Learn about available sessions in 2025!
Click on the Inquire Now button and fill out our form. Let us know who you are, what you are working on and which of our upcoming dates interest you!
MAY 3-10
MAY 10-17
JUNE 11-18
Our schedule includes daily writing, film-viewing and workshops to clarify the purposes of the crucial three acts. In addition, there will be film viewing, group table-reads, and one-on-one mentoring.
No matter your genre or stage of script or novel development, we can help you identify the best structure to advance the story you want to tell.
New writers will leave our workshop with the knowledge of a three-act or five-act structure, the secrets to building compelling characters and the ability to construct a draft that works structurally and thematically!
If you are writing a novel, or have completed any part of a screenplay, provide us with material in advance and we can help construct a writing plan. During our week together, we will advise you how to improve your story, fix structural problems, hone scenes, elevate themes and advance character development.
WORKSHOP SCHEDULE
SATURDAY
Arrival from 8 am - 12 am
Lunch/Introductions : 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm
Introductory Presentations: 2:30-5:30 pm The Essential Question, Why is Structure Essential?
Break/Relax/ Write
Dinner: 7:30 - 8:30 pm
Initial Consultations: Set objectives for the week
SUNDAY
Breakfast: 7:30-9:00 am
Presentation: Tobias 9:30-11:00
Presentation Structure: Laura Screenplay Structure 11:30 - 1
Lunch 1:20- 2:30 pm
Individual consultations if needed
Break/Relax/ Write
Dinner: 8 pm
MONDAY
Breakfast 7:30-9:30am
Presentation Characterization: Marrying character to plot Laura 10-11:30
Tobias 11:30 - 1
Lunch 1- 2:30 pm
Individual Consultations if needed
Break/Relax?Write
Dinner 8 pm
TUESDAY
Breakfast 7:30am-9:30am
Presentation Structure:
Tobias 10-11:30
Laura What is the midpoint? 11:30-1
Lunch 1- 2:30 pm
Break/Relax?Write
Dinner: 8pm
Table Read
FRIDAY
Breakfast 6:30am-8:45am
Visit Parma with Gino! Depart 9am
Lunch at a traditional trattoria
Dinner 7pm
Cocktails and Invitation to the Public to join our Final Evening and Screening
SATURDAY
Breakfast: 6:30-8:45 am
Each writer meets individually with instructor to discuss a completion game plan.
Depart: 12:00
THURSDAY
Breakfast 6:30-9:30am
Presentation:
Tobias 10-11:30
Laura 11:30 - 1
Lunch 1- 2:30 pm
Dinner 7 pm
8:30 FILM SCREENING with Structural Analysis
WEDNESDAY
Breakfast 7:30-9:30am
Presentation: Act Three and UsingTheme
Laura: 10-12:30
Lunch 1- 2:30 pm
Dinner
Table Readings
PRICING
Private Suite: $3,000
Included:
The Farmhouse: Screenwriting Intensive program.
7 NIGHTS: In a private (or shared) deluxe, renovated suite. Shared rooms have one queen bed or two single beds, depending on preference. And private bathroom.
Transportation to and from the train station in Fidenza, Italy, upon arrival and departure.
All on-site chef-prepared meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Use of all Il Casale common rooms and outside spaces, including heated swimming pool and surrounding gardens.
Wine with dinner, as well as reasonably priced bottles for purchase.
Shared Suite: $1500
The entiire Farmhouse program included (see above.)
A Suite can be shared with a significant other not participating in the program as long as the added guest is willing to lead quiet, independent lives while on the property.
Three Per Suite: $1100 (comfortable cot added)
The entiire Farmhouse program included .
Only recommended for participants signing on together.
For a Non-Residential Rate: Please Inquire
