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Overview

Concept & Development Retreat - Oct 2025
Portpatrick, Stranraer DG9, UK
Oct 17 - 22, 2025
Ignite the Spark Retreats image
Ignite the Spark Retreats
$6,495

About your trip

You have the choice of bringing a script you’ve already started to work on, or bring three concepts for new work. With the help of our talented industry professionals, you’ll narrow the concepts down to the one that has the best shot at development into a viable screenplay. Our mentors will then 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 the spectacular Dunskey estate.


Don’t miss the private shuttle! There is only one from Glasgow to Dunskey, which will leave at approximately 1 pm on October 17, 2025. We recommend arriving into Glasgow on October 16th and enjoy what the city has to offer. The next day you’ll arrive fresh at Dunskey Estate and ready to write!


Types of Rooms available:

Single: private room with ensuite bathroom

Shared: private room with two beds and ensuite bathroom

Couples: private room with either a king bed or two beds and ensuite bathroom (one writing participant/one non-participant) 

Cancellation Policy

If you must cancel, you will forfeit your $1000 USD deposit. However, you may apply the deposit toward a future retreat within 15 months of the original retreat date. Cancellations made prior to June 17, 2025 will be refunded 100% (minus the deposit and $150 administration fee). Cancellations made between June 18, 2025 and July 31, 2025 will result in the loss of the deposit, the administration fee, and $500. Cancellations made after July 31, 2025 will result in the forfeit of all fees paid. We reserve the right to cancel the retreat for any reason, although every effort will be made to not do so. If we have to cancel the retreat, you will be refunded 100% of your payment. 


Our full refund and cancellation policy can be found on our website at:

https://www.ignitethesparkretreats.com/terms-and-conditions

Travel Insurance (strongly recommended)

Travel insurance is STRONGLY recommended. ITS Retreats has partnered with and suggests Wanderwell, a Certified B Corp travel insurance agency. Wanderwell offers a modern, comprehensive trip protection style plan designed to cover the most common issues related to trip cancellation, interruption, delay, medical expenses, lost luggage and personal effects, Emergency Medical Evacuation, and more. At least 1% of your purchase premium price will be donated to the Planet Impact Fund through 1% for the Planet network.


https://www.gowanderwell.com/affiliate/ignite-the-spark/


Ignite the Spark Retreats LLC is not a travel agency, nor insurance company. We cannot warrant products by a third party. We are simply providing information based on what is given by the agency. Please read the terms and conditions as outlined on their website.

What's included

Writing program

with our three mentors (includes one-on-one time)

Time with actors

Private bedroom

with private bath

All Meals

while at the Estate

Wine

served with dinner and some special activities

Retreat transportation

roundtrip between Glasgow and Dunskey Estate

Special activities

some daytime & evening activities included

Pre-Trip Zoom call

Meet your fellow attendees before the retreat and participate in a creative exercise together.

What's not included

Airfare to the UK

Glasgow Pre-Retreat

Any accommodations and meals in Glasgow are not included.

Insurance

Travel, accident, baggage, health, or life insurance.

Some activities

Some services (massages etc.) are optional and are charged by the Estate.

Alcohol

Cocktails and additional drinks are not provided by ITS but can be charged to attendee’s room for payment upon checkout.

Gratuity

for drinks at the bar or any paid activities

About your organizer

Born from a shared love of storytelling and a vision to create a truly transformative experience, Ignite the Spark Retreats is the brainchild of two accomplished screenwriters/filmmakers, Robin Bradford and John Strong. They envisioned a retreat company where creativity would flourish, ideas would take shape, and meaningful connections would be nourished. So join us, and let’s ignite that spark together! We can’t wait to see where your storytelling journey takes you.

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