CONCEPT & DEVELOPMENT RETREAT
for Screenwriters and Playwrights
October 17-22, 2025 ● Dunskey Estate, Scotland ● $5,495+
Are you a seasoned writer tired of writing endless drafts of scripts that never seem to go anywhere?
Or are you a beginner who needs to stop thinking about writing and find the inspiration and knowledge to actually start writing today?
The majority of the 50,000+ screenplays registered each year are never developed because they go astray in the concept and development stage. At our retreat, talented industry professionals will help you create the building blocks of a great screenplay from the ground up. And you’ll still have plenty of time to write and relax with other creatives at a spectacular property.
This retreat is about setting you up for success in your writing journey...
Meet Your Experts
Christopher Lockhart
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As Story Editor at WME (the world’s largest diversified talent agency), Chris is entrusted with curating film and television projects for A-list actors, such as Denzel Washington and Michelle Williams. He has lectured around the globe on the craft and business of screenwriting, and is also an adjunct professor at National University’s Professional Screenwriting Program. He wrote and produced the award winning documentary Most Valuable Players, which was acquired by Oprah Winfrey for her network. He’s an Emmy Award nominee and was the AFMX 2023 recipient of the Robert and Sibylle Redford Award.
Joan Lane
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She has 30 years of experience in arts management and production and serves as the Resident Judge on the annual Kenneth Branagh Award for New Drama Writing. She is a writer on the recent film Gateway to the West and has mentored screenwriters and playwrights internationally with several projects in the works with her L.A.-based producing partner, Wendy Kram.
Fred Fuchs
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As President of American Zoetrope, Francis Coppola’s company, Fred produced six films Coppola directed, including The Godfather III, Bram Stocker’s Dracula, and Tucker: A Man and His Dream. He was key to developing, financing, producing and marketing all of Zoetrope’s projects. He also started a successful television division and produced shows including The Odyssey, Moby Dick, and Kidnapped.
After Zoetrope, Fred moved to Toronto where he was the Executive Director of Arts and Entertainment at the Canadian Broadcast Corporation. At the CBC, Fred commissioned and supervised production of entertainment content, children’s and variety programming, including the acclaimed series, The Tudors.
professional actors will read selections from your scripts on the last day.
Meet Dunskey Estate
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A luxurious & secluded 2,000-acre estate in the Scottish countryside
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An edwardian castle with 25 private ensuite bedrooms and plenty of space to write and relax
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Explore the property's cliffs, lochs, beach, hedge maze, hiking trails, and so much more
What’s Included
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Mentorship
Engaging morning lectures and interactive afternoon workshops by caring, experienced mentors, including one-on-one time!
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Time with Actors
Opportunity to have your work read in front of the group by professional actors.
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Accommodations
5 nights in first-class private ensuite bedrooms in a spacious castle on a secluded estate in Scotland. Transportation provided from and to Glasgow. (Shared bedrooms available at a discounted rate.)
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Meals
Fresh & delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners made with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Wine, beer, or mocktails provided with dinner. (Dietary restrictions considered.)
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Daytime Activities
Morning yoga, guided hikes, cold plunges, picnics and more. Paid activities available as well, including Swedish massages and archery.
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Evening Activities
Film screening with critical discussion. Hedge Maze. Broadway karaoke. Send Off party and more…
Retreat Add-On:
The UK Performing Arts Tour ● Details Coming
