CONCEPT & DEVELOPMENT RETREAT
for Screenwriters and Playwrights
October 8 - 14, 2026 ● Weston Park, Shropshire ● $5,495+
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
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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
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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.
Janet Batchler
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She is the writer (with her screenwriting partner Lee Batchler) of BATMAN FOREVER, SMOKE AND MIRRORS, and POMPEII, among many other projects — and she’s the only woman ever to write a Batman movie.
In addition, Janet is a professor in USC’s School of Cinematic Arts. Working in the John Wells Division of Writing for Screen and Television, she teaches everything from advanced screenwriting to pitching, and is known for her popular lecture classes on the Harry Potter franchise and adaptation.
Janet’s recent projects include JACK AND DICK (a behind-the-scenes look at the Kennedy-Nixon election and debates), and MIDNIGHT RIDE (the story of Paul Revere’s ride, written for Disney and Johnny Depp). She was also Executive Producer on the 2018 film RUNNING FOR GRACE, developed through the state of Hawaii’s film accelerator program, where she served as a mentor.
professional actors will read selections from your scripts on the last day.
Meet Weston Park
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A historic English country estate set across more than 1,000 acres of rolling parkland — offering privacy, beauty, and space to truly unplug.
“Absolutely stunning — we walked the gardens and pathways all day and can’t wait to return.”
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An elegant country house with 27 individually styled bedrooms, inviting common spaces, and plenty of room to write, reflect, and relax.
“Amazing stay — spacious, inviting, beautifully restored, and the perfect luxury escape. We really enjoyed our stay and will definitely be back.”
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Explore sweeping gardens, woodland paths, and open countryside, with inspiring views and peaceful corners around every turn.
“A lovely visit with fascinating gardens and a warm cafe — great for picnics and wandering.”
What’s Included
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Mentorship
Engaging morning lectures and interactive afternoon workshops by caring, experienced mentors, including one-on-one time!
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Time with Actors
Opportunity to have your work read in front of the group by professional actors.
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Accommodation
6 nights in first-class private bedrooms at a historic English country estate, surrounded by rolling parkland and inspiring landscapes. Shared bedrooms available at a discounted rate.
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Meals
Fresh & delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners made with locally-sourced, seasonal ingredients. Wine provided with dinner. (Dietary restrictions considered.)
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Daytime Activities
Afternoon walks through the estate’s parkland and formal gardens, relaxed picnics, and unstructured time for writing, reflection, or exploring the grounds on your own. Optional paid experiences may be available.
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Evening Activities
Film screening with critical discussion, art gallery, billiards, gin tasting, send-off party and more…
Itinerary
Arrive at the beautiful Weston Park estate in Shropshire, England! 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 in the house 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
Enjoy a full English 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 two-course lunch in the Victorian Orangery and, inspired by the ideas presented by your mentors, have plenty of quiet writing time in the afternoon. Choose an optional hike on the grounds or stroll through the formal gardens. Evening finds us with a sumptuous dinner in the Granary and a fun game of “Freda” in the Victorian wing of the house.
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: exploring 1,000 acres of parkland, afternoon teas, navigating the hedge maze, and more! Evenings will find us enjoying wine/mocktails in the cellar bar and stimulating after-dinner talks, film viewings, and more.
Days Three-Five
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 Six
Parting is such sweet sorrow… after breakfast, 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 Seven
You’re invited to the most unique writer’s retreat of 2026.
October 8 - 14, 2026
“The Inaugural Ignite the Spark Screenwriting Retreat in Scotland was a resounding success for me personally. I went in not knowing what to expect and walked away with twenty members of a new writing family. The safe and creative atmosphere was the result of Robin and John’s warm leadership. I felt seen. I felt respected. I felt freer to be my creative self than I have in a very long time. The estate was beautiful. The food was exemplary. The creative feedback from the mentors was actionable. I liked the remoteness of the retreat because it helped us bond as a creative tribe. Robin and John are to be commended. I certainly plan on attending next year!”
-Sarah S., screenwriter
