes, Italian culture, meaningful conversations and focused creative work come together to create the space where stories can take shape.
We are delighted to bring our screenwriting community to the Costa degli Dei for an intimate week of writing, development and creative connection.
application process
A minimum level of screenwriting experience is required for this retreat, along with dedication to the craft. Apply if you have a story you want to test, a screenplay you want to refine before working on the next draft, or a concept you want to explore to see if it has potential for a feature film or series.
Applications are now close for the 2026 screenwriting retreat.
Applications for 2027 will open soon.