Vertical Screenwriting Retreat
FADE IN:
EXT. UPPER DECK – CRUISE SHIP – DAY
A group of WOMEN WRITERS step onto the deck, greeted by sun, breeze, and endless ocean. They pause, letting the moment sink in. Pages flutter. Ideas spark. Out here, above the water and away from real life, their vertical stories begin.
FADE OUT.
The Experience 📱
This retreat is for women ready to create in the future of storytelling.
Whether you’re just starting out or already writing, you’ll feel at home here if you:
• Want to learn how to write scroll-stopping vertical stories
• Have an idea you’re finally ready to develop
• Crave focused writing time in a beautiful, inspiring setting
• Want personalized guidance from a mentor who gets vertical formats
• Are curious about the industry and want to stand out
• Want more confidence, clarity, and creative momentum
• Want to leave with something powerful and uniquely yours
• Love connecting with other women creatives
If reading this sparks something in you… you belong here.
Why Verticals. Why Now.
Vertical storytelling isn’t a trend, it’s the fastest-growing way audiences consume story. And women creators are leading the charge.
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It’s how the world watches. Phones, reels, shorts, streaming apps, all built for vertical.
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It’s accessible. No gatekeepers, no huge budgets.
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The biggest vertical audience is women, they watch it, share it, and connect with it the most.
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Platforms, studios, and brands are investing in vertical creators right now.
If you can write vertically, you can break through faster than ever. And this retreat is where that begins.
Mentor's latest vertical series
✍️ What You’ll Walk Away With
By the end of this 4-night journey at sea, you’ll walk away with a vertical storytelling project you’re proud of, including:
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A polished vertical series concept / micro drama
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A compelling logline + hook
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A clear understanding of vertical genres, structure, pacing, and emotional beats
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A beat sheet/ outline for your vertical story
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A refined sense of your voice in vertical storytelling
You’ll learn how to craft scroll-stopping stories, explore new structures, strengthen your voice, and be guided by Isabel Dréan, one of the leading creative minds in vertical storytelling.
You won’t just leave with inspiration. You’ll leave with a finished roadmap for a powerful vertical story, ready to pitch.
Industry Mentor
Isabel Drean
Los Angeles–based screenwriter, director, producer, and digital storytelling pioneer at the forefront of the global vertical content revolution. After starting in genre filmmaking, she transitioned into Christmas movies—writing five produced scripts in just 18 months—before expanding into microdramas and platform-native storytelling.
An early adopter of short-form narrative, Isabel created one of the first curated webseries platforms, developing over 50 original digital series and selling a murder-mystery project to a studio. She is also the author of How to Write a Vertical Series in 10 days, a #1 Amazon bestseller and go-to guide for writers entering the vertical space.
Today, she is a leading voice in vertical writing, teaching international masterclasses and mentoring global labs while helping creators craft bingeable, platform-native stories for modern audiences. She is the founder of THE HUB, a global network supporting shopping agreements, co-productions, and cross-border collaborations.
Donna
The content of what you taught was a perfect mix of skill-building and business insights. But the real value was the time you took to ensure we unlearned our old writing skills to write in the style of a minidrama. Having your eyes on my work until I got it right was worth more than any other premium course or program I've taken in the last 10 years."
Asmaa
“Isabel genuinely cares about the writer’s journey and knows how to make stories stand out. She consistently provides opportunities, guidance, and advice whenever we need it. Her investment of time and expertise in our writing is truly unique in the industry. I continue to take her courses because the value she provides is unmatched.”
Vicky A
“The Vertical Drama incubator exceeded my expectations. Over a rigorous two weeks, we went from concept to completed script. The lessons and real-time feedback were eye-opening. Thanks to this class, I’m in talks with a producer and am developing more ideas.“
🚢 Your Creative Home: Quantum of the Seas
For four unforgettable nights, your writing studio is Quantum of the Seas, a breathtaking Royal Caribbean ship where light, ocean, and inspiration meet. With floor-to-ceiling windows, sun-kissed decks, cozy lounges, and endless ocean views, the ship becomes a floating sanctuary designed for creativity. Explore inspiring corners of the ship:
🌅 The North Star — a glass pod lifting you above the sea for a 360° burst of inspiration.
📚 Two70° Lounge — panoramic windows and soft seating for deep writing sessions.
🌊 The Solarium — a serene, light-filled haven perfect for outlining or dreaming your next scene.
☕ Cafés & Quiet Corners — where ideas flow effortlessly.
✨ Open Decks — where golden hour becomes your muse.
And when you’re ready for a break, the ship offers everything you need to replenish your body and spirit:
🍽️ Global dining options included with your stay—from sunrise breakfasts overlooking the ocean to relaxed, laughter-filled dinners with your creative circle.
🏋️♀️ A modern fitness center where you can move your body and reset your mind before a day of writing.
💆♀️ A luxurious spa with massages, facials, and soothing thermal suites (optional add-ons).
🎭 Evening entertainment—live shows, music, lounges, and immersive art moments to spark fresh ideas.
🏊♀️ Pools and whirlpools that invite you to unwind after a full, fulfilling day of creativity.
Your cabin becomes your personal sanctuary, a serene space to journal, decompress, and drift to sleep as the ocean gently carries you forward.
For more details about the ship and cruise, click here
Itinerary
Overview
Day 1 - Los Angeles
Ship departs at 4PM
Introductions & Welcome Dinner
Optional: Cruise Activities
Day 2 - Day at Sea
How to Write a Vertical Series
Concept Brainstorming Session
Optional: Cruise Activities
Day 3 - Catalina Island, California
Outlining the first 10 episodes
Mentor Feedback
Optional: Port Visit & Cruise Activities
Day 4 - Ensenada, Mexico
Table Reads
First Episode Feedback
Optional: Port Visit & Cruise activities
Farewell Dinner
Day 5 - Los Angeles
Ship arrives at 7am
What's included?
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4-Night Cruise Aboard Quantum of the Seas
Set sail in comfort with a beautifully appointed stateroom and full access to the ship’s lounges, solarium, open decks, world-class entertainment, and premium amenities. Enjoy ocean-view breakfasts, relaxed lunches between sessions, and community dinners each evening designed for connection and conversation. -
Vertical Storytelling Workshops
Led by acclaimed mentor Isabel Dréan, these workshops dive deep into the art of vertical storytelling covering irresistible hooks, structure, pacing, emotional beats, character development, and what it truly takes to write for vertical formats. -
Daily Guided Writing Sessions
Intentional, structured writing blocks to draft, revise, and brainstorm—set against inspiring ocean views that help creativity flow. -
Catalina Island & Ensenada Port Days
Unstructured time to explore, reset, and gather inspiration in two stunning coastal destinations. -
Welcome Gift Bag
A curated welcome gift bag with creative tools and special surprises to support your writing journey. -
Post-Retreat Accountability Group
Stay supported and motivated after the cruise with a dedicated accountability group to help you continue writing and finishing your project.
Investment
Whether you prefer to share a cabin or enjoy your own private space, we have the perfect option for your retreat experience.
You may pay in full or reserve your spot with a $300 deposit.
Prices are per person and include both the cruise and the retreat.
**You may also share a cabin with someone who is not attending the retreat.
If you’re interested, email us at info@onceuponascript.com**
Cabin for Two:
Two beds in a cabin sharing a bathroom. Bring a writer friend or make a new one.
Early Bird Pricing: Save $300 when you book by December 25, 2025.
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Virtual Window — $1,695 (Reg. $1,995)
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Balcony — $2,295 (Reg. $2,595)
Private Cabin:
Your own space. Private room and private bathroom.
Early Bird Pricing: Save $300 when you book by December 25, 2025.
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Virtual Window — $2,495 (Reg. $2,795)
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Balcony — $3,195 (Reg. $3,495)
👉 Complete the form below and we’ll send you a personalized invoice based on your selections. All major credit cards accepted.
“You can waste your lives drawing lines. Or you can live your life crossing them.”
- Shonda Rhimes
