top of page
thumb_12830_1920_0_0_0_auto.jpg

She Writes Under the Tuscan Sun

September 20 - 27th, 2025

"Life offers you a thousand chances...
all you have to do is take one." 
- Under the Tuscan Sun

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 and ambition light 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, shared stories, and new beginnings.​

 

FADE TO BLACK.

THE EXPERIENCE

From the sun-drenched landscapes of Stealing Beauty to the romance of Under the Tuscan Sun, Italy has set the stage for unforgettable stories. The medieval charm of Much Ado About Nothing, the intrigue of The Talented Mr. Ripley, the breathtaking Florence of A Room with a View, and many more have captured the essence of Tuscany’s timeless beauty. Now, it’s your turn.

For eight days, step away from the distractions of everyday life and dive into your creativity. In a stunning Tuscan villa, you’ll find the peace, inspiration, and energy to bring your screenplay to life. Surrounded by rolling hills, olive groves, and the same cinematic landscapes that have inspired generations of filmmakers, you’ll have the space to dream, write, and refine your story.

You'll be staying at a quintessential 400-year old farmhouse with private pool and tennis court. Set within a 20-acre wine estate, encompassed by warming natural scenery, the villa boasts vineyard views 14km from Castellina in Chianti and is within walking distance of a renowned Chianti restaurant.

Let the golden light of Tuscany guide your next masterpiece.

What Awaits You in Tuscany - All Inclusive 

🎬 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, Wine & Storytelling – 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.

🖋️ Daily Screenwriting Talks – Expert-led sessions designed to sharpen your structure, deepen your characters, and refine your storytelling.

📝 One-on-One Mentorship – Receive personalized feedback 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.

thumb__1920_0_0_0_auto (2).jpg
thumb__1920_0_0_0_auto.jpg
thumb__1920_0_0_0_auto (5).jpg
thumb__1920_0_0_0_auto (6).jpg

💡 What Writers Will Leave With:

✅ A crystal-clear concept and a powerful logline to guide your story
✅ The first 10 polished pages of your screenplay, shaped through expert feedback
✅ A confident, compelling pitch ready to share with industry professionals
✅ Rich cultural experiences and memories that will inspire your writing for years to come

✅ A thoughtfully curated gift bag full of writing tools and creative sparks
✅ A supportive accountability group to help you finish your script long after the retreat ends

Sample Day

Morning

☀️ Light breakfast (fresh fruit, pastries, coffee)

🧘‍♀️ Optional meditation, journaling, or a quiet vineyard walk

✍️ Morning Workshop (story structure, character building, pitching, or scene work)

 

Afternoon

🥗 Farm-to-table lunch at the villa

🖋️ Private writing time or optional 1-on-1 mentorship sessions

📚 Quiet spaces around the villa for deep creative work

🌿 Cultural Excursion (olive oil tasting, local market visit, or nearby town exploration)

OR 💬 Small Group Feedback Circles (peer sharing and encouragement)

 

Evening

🍝 Family-style group dinner prepared by private chef

 ✨Casual conversations under the stars / movie nights

Industry Mentor

Sabrina Parra

Sabrina Parra has helped hundreds of writers on their quest to craft the perfect screenplay. She’s a professional script consultant with over five years of experience as a film development executive. She honed her skills most recently as the Vice President of a production company that has grossed over $1 billion worldwide and brought you films including Little Women, Crazy Stupid Love and A Walk to Remember.

By working closely with studios like Amazon, Apple, A24, and Netflix, Sabrina has spent her career developing projects from inception and guiding writers through the studio process. Her experience provides invaluable insight into what financiers are looking for when they read your screenplay. In addition, she has also read scripts for competitions and writing workshops.

Sabrina+Parra+Script+Writing+Screenwriter+Consultant+The+Scripster.jpeg
thumb_12816_1920_0_0_0_auto.jpg

Why Tuscany? Why Now?​

The best stories are not just written; they are lived. Tuscany has always been a place of transformation—a destination where artists find their voice and writers rediscover their passion. If you’ve been waiting for the perfect moment to step away from distractions and truly dedicate yourself to your screenplay, this is it.

thumb_12816_1920_0_0_0_auto.jpg

🛏️ Room Options & Pricing

✔️ Shared Room – $3,800 per person
👯‍♀️ Twin beds in a spacious, beautifully

designed shared room 
 

✔️ Private Room – $5,000 per person
🏡 Double bed. Your own peaceful retreat for rest and reflection

✔️ Pay in Full or Flexible Payment Plan

💳 $500 Deposit to Secure Your Spot

 

thumb_12849_1920_0_0_0_auto.jpg

📌 Secure your spot today!

📩 Questions? Find answers below or email us at info@onceuponascript.com

  • Do I need to have a completed screenplay to attend?
    No! You can come with a new idea, a work-in-progress, or a full draft. The workshops and mentorship will help you move forward no matter where you are in the process.
  • What does a typical day at the retreat look like?
    📌 Each day offers a mix of structured learning, personal writing time, and the flexibility to experience the culture or unwind as needed. 🌅 Morning Optional meditation Breakfast with fresh, local ingredients Screenwriting Talk – Craft, structure, and storytelling deep dive 🌞 Afternoon Dedicated Writing Time – Find your creative flow in a peaceful setting One-on-One Mentorship Sessions – Personalized script feedback Lunch on the terrace & quiet reflection Cultural Experiences (Optional) 🌙 Evening Group Screenplay Readings & Storytelling Sessions Sunset Aperitivo – Wine and conversation overlooking the hills Gourmet Dinner by a Private Chef Fireplace discussions, movie nights, or a relaxed night under the stars
  • Can I request dietary accommodations?
    Yes! We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary restrictions. Please let us know in advance.
  • Where should I fly into?
    Please fly into Florence Airport (FLR)
  • What’s Not Included in the Retreat?
    To keep the experience flexible, the following are not included in the retreat price: ❌ Airfare & Travel to Tuscany – Flights & ground transportation to the villa ❌ Additional Local Experiences – Beyond the complimentary activities ❌ Alcohol Beyond Meals – Wine is served during dinners, but additional bottles can be purchased ❌ Personal Expenses & Shopping – Any souvenirs, extra excursions, or optional spa treatments ❌ Travel Insurance – Highly recommended but not included
  • What's the Cancellation & Refund Policy?
    We understand that unexpected changes can happen. To ensure a smooth experience for all attendees, we offer a clear cancellation policy with flexible options. While deposits are non-refundable, partial refunds and transfers may be available depending on the cancellation date. We strongly recommend travel insurance to protect your investment. View our full [Cancellation Policy here] for details.

Count me in!

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page