Screenwriting Weekend Coming to Simsbury This April

The state of Connecticut may not be the first location we think of when considering famous filmmaking hubs, but in recent years it has begun carving out a niche as an East Coast film center, becoming a popular setting for film & tv movies, and independent film studios as well. Each year, the Office of Film Television & Digital Media “serves hundreds of major TV networks and producers, movie studios, commercial producers and more, resulting in millions of dollars in economic benefit to Connecticut, its businesses and ultimately its residents.” (ct.gov)

On April 25 & 26, the Storyteller’s Cottage in Simsbury has invited aspiring screenwriters from all over New England to participate in a weekend-long retreat designed to launch their film careers. Over the course of two days, participants will learn how to break into the film & tv industry from an array of nationally-recognized directors, producers, consultants, and screenwriters. The Script to Screen Summit will feature workshops, panels, and keynote lectures designed to provide insider’s tips and practical information for new screenwriters taking their first steps in the business.

Several well-known, national companies have joined the Storyteller’s Cottage to sponsor this event, including Final Draft and McKee Seminars. Final Draft, a Cast & Crew Company, has published Final Draft® software – the number-one selling screenwriting application in the world – for 28 years. Final Draft automatically paginates and formats scripts to industry standards, allowing writers to focus on what they do best – writing scripts. Used by such industry giants as J.J. Abrams, James Cameron and Aaron Sorkin, Final Draft software is the professional’s choice and the entertainment industry standard. In addition to its flagship software product, Final Draft offers the annual Big Break Contest – a screenwriting competition that launches careers, and awards over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Final Draft also offers the Final Draft Mobile™ app for iPhone and iPad, making creativity truly portable. To learn more about Final Draft and its products and services, visit: www.finaldraft.com

The workshops and presentations during the Script to Screen Summit will be held at several historic locations throughout Simsbury, including the Storyteller’s Cottage, Historical Society, the Simsbury Free Public Library, and the Ensign House.

One highlight of the weekend will be a Short Form Screenwriting Contest, where the winners will take home up to $1,000 and have their scripts read live at a Table Read at the conclusion of the event. In between workshops, participants will enjoy a wide range of social activities designed to facilitate networking and show off Simsbury’s appeal, including an Armenian Brandy Tasting night at the Storyteller’s Cottage, a private dinner at Metro Bis restaurant, and more.

The Summit presenters include:
John Bucher / Mythologist, Writer, Teacher
Barb Doyon / Screenwriter, Producer, Director
Andrew Gernhard / Synthetic Cinema Film Producer
Pamela Perry Goulardt / Produced Screenwriter
Ben Houser / ESPN Emmy-winning Director, Producer
Colin Theys / Synthetic Cinema Film Director
Julie Sherman Wolfe / Hallmark Channel Screenwriter, Producer
Cie Peterson / Director, Writer, Editor, Actor, Teacher
Ron Peloquin / Connecticut-Based Screenwriter, Screenwriting Mentor

Registration is now open. For more information, call the Storyteller’s Cottage at (860) 877-6099 or visit www.StorytellersCottage.com/Script-to-Screen-Summit

The Script to Screen Summit is sponsored by the Storyteller’s Cottage, McKee Seminars, Synthetic Cinema International, MizHollywood.com, and Final Draft.