Immersive Screenwriting Retreat
FADE IN:
INT. TUSCAN VILLA – GOLDEN HOUR
A group of EXTRAORDINARY WOMEN step into a historic Italian villa, their suitcases gliding over worn stone floors. Anticipation lights their eyes as Tuscany stretches beyond the terrace, golden hills and endless vineyards.
The air is rich with fresh basil, ripe tomatoes, and aged wine. Outside, a long wooden table glows under string lights, ready for laughter and shared stories.
FADE TO BLACK.
THE EXPERIENCE
This retreat is designed for women writers who are ready to deepen their craft, make meaningful progress on their stories, and build genuine connections with fellow women writers and mentors, all while immersed in a setting that feels cinematic, soulful, and deeply restorative.
You’ll have the opportunity to choose the track that best supports your creative goals: a Vertical Scripts track focused on short-form, digital-first, and vertical series storytelling, or a TV & Features track designed for writers developing pilots, features, and longer-form screenplays.
What Awaits You in Tuscany
🎬 A Villa Straight Out of the Movies – nestled among rolling vineyards and ancient olive groves. Every corner is designed to inspire; whether you’re writing on a sun-drenched terrace or brainstorming by the fireplace.
🍽️ Farm-to-Table Dining & Tuscan Flavors – Savor chef-prepared meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. From rustic Italian dishes to gourmet dinners under the stars, every meal is an experience meant to nourish both body and creativity.
🍷 Sunsets & Italian Culture – Immerse yourself in the beauty of Tuscany with curated local experiences that will deepen your connection to the region’s culture, flavors, and creative energy.
📝 One-on-One Mentorship – Receive personalized feedback and guidance on your screenplay, helping you break through creative roadblocks and bring your story to life.
🔥 A Community of Women Storytellers – Connect with like-minded female screenwriters, sharing ideas, dreams, and industry insights in a space built for collaboration, empowerment, and creative growth.
THE SETTING
From the sun-drenched romance of Under the Tuscan Sun to the breathtaking beauty of Florence in A Room with a View, Italy has long been the setting for unforgettable stories.
Now, it’s your turn.
Step away from the noise of everyday life and into the heart of the Tuscan countryside, where creativity has room to breathe. At Il Grande Prato, a rustic two-century-old farmhouse between Florence and Pisa, you’ll find the peace, beauty, and inspiration to bring your screenplay to life.
Since 1994, Il Grande Prato has welcomed travelers, artists, families, and retreat groups into a space made for slowing down, gathering, learning, and reconnecting. Its rooms and apartments feature original wooden beams, Tuscan brick, and windows that open onto postcard views of green hills, vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages.
Meals are served with the warmth of an Italian country home, featuring traditional dishes, local ingredients, extra virgin olive oil, and Chianti wine. Surrounded by rolling hills, vineyard views, olive orchards, and spectacular sunsets, you’ll find the inspiration, support, and creative community you’ve been craving. ✨
Industry Mentors
These two powerhouses are coming together in Tuscany to pour into women writers with heart, honesty, and real industry wisdom. With experience across TV, features, and vertical storytelling, Dawn and Isabel bring the best of the best: sharp creative insight, generous mentorship, and a deep belief in women empowering women to tell bigger, bolder stories.
TV & Features Mentor
Dawn DeKeyser
Seasoned TV writer and producer with credits spanning beloved series including Ugly Betty, Samantha Who?, Becker, Good Witch, and many others. With decades of experience in television, comedy, drama, and story development, Dawn brings sharp industry insight, warmth, and practical guidance to help writers strengthen their voice, structure, and pitch.
Verticals Mentor
Isabel Drean
Screenwriter, director, producer, and vertical storytelling expert whose microdrama credits include The Summer I Turned My Sexiest and The Royal Wedding Planner, both #1 series on GammaTime, as well as The Blind Bride of the Scarred Mafia Boss and When Love Finally Found Me. She brings a sharp understanding of mobile-first storytelling, addictive hooks, and the fast-growing vertical series market.
Tiff Williams
"I absolutely loved my sessions with Dawn. At a time of much anxiety and self-doubt, Dawn made me feel less lonely and disconnected from a community of writers. I learned how to go about things differently; to allow myself to feel empowered and in control by creating checklists/a "must do" that makes me accountable to the craft of writing. I highly recommend Dawn DeKeyser as a source for perfecting the craft of screenwriting, and I look forward to learning more from her."
Liz Sagal
"Dawn is the reason I became a television writer. She’s a fantastic mentor, collaborator, and peer. Her wicked humor and fearless approach to storytelling are inspiring. She makes any writer’s room a thousand times better."
Susan Turley
"Isabel Dréan is such a gift to all of us. Her passion for storytelling and teaching is in itself something you don’t find often. Isabel is a tireless pioneer for the vertical micro-drama space and this writing retreat was a game changer. Not only are you working closely with Isabel, who is a busy and in demand writer, speaker, and producer, but she is also a tireless pioneer for this new and exciting entertainment space."
Trudi Kennedy
"Isabel is an insightful, warm, witty and generous mentor. She clearly guided the participants through the specifics of the Vertical writing process, sharing insights of her process and experiences in the industry. Her enthusiasm and advice helped me dig deeper and trust my creative voice. I’ve expanded my writing skillset, made connections in the industry and am collaborating with fellow writers. I now have a more optimistic, broadened identity as a writer"
Itinerary
This itinerary is a sample of the experience we’re creating. Activities and timing may shift slightly, but this gives you a beautiful idea of the writing, mentorship, connection, and Tuscan inspiration planned for the week.
Day 1 — Wednesday, October 14: Arrival + Welcome Wine Tasting + Pizza Night
Arrive at the villa and settle into the Tuscan countryside. We’ll begin with introductions, a welcome circle, and relaxed networking, followed by a welcome wine tasting and a cozy pizza night together.
Day 2 — Thursday, October 15: Story Foundations + Optional Massages + Movie Night
Start the morning with a mentorship workshop focused on loglines, concept clarity, and choosing the track that best supports your project. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided writing block, time to settle into your story, and optional massages for those who want extra rest and restoration. The evening ends with a cozy movie night.
Day 3 — Friday, October 16: Outlines + Pasta Cooking Class
The day begins with a workshop on story structure, outlines, and building a strong creative roadmap. After lunch, enjoy dedicated writing time to develop your project, followed by a hands-on Tuscan pasta cooking class and shared dinner.
Day 4 — Saturday, October 17: Local Market Visit + First 10
Begin the day with a local market visit for creative inspiration, fresh flavors, and a taste of everyday Tuscan life. In the afternoon, return for a workshop focused on opening pages, character introductions, tone, and creating a strong first impression.
Day 5 — Sunday, October 18: One-on-One Consultations + Industry Q&A + Farewell Dinner
Spend the day refining your project with dedicated writing time and one-on-one mentor consultations. In the evening, we’ll gather for an intimate industry Q&A and a special farewell dinner to celebrate the stories, connections, and momentum created during the retreat.
Day 6 — Monday, October 19: Farewell + Departures
Enjoy breakfast, goodbyes, and a moment to reflect before heading home with renewed clarity, confidence, and creative direction.
Investment
Whether you prefer to share or unwind in your own space, we have the perfect room for your retreat experience.
Prices are per person and include the full retreat experience.
Payment Plan Available
6 - 8 writers per mentor.
1
The Sisterhood Stay
For the writer who wants the full sisterhood experience. Share a cozy room with another woman storyteller and enjoy a warm, community-centered stay filled with connection, inspiration, and shared creative energy.
Bathrooms are shared by only two writers, keeping the experience comfortable and thoughtfully arranged.
Early bird pricing: $2600
Save $400 when you book before July 1st. After that, the regular price goes up to $3000
2
The Muse Room
For the writer who wants a quiet space of her own. Retreat to your private bedroom between workshops, meals, and writing sessions.
Bathrooms are shared by only two writers, so you’ll still enjoy a comfortable and boutique retreat experience.
Early bird pricing: $3200
Save $400 when you book before July 1st. After that, the regular price goes up to $3600
3
The Main Character Suite
For the writer ready to fully romanticize her creative life. This private suite offers extra comfort, your own bathroom, the perfect place for morning coffee, sunset journaling, and main character moments.
Early bird pricing: $3800
Save $400 when you book before July 1st. After that, the regular price goes up to $4200
What's included?
✅ 6 days at a beautiful private villa in Tuscany
✅ Private or shared room accommodations
✅ 3 daily meals throughout the retreat
✅ 1-on-1 story sessions with industry professionals
✅ Dedicated writing blocks to make real progress on your project
✅ Group feedback sessions in a supportive, women-centered space
✅ Welcome wine tasting
✅ Welcome gift bag
✅ Pasta-making class
✅ Local market visit
"Life offers you a thousand chances...
all you have to do is take one."
- Under the Tuscan Sun
