Send Mel to Cinestory & Tavitelling

In  a leap of faith last March, I submitted my very first feature script, "Little, but Fierce," for a chance to attend the prestigious CineStory writer's retreat . 

Yesterday, I was honored to learn I have been invited to attend!!

"Little, But Fierce," is the story of an anal-retentive lesbian producer and her easygoing wife who struggle to have a child.  Along the way, they discover that by definition, life is always out of control.

For those of you who know me personally, it will be clear that the script is based on myself, Vickie and Tavi and our TTC journey.  

Once a year, CineStory invites 25 up-and-coming screenwriters to Idyllwild, California, for an immersive four-day workshop with film producers, managers, and agents.

This retreat is a potential game-changer for me in my quest to transform from aspiring screenwriter to working screenwriter/director.

What it covers:
$1775 - Tuition
$800- Lodging

The Opportunity
At CineStory, I will receive:

• 3 x 90-minute one-on-one mentor sessions to discuss my script and portfolio submissions, career path, craft etc.
• Over 15 hours of 'informal room' discussions/panels on everything from pitching to working with an agent
• Special events, including a filmmaker Q&A screening (Past guests have included John August, Karen McCullah, Meg LeFauve and Lorien McKenna.)

For 4 days, I will have one-on-one access to real working industry professionals.  CineStory is truly dedicated to the advancement of great new screenwriters and our track record in this area speaks for itself. You can check out some of our alumni success stories here .

Past retreat mentors include: Mark Fergus, Hawk Ostby, writer/director Joe Forte (FIREWALL, OUT), producer Nana Greenwald (SEVEN), producer Michelle Sy (FINDING NEVERLAND), producer and former head of Jodie Foster's production company MEG LEFAUVE (Pixar’s INSIDE OUT, THE GOOD DINOSAUR, THE DANGEROUS LIVES OF ALTAR BOYS), writer Philip Eisner (EVENT HORIZON, MUTANT CHRONICLES) and writer/director Keith Gordon (DEXTER, WAKING THE DEAD).

For a peek inside the retreat, you can also see some clips on their YouTube Channel .

My retreat fees cover four days’ tuition as well as lunch, dinner, light breakfast, snacks and special events. Fees can be paid all at once or in three installments according to the following payment schedule:

AUGUST 24th - $500 Nonrefundable Deposit Due
SEPTEMBER 8th - Second Payment Due**
SEPTEMBER 20th - Final Payment Due**

What You Will Get
My eternal thanks
A PDF of my screenplay
Being part of telling Tavi's beautiful story!