It all begins with your story ideas...
“…far from the madding crowd…”
You have the choice of bringing a script you’ve already started to work on, or bring three concepts you’re interested in writing about. With the help of our mentors, you’ll narrow the choices and select the one that’s not only pleasing to you but has the best shot at development into a viable screenplay.
You’ll shape your ideas into your writing. Unwind, unleash the muse, nurture new ideas. Weston Park is a playground for your imagination, with action around every manicured corner.
Arrive at the beautiful, secluded Weston Park in 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 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
Y0u will walk away with
a clear vision &
a solid structure
to complete your script
or
There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.
Maya Angelou