Calendar of Screenwriting Events
Screenwriters love to gather at conferences, festivals, workshops, panels, classes and events to learn and network. Check out these great events when making your travel plans.
January
Slamdance
The Slamdance Screenplay Competition is dedicated to new writers. We accept screenplays in every genre, both feature and short length, on any topic from every country around the world. Our mission is to bring attention to the most talented emerging screenwriters and introduce them to the industry. Please visit our website - http://www.slamdance.com/writing or email screenplay@slamdance.com - for more information.
http://www.slamdance.com
February
Southern California Writer's Conference San Diego
With a setting in beautiful San Diego, provides intensive workshops to improve all aspects of writing.
http://www.writersconference.com
March
National Screen Insititute - Canadian Film Festival
Salutes the Canadian Filmmaker and focuses on Canadian talent. master Classes, roundtables and workshops available.
http://www.nsi-canada.ca
South By Southwest in Austin, Texas
"...nine days here is like earning a mini-undergraduate degree in moviemaking...there's real information to be gathered at seminars on everything from Guerilla filmmaking to SAG contracts..." -Entertainment Weekly
http://www.sxsw.com
April
Take a Meeting at the Scriptwriters Showcase
Access - you want it, you got it!
Until now, you've been limited to attending pitch fests. Scriptwriters Showcase provides writers with a professional, comfortable environment in which to develop a rapport with the executive. You'll get 15 minutes -- one on one -- to question, to discuss or to pitch anything you want. Plenty of time to work out your ideas, get feedback on your story and career path, and develop a contact in the industry.
Visit: www.scriptwritersshowcase.com
From Script to Screen
An intensive conference for screenwriters. The conference, presented in collaboration with the Writers Guild of America, East, was launched fifteen years ago to provide screenwriters with an opportunity to explore the art, craft, and business of writing for TV and Film.
Intensive master classes and panel discussions offer Conference participants with diverse levels of experience the opportunity walk away with something tangible ? whether it?s a business card, advice from an attorney, insights from a veteran screenwriter, or a new writing partner. The conference attracts approximately 500 screenwriters along with industry representatives from around the country and is one of the IFP?s most successful programs, second only to the IFP Market.
Applications: http://www.ifp.org
Info: 212-465-8200 x207 or marketinfo@ifp.org
The Spiritual Cinema Festival at Sea
The Spiritual Cinema Festival at Sea is a unique floating festival that celebrates films that inspire and take us on a magical journey through the limitless depths of our own hearts and souls. Taking place on a beautiful Holland America cruise ship, the Spiritual Cinema Festival at Sea provides a special weeklong opportunity for all festival goers and filmmakers to truly connect with one another and celebrate our love of film and the Spiritual Cinema genre without religious dogma but an all encompassing idea of life and humanity.
Info: http://www.spiritualcinemacircle.com
May
Moondance International Film Festival
invites screenwriters and filmmakers, playwrights, short story writers, TV writers, librettists, composers, children's filmmakers & writers, and young (18 & under) filmmakers, as well as directors, producers & distributors to participate in the film festival competition, which offers a unique opportunity to come together with other writers, directors and producers to create new opportunities, develop tools for success and forge new alliances within the international film and entertainment industry.
http://www.moondancefilmfestival.com
The Screenwriting Conference in Santa Fe
THE SCREENWRITING CONFERENCE IN SANTA FE is proud to present genre-specific conferences for screenwriters. This conference will focus on the craft of screenwriting itself, though time will also be scheduled for attendees to pitch ideas to producers.
For information on the roster of mentors and producers, as well as class schedules and registration information, please check the website for updates:
http://www.SCSFe.com
June
The Avignon Film Festival
Avignon's quality and accessibility have been recognized by film-goers, filmmakers and industry leaders. Avignon is partof the annual New York film festival.
http://www.avignonfilmfest.com
Hollywood Black Film Festival
This festival, founded in 1999, helps to promote black film talentand provides networking and educational panels.
http://www.hbff.or
Nantucket Film Festival
On the island of Nantucket, the annual festival offers an intimate setting for both attendees and guests. With the screenwriter as the center of the universe, well at least the center of the festival for five days, this island getaway is a resource for the mind and the soul. Nantucket also sponsors a screenwriting contest.
http://www.nantucketfilmfestival.org
Provincetown International Film Festival
The 8th annual Provincetown International Film Festival, June 14-18 in Provincetown, will screen more than 50 adventurous, original, independent films. The Festival features sneak previews, intimate gatherings with industry luminaries, parties galore, a Night at the Drive-in, Sing-A-Long Wizard of Oz, Youth and Diversity Film Program, and film workshops. Discounted Festival passes are on sale now at
http://www.ptownfilmfest.org
508.487.FILM
Brooklyn Film Festival
Moving into its ninth year, this festival is held annually in May/June at the Brooklyn Museum in NY. Competitive festival for independent Filmmakers (US$35K first prize) with a variety of screenings, panels, and social gatherings. The festival Accepts submission all year long.
http://www.wbff.org
July
The Screenwriter as Storyteller
Tom Schlesinger teaches the 16 Story Steps in every great film and the essential
Biology of Story Structure. Create a powerful synergy between your personal
experience and writing. Tom Schlesinger is an award-winning writer and story
consultant whose script editing on Nowhere in Africa played a key role in
its winning an Academy Award® for Best Foreign Film in 2003. July 29-30,
2006; 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.; UCLA campus, Los Angeles; $325 www.writingfilms.com
Screenwriting Workshop: A comprehensive and complete full
day screenwriting workshop with a complete discussions of structure, character
creation and dialogue. A discussion of what is needed in the screenplay
narrative, and more importantly, what is not. The breakdown of the writing
process will be discussed, what makes a good scene, the notion of three
act, four act and eight act scripts will be discussed, plots subplot and
the tools for achieving one own's inspiration. Pitching to executives will
be discussed, tools for a good pitch, and the pitfalls to avoid.
Philip Morton is one of the undrecredited writers on FANTASTIC FOUR, wrote
FIRE DOWN BELOW starring Steven Seagal, 12:01 PM, and is currently in production
on MANEATER. He has been writing, re-writing, adapting and pitching for
twenty years in the studios.
Contact: 626-840-1444
or on the web: http://www.screenwriterbones.blogspot.com
August
Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival
Tahoe/Reno International Film Festival (T-RIFF) held August 23 - 27, 2006 is an elite destination dedicated to raising awareness of quality films both as an art form, and a catalyst for positive social change. The Spirit of T-RIFF is one of community & support for filmmakers & screenwriters from around the world. T-RIFF presents a 5-day exploration of discovery through soul stirring and spirited independent film contributions that open the hearts and minds of movie lovers. In addition to our rare and diverse spectrum of films, T-RIFF hosts workshops, tributes, parties, and a short script competition, PAGES TO PICTURES. LOCATION: Our Festival Location "Lake Tahoe," is an International Treasure, surrounded by a National Forest, state parks and boasts the largest alpine lake in North America. T-RIFF is headquartered in Incline Village, Nevada, a picturesque evergreen filled community teeming with culturally-creative and environmentally savvy residents. Our region is a mecca for sailing, fishing, mountain biking, hiking, golf, winter sports and an ample nightlife including casino gaming. FINAL DEADLINE: May 31, 2006.
Rhode Island International Film Festival
An annual festival dedicated to promote cooperation and interation within the film industry. Filmmakers, producer, and distributors from all over the world come together and celebrate the independent filmmaking spirit.
http://www.film-festival.org
Maui Writers Conference and Maui Writers Retreat
Both the Maui Writers Conference and Writers Retreat are held annually every Labor Day Weekend on the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii. The screenwriting program at both events offers an intense, practical look at the business and art of screenwriting. Professional screenwriters and film executives will take you through a series of panel discussions and workshops - from concept to production - with an emphasis on getting your work ready to sell in the Hollywood marketplace. All details about presenters, pricing and registration are available on our website at
http://www.mauiwriters.com
e-mail writers@mauiwriters.comfor a free brochure
September
Sidewalk Fest - Film for the People
"The 8th annual Sidewalk Moving Picture Festival, a celebration of new independent cinema in downtown Birmingham, is set to take place September 22-24."
$1,000 for Best Feature
$1,000 for Best Documentary
$1,000 for Best Short
$500 for Best Animated Film
Kathryn Tucker Windham Storytelling Award
Audience Choice Awards
www.sidewalkfest.com
IFP MARKET - Call For Entries
IFP MARKET - Call For Entries Seeking financing for your script? Completion funds for your work-in-progress? Trying to sell your doc? Looking to expand your contact list? IFP Market is a great place to begin: the only place in the U.S. to introduce new work to an industry-only audience of sales companies, fest programmers, distribs, TV buyers, producers, and agents from the U.S. and abroad. An essential networking opportunity, IFP Market connects you with the industry reps you need to know to get your work financed, completed, and distributed.
http://www.ifp.org/Market27
September 2006 -- 10th Annual Los Angeles International Short Film Festival
The Los Angeles International Short Film Festival, LA Shorts Fest, screens 600 films over 9 days in September. Winners are eligible for Academy Award consideration and in 10 years the festival boasts a whopping 23 Academy Award® nominated films, and 7 Oscar® winners! The Festival attracts more than 10,000 moviegoers, filmmakers, and entertainment executives in our audience on the lookout for the next big thing. It is our mission to educate, entertain and honor those who have mastered the short film craft and we have honored some of Hollywood‚s legends in past years, including: Charles Chaplin, Harold Lloyd, and Robert Wise; along with actors Martin Landau, James Woods, Gary Oldman and directors Jan de Bont, Tim Burton and Bryan Singer. For more information visit www.lashortsfest.com
http://www.lashortsfest.com
Southern California Writer's Conference Palm Springs
With a setting in beautiful San Diego, provides intensive workshops to improve all aspects of writing.
http://www.writersconference.com
San Diego Film Festival
September 27 - October 1
Founded by a Hollywood insider with over 15 years in the business as a studio executive, producer and private coach, the San Diego Film Festival Screenwriting Contest collaborates with the American Screenwiriter's Association for a special event during the festival.
The Contest has been created to mentor and connect new, aspiring writers to Hollywood deal makers and to foster and develop the writers' talent to its maximum potential. The Contest intends to serve as a springboard for the careers of talented writers committed to becoming working, professional writers in the Industry.
http://www.sdff.org
October
Eerie Horror Fest
Specifically for horror screenwriters, film makers and fans. The Eerie Horror Film Festival (EHFF) debuted in October of 2004, attracting thousands of fans and filmmakers to the Erie, Pennsylvania. Festival accepts film and screenplay submissions. Special guests this year include George Romero, Tony Moran and Nancy Loomis.
www.eeriehorrorfest.com
Women In Video and Film, D. C.
Saturday, October 14, 2006. If you hold a script in your hand, or would like to, come join us for a day of professional training. The WIFV Screenwriting Conference provides you with the opportunity to develop your writing, reading and interpretive skills, along with advancing your creative-business skills and learning how to profit and protect your work.
http://wifv.org
Austin Film Festival
The Austin Film Festival is held each year in the grand setting of the Driskill Hotel, in downtown Austin. A celebration of screenwriters and their craft, panels are held with informative screenwriting tips, along with screenings that accent the awarding of the screenplay and short film competitions. The winning screenplay is read by both local and professional acting talent.
http://www.austinfilmfestival.com
Virginia Film Festival
The University of Virginia and the Virginia Film Office sponsor the annual festival and is built around an original and fresh theme. The film office also sponsors a screenwriting competition, requiring that 3/4 of the film be shot in Virginia, and is awarded at the festival.
www.vafilm.com
Fort Lauderdale Film Festival
Coming into its 21st year, Fort Lauderdale is increasing the festival's support of screenwriters. Independent films from around the globe will be screened at this event.
http://www.fliff.com
Taos Mountain Film Festival
The TMFS features films of high adventure in remote locations. The films also concern the preservation of human rights and threats to the environment. Aside from the featured Moutaineering films and personalities, the festival will include symposia, photography exhibits and readings of Mountaineering literature.
http://www.mountainfilm.net
New Hampshire Film Festival
The 6th Annual New Hampshire Film Festival has both a fimmaking and screenwriting contest. Awards a cash prize. This is a respected regional festival, and all entrants must be residents of New England (CT, RI, MA, NH, VT, ME).
http://www.nhfx.com
November
Avignon/New York Film Festival
"Avignon/New York" has become part of Manhattan's "must-see" film events. The festival's quality and accessibility have been recognized by film-goers, filmmakers and industry leaders.
http://www.avignonfilmfest.com
The 9th Annual Angelus Awards Student Film Festival
Angelus Awards Student Film Festival
Call for Entries - through July 1, 2006. The ninth annual international Angelus Awards Student Film Festival is accepting entries from undergraduate and graduate students at an accredited film school or university until July 1.
The renowned film festival is supported by a long list of celebrities who reside on the honorary committee, including Nicole Kidman, John Travolta, Harrison Ford, Angelica Huston, Garry Marshall and others. More than $23,000 in cash prizes will be awarded at the awards ceremony.
Submission information:
Phone: (800) 874-0999
Web Site: www.angelus.org
EMail: info@angelus.org
AFI Los Angeles International Film Festival
This weekend festival hosts informative panels and informal meetings giving screenwriters the inside scoop on the industry.
http://www.afifest.com
December
TBA
Ongoing
ACTION/CUT DIRECTING FILM & TV INDUSTRY SEMINARS
Available in most major cities during spring & fall USA tours.
An essential, practical seminar for filmmakers and screenwriters - from networking to visual writing with actual scripted scene studies and real feature film clips! In 2-days, gain first-hand career knowledge from a working director/writer/producer with an audio-visual workshop of the skills and tools to take your project from page to shoot to finished film.
Seminar Director: Guy Magar - Int'l film instructor & recently on contract to Miramax Films, with professional credits of over 50 feature films and television network shows.
Check upcoming tour schedule at: www.actioncut.com (800)815-5545
Writers who have taken this seminar have raved about it!
Movie In A Box Filmmaking Seminar
Want to learn to write, direct AND produce your film?
Movie In A Box Presents:
Producer Scott Rosenfelt (HOME ALONE, SMOKE SIGNALS), Director Lisanne Skyler (GETTING TO KNOW YOU), and Writer/Analyst Donna Michelle Anderson (STORY STRUCTURE MADE SIMPLE) Check web site for details. Registration is limited.
Register at www.movieinabox.com or 818-461-9211.
Cash prizes and industry exposure for writers of fresh, interesting short and long features.
Several seminars and Master Classes designed for the screenwriter.
