Immerse yourself in the allure of our Screenplay Retreat in Amorgos this November, where creativity meets the Aegean breeze! 

🍂🎬 Extend the magic at the prestigious 15th Annual International Film Festival at the luxurious Aegialis Hotel & Spa. 🏨

Lock your spot in now for a small deposit of $199.00

📽️ Rub shoulders with global producers and filmmakers in this cinematic paradise!

Envision daily projections against the enchanting Amorgos landscape, co-organized by the Amorgos Cultural Women Association and the Municipality of Amorgos. 🏞️

🌍 A reel extravaganza since 2010, this Festival, a proud member of CIFFT, goes beyond films—it's a celebration of sustainable tourism, green practices, and cultural exchange. 🌿🎥 It's not just a showcase; it's a platform shaping domestic and foreign tourism, encouraging green practices, and fostering global collaboration among filmmakers.

🏛️🌐 Join us for an inspiring journey led by the professionals Sara B. Cooper, Kat Montagu, and Rob Wenzek! Bring your screenplay for table readings, get individualized feedback from professionals, and learn from this workshop-style environment.

🍂 Sara B Cooper, a veteran writer and producer from the U.S. and Canada, boasts over 30 years in television. With mentorship from industry giants like Chris Carter and David E. Kelley, Sara's expertise spans genres from sci-fi to comedy. Her credits include iconic shows like X Files and House, along with teaching stints at esteemed institutions like Carnegie Mellon University and Vancouver Film School. Beyond TV, Sara finds balance through yoga and horse massage, enriching both her craft and well-being.

📝 Kat Montagu, the brilliant Head of Department at Vancouver Film School, is set to ignite your creative spark. With over two decades of teaching and a bestselling book under her belt, Kat brings unparalleled enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge to our retreat. Unleash your storytelling potential with her guidance and dive into the world of screenplay formatting like never before.

🎬 Rob Wenzek, a trailblazer in unorthodox presentations, has graced stages with Thea-award-winning shows. His expertise extends from captivating multi-screen productions to mentoring aspiring filmmakers at Capilano University. Join us for a cinematic adventure as Rob shares his insights and guides you in crafting compelling screenplays.

 
Pack your scripts, unleash your creativity, and be part of this cinematic journey in the heart of Amorgos. Let Greek hospitality merge with storytelling magic for an unforgettable experience. 🇬🇷💙 Why Amorgos? Unspoiled beauty, diverse hiking trails, crystal-clear waters, and a rich history await. 🌄🏰 Secure your spot now and let your stories unfold in Greece's hidden gem! 🎞️🏝️ 

Sara B Cooper, 

A U.S. and Canadian writer and producer who has worked in television for over 30 years. She has learned from and worked with Chris Carter, David E. Kelley, Tom Fontana, David Mamet, and Eric Roth. Not relegated to any particular genre, Sara has written for sci-fi shows (X Files, Sleepwalker, Sanctuary, and Continuum), police procedurals (Homicide: Life on the Streets, King, Ransom), medical shows (Chicago Hope, House, Combat Hospital), and comedies (My Big Punjabi Family). 

She has consulted on many projects on both sides of the American/Canadian border. Sara has taught television writing at Carnegie Mellon University and is currently teaching at Vancouver Film School. She teaches yoga and does horse massage to balance out her writing and

producing work.

Rob Wenzek,

An entertaining innovator, Rob Wenzek’s work in unorthodox formats and presentations include the Thea-award-winning multi-screen show BOOM for The Britannia Mine Museum, Earth Rangers” for the R.O.M., a unique rotating circular format about the Lake Winnipeg watershed for the Manitoba Museum, and “Blast Off” for NASA's Space Center Houston.

A skilled educator with an MA in Film Production, Rob has mentored hundreds of music videos and award-winning short films at top notch film schools and universities. He teaches almost every aspect of filmmaking from screenwriting to post at Capilano University. He is also the coordinator of CapU's prestigious documentary program. 

Rob completed his first feature film as writer/director, the comedy-drama The Prodigal Dad in 2018, and it went on to festival acclaim. Rob has also directed short films and music videos.

Rob's work as an editor, notably on the feature film Down River (which had 100% on Rotten Tomatoes), has won awards and been broadcast on numerous networks.

Kat Montagu,

Writer and story editor Kat Montagu is the Head of Department for the Vancouver Film School Writing for Film, Television & Games program. Kat has taught screenwriting for over twenty years. Her Career Launch class has prepared countless VFS graduates to work on feature films, in the writers' rooms of TV series, and in video game studios. Her students rave about her enthusiasm, wealth of knowledge, and the high standards she inspires. It’s no surprise that she has won both VFS Instructor of the Year and WIFTV's Leadership in Education Award.

As well as a writer and story editor for film and TV herself, Kat is also the author of the bestselling book The Dreaded Curse: Screenplay Formatting for Film & Television. This twist on the how-to guide demonstrates best practices though a riotous story of two witches (loosely) inspired by her own family history. It is used to teach screenwriting at film schools and universities globally. She’s also the senior story editor for Crazy8s, and co-produced indie feature film The Prodigal Dad as well as many short films.

Cancelation Policy: 

We offer a 100% refund to all cancelations prior to September 15, 2024, two months before the retreat begins.

Waiver of Liability

By participating in this retreat, I agree to release Imagine Greece Retreats (IGR), the retreat faculty, staff, and the associated hotel from any liability for injuries that may occur during the retreat. I understand that this release includes financial responsibility for any injuries incurred, even if due to negligence.

I acknowledge the inherent risks associated with activities such as yoga, meditation, sightseeing, and hiking. I voluntarily assume these risks and understand that I can withdraw from any activity if I feel uncomfortable at any time.

By joining this retreat, I forfeit the right to bring any claims against IGR, its faculty, or staff related to my participation. I understand that I am responsible for following all safety precautions provided in writing and verbally, and I will seek clarification whenever necessary.

In return, I will benefit from the activities and experiences offered during the retreat.

Kat Montagu - Formatting and Outlining. 

How to plan your feature screenplay or TV pilot, so you know where you're going. The Hero's Journey. Three-Act Structure.

Short Break.

How to format from the first page on so that your work looks professional. (Each attendee will get a copy of Kat's book The Dreaded Curse: Screenplay Formatting for Film & TV.)

Kat Montagu - Genres and Character-Driven Stories

Genres to consider: action, thriller, horror, rom-com, drama, sci-fi, etc.

Short Break.

How to get to know your characters, so you know how they will behave. 

Emotion - Everything you create needs to be based on emotion. Readers read, and viewers watch to feel something. Learn how focusing on emotion in your screenplay will make your writing stand out, get people talking about your work, and ultimately boost your career.

After our trip to the monastery, Kat will cover:

A Career in Screenwriting

How do you launch and maintain a career in writing for film, television, or games? 

Short Break.

Working with Producers. Pitching, Competitions, and Markets.

How to write a screenplay suitable for an ultra-low-budget short or feature film. 

Short Break.

How to produce, direct, edit, and complete low-budget films.