The Connecticut Film Festival folks sent out a press release three days ago regarding a “screenwriter’s immersion program.”

The cost is $30.

Here is the press release:

(DANBURY, CT) — The Connecticut Film Festival has once again expanded its programming to reach a very important group who are part of the creative process, the screenwriters!  In 2008, CTFF offered several basic screenwriting courses, which filled to capacity within record time. For the June 2nd through 7th, 2009 Danbury event, festival planners have added a new and unique opportunity for this often overlooked group called, Writers Unblocked: Screenwriters Immersion Program, the first of its kind in the tri-state region.

 

“Screenwriters are often overlooked at film festivals and we really wanted make them part of the Connecticut Film Festival networking experience”, explained Linda Peckel, Director of Education and Strategic Planning for the festival.

 

Writers Unblocked is a five-day total immersion program in which writers have the opportunity to hear their scripts read by trained actors, cast and direct readings and receive personalized script consultation from professional screenwriting instructors.

 

“So many writers work in isolation on their scripts and then go on to the next one without ever getting to see their work performed,” said Ms. Peckel. “We’ve designed this very comprehensive program to give writers that full experience and to use it as a very powerful educational tool to grow their potential.”

 

“There are several film festival screenwriters programs out there. We hope that our unique integrated approach will stand out from all the others,” said Thomas Carruthers, executive director of the Connecticut Film Festival. 

 

Writers Unblocked is the only program of its type that allows screenwriters to experience the full path of the creative process from casting agents to having their scripts read by actors to critiques and hands-on coaching in an intimate round table setting as well as the opportunity to take a master class led by famous Hollywood screenwriter; James V. Hart (whose credits include “Hook,” “Contact,” and “August Rush.”).

 

Attendees of the Connecticut Film Festival’s Writers Unblocked: Screenwriter’s Immersion Program will experience:

·         A casting call for scripts in which actors from around the region audition for parts at an all-day session run by a professional casting agent.  Each writer will work with the casting agent to select the actors most suitable for their script and schedule the reading.

·         Reading of all accepted scripts– writers will direct their own readings, which will be uninterrupted and digitally recorded.  Experienced filmmakers will be on-hand to offer directing guidance.

·         Instructional workshops– 3-hour workshops that break up into groups of four screenwriters to one instructor who will conduct a personalized review of the script readings and offer specific consultation on each script.

·         The CTFF Industry Party– an exclusive industry insider’s party, where writers, directors, filmmakers, and producers all have the opportunity to meet and discuss their projects with other creative people, as well as attorneys and financiers.

·         Master class in screenwriting- a special two-hour master class on screenplay structure conducted by noted Hollywood Screenwriter James V. Hart (whose screen credits include “Contact,” “Hook,” “Tuck Everlasting” and “August Rush”) with the opportunity to ask direct questions.

 

The 2009 Writers Unblocked: Screenwriter’s Immersion Program has a limited number of positions available.  To be considered for acceptance into the program, a writer must submit a hard copy 8-10 page script or script excerpt that meets the following criteria:

·         8-10 pages maximum – any script that exceeds this page count will be automatically disqualified. This includes any combination of scenes excerpted from a full narrative screenplay or a complete script for a narrative film short.

·         Each script must have no more than 6 characters.

·         All scripts must be the original work of the applicants.

·         Scripts must be for narrative features or shorts only- no documentaries.

·         Applicants can submit multiple scripts, but only one script per writer will be accepted for the program. Each submission must include a $30 submission fee.

·         Applicants should register their screenplays/teleplays with the Writers Guild of America, East (www.wgaeast.org/script_registration).

 

The Connecticut Film Festival takes over the City of Danbury and campuses of Western Connecticut State University this June 2-7, 2009 with a six day and night festival and conference of independent film, music, interactive and social media, gaming and script writing. The week-long event will be highlighted by more than 100 films and educational workshops and panels, keynotes, 100 musical performances by independent artists, industry networking events, parties, a 24-hour film competition, the five-day Writers UnblockedScreenwriter’s Immersion Program and a high school student film and musician summit.

 

For the past five years, The Connecticut Film Festival has brought fresh, cutting-edge independent cinema and education to dozens of towns and cities throughout the state.

The organization has also partnered with numerous non-profit groups to create charity fundraising events, which have benefited the Make A Wish Foundation and The Hole In The Wall Gang Camps, among others.  Film lovers will enjoy a first look at some of the best and most thought provoking, new independent films and shorts, while meeting many of the filmmakers, actors and crew. 

For more information on the Writers Unblocked Screenwriter’s Immersion Program or for tickets to the upcoming Connecticut Film Festival, visit www.ctfilmfest.com or email CTFilmFestWritersProgram@yahoo.com.