CONCEPT & DEVELOPMENT RETREAT
for Screenwriters and Playwrights
October 17-22, 2025 ● Dunskey Estate, Scotland ● $5,495+
or
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 with a script you’ve already begun or 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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
A luxurious & secluded 2,000-acre estate in the Scottish countryside
“The only word that comes to mind to encapsulate this beautiful experience is magical. I loved every second of it... The estate is lovely and its surroundings are gorgeous. I don't think I'll ever be able to top this experience. Thank you to everyone at Dunskey…”
-
An edwardian castle with 25 private ensuite bedrooms and plenty of space to write and relax
“Dunskey is one of the most extraordinary places I've stayed. The owners are hospitable and lovely. The staff is incredible. The facilities are top notch. The property is beautiful and full of things to do and see. I spent five days there for a wedding. I wish I had stayed longer. Highly recommended.”
-
Explore the property's cliffs, lochs, beach, hedge maze, hiking trails, and so much more
“This place is hands down the most beautiful place on Earth. I came to Dunskey on a work retreat and was blown away by the scenery.”
What’s Included
-
Mentorship
Engaging morning lectures and interactive afternoon workshops by caring, experienced mentors, including one-on-one time!
-
Time with Actors
Opportunity to have your work read in front of the group by professional actors.
-
Accommodation
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.)
-
Meals
Fresh & delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners made with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Wine, beer, or mocktails provided with dinner. (Dietary restrictions considered.)
-
Daytime Activities
Morning yoga, guided hikes, cold plunges, picnics and more. Paid activities available as well, including Swedish massages and archery.
-
Evening Activities
Film screening with critical discussion. Hedge Maze. Send Off party and more…
Itinerary
Arrive by private coach at the beautiful, secluded Dunskey Estate in Scotland! Get settled into your comfortable room, relax and refresh, then meet for champagne or mocktails and canapés and a tour of the property. We’ll enjoy a wonderful welcoming dinner and introduce ourselves to the group, setting our intentions for the week. You will then give a quick pitch of your three concepts.
Day One
After an optional hike or morning yoga session, have a delicious breakfast and then meet with your mentors for a stimulating lecture and guided writing exercises. Time to announce your chosen concept. Afterwards, you’ll have a farm-fresh hot picnic lunch within a walled garden and, inspired by the ideas presented by your mentors, have plenty of quiet writing time in the afternoon. Choose an optional hike to the lighthouse or book a Swedish massage. Evening finds us with another sumptuous dinner and a fun game of “Freda” in the library.
Day Two
Your energy-filled days will fall into a consistent pattern. Greet the day with a nutritious breakfast, enjoy talks/workshops with mentors, and use your free time to write, interact with other writers, or enjoy the opportunities the estate offers: hikes, cold plunges/sauna, afternoon teas, foraging in the forest, and more! Evenings will find us enjoying wine/mocktails and stimulating after-dinner talks, film viewings, and more.
Days Three-Four
Let the fun begin! After our morning lectures/workshops, we will welcome working actors, who will jump in with both feet to read scenes from your script. There’s nothing like turning your pages over to professional actors to hear the words you’ve written come to life. After our final celebratory dinner, you’ll ready yourself for your departure tomorrow, having made new friends with shared experiences.
Day Five
Parting is such sweet sorrow… after breakfast, the coach will depart for Glasgow. We’ll say au revoir to new friends with plans to meet again, and as you do, you will walk away with a clear vision and a solid structure to complete your script…
Day Six
You’re invited to the most unique writer’s retreat of 2025.
October 17 - 22, 2025
“I signed up for the Scotland Ignite the Spark Retreat the second I heard about it! John and Robin are fantastic writers (and beautiful people) who have curated a unique experience for creators to come together for shared inspiration, concept development, mentorship, and FUN. If you can get a spot, grab it now! See you there.”
-Dalisia, screenwriter
