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.

Date: 21-28 September 2025
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 mentorships, while ensuring ample time to focus on their individual projects. The program fosters a natural, unhurried pace, helping participants engage deeply without feeling overwhelmed.

THE LOCATION
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