The CineStory Foundation
There are presently no open calls for submissions.
Who We Are
Founded in 1995, the CineStory Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit mentoring organization dedicated to mentoring talented emerging screenwriters and television writers regarding the craft and business of writing for the screen through its TV writing and screenwriting contests, retreats, fellowships, and events. These mentoring programs are designed for emerging writers with a high level of craft who are ready to enter or are in the early stages of navigating the entertainment industry.
CineStory has been named one of the best and biggest screenwriting contests by Moviebytes, Script Reader Pro, The Script Lab, and elsewhere.
What We Do
CineStory runs two annual contests, one for screenwriters and one for TV writers, through which it provides writers the opportunity to attend retreats in Idyllwild, California. Our aim is to provide a supportive environment in which writers can push their creative boundaries and learn how to improve their writing craft while also learning about the business side of film or television writing to help them better understand writers' role in the entertainment industry.
Whether a story explores dark indie fare or dishes out blockbuster action, CineStory's primary focus is on the craft of screenwriting and TV writing. Consequently, our retreats are geared toward educating attendees about how to improve their writing craft. Retreat attendees are paired with industry professionals for one-on-one feedback sessions and also attend specialized panel discussions to educate them about the craft and business of writing for the screen. There is one winner of each retreat & fellowship competition who, in addition to attending the retreat for free, receives a cash award and a one year educational mentorship with two industry professionals.
CineStory is not a talent representation service and does not manage and/or direct the development of writers’ careers, nor does it procure representation and/or employment for writers.
How to Join Us
Retreat attendees are selected through CineStory's annual competitions, the Feature Retreat & Fellowship Competition and the TV Retreat & Fellowship competition. Winners, semifinalists, and finalists will be invited to attend the retreat. Any remaining spots will be offered to quarterfinalists.
For more information about attending either retreat, please visit our Feature Fellowship & Retreat page or our TV Fellowship & Retreat page.
Grand Prize Fellowships
Writers who enter each contest also are eligible to win that contest's Grand Prize Fellowship. A Fellowship consists of a cash prize, free tuition and housing for the applicable retreat, and a 12-month educational mentorship with 2 Hollywood professionals hand-picked to help the Fellow advance his/her craft and career.
For more information about each contest's Grand Prize Fellowship and other prizes, please visit the Feature Prize Packages page and the TV Prize Packages page.
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