Testimonials
Feedback from our Onsite Retreats
The retreat was absolutely fantastic, incredibly enriching, and helped push me artistically in my own writing in such a unique way. The time and space (and the setting!) that the retreat gave me to focus on my work was such a godsend. I would come back in a heartbeat.
Frank Donnangelo, Writer & Director
I feel inspired, confident, and I'm really happy with the work I got done on the retreat. I made some new life-long friends. I ate incredible food every day. And I got to take the most gorgeous runs across the Tuscan countryside. Honestly, I am beside myself with gratitude.
Alex Qin, Filmmaker
I had a very productive and focused experience at Nostos, writing for hours everyday, receiving feedback on my script from a diverse group of people, and getting valuable training in the art of the pitch from leading industry professionals. Nora has been very active with promoting my script and helping me to get it into the right hands. I’ve also learned a great deal about how the film industry and financing work in Europe.
Nostos is a great place to sharpen your skills as a writer, and industry professional, and to make new friends.
Hal Schneider, Actor/Writer/Director
Nora and her team have created a writing environment that not only lets screenwriters take a step back from their everyday lives but an opportunity allowing writers to see true potential within their own projects and work.
From the home cooked meals to the special guest speakers, I’ve learned certain lessons and skills that have allowed me to take my writing to the next level. I feel confident, recharged and ready to move forward with my screenwriting career.
Brandon Stark, Writer
This retreat far exceeded my expectations of what writing in Tuscany could be. The perfect combination of group workshop, live readings, one-on-one mentoring, and silent writing to help overcome writer's block, kill the necessary darlings, and achieve timely breakthroughs. Nora is an excellent leader and Rudy the most trustworthy facilitator. Upon returning from the retreat, my producer has already marveled on more than one occasion, "Is this what the Tuscan sun does to you?" I would not trade this group for anything!
Faye Yuan, Writer/Producer/Editor
My time on Elba working on my feature screenplay was priceless. I came there with only an outline and left with 72 pages of my feature. In the first week I met one-on-one with Rudy to go over my beat sheet. He's the perfect instructor for a writing retreat because he focusses on helping you tell the best version of the story YOU want to tell--he doesn't impose his own taste and he is passionate about storytelling in all forms. He helped me work through my story so that by the time I sat down to write the screenplay, it just flowed. While at this retreat I noticed my approach to my writing shifting, for the better, and I feel that I left with a deeper understanding of my craft. I'm so grateful to Nora for bringing together a group of writers that were supportive and generous with their ideas. We would discuss story over breakfast, and do cold reads with wine in the evening. The opportunity to focus on writing for three solid weeks is a gift that any writer should give themselves. And if you want to make that gift truly memorable, take yourself to Elba. It is an enchanting island and my experience there has sparked new friendships and more than a few new story ideas!
Lara Mrkoci, Actor & Editor
As I told my new wonderful Nostos family at our final wonderful meal together, I have always dreamed of having been a writer in 1920s Paris, engaging with other artists in food, drink, discussion and creativity in a magical venue. Now I realize that dream can come true in modern day Tuscany. These 3 weeks were beyond any wondrous fantasy my imagination could possibly conjure. I hardly know where to begin -- our amazing hosts, mentors and peers, the positively orgasmic meals, the gorgeous estate set amidst groves of olive and fruit trees, the beautiful accommodations -- and all of that is mere icing on the cake. The mentorship and support from everybody helped me complete the most polished first draft of a screenplay I've ever written (I arrived with but a beat sheet, so not bad for 3 weeks.) I was very blessed to win the scholarship this year, but you can bet I'm going to save every penny I earn so I can to come back again. This is a writer's dream come true.
Devi Snively, Filmmaker & Screenwriter
Thanks to Nostos I was able to FINALLY able take a second to breathe. The energy of the entire Nostos family helped me take those breaths and use them to propel me towards a healthier path in my writing.
Kaylee Kilkenny, Writer & Filmmaker
Feedback from our Online Workshops & Mentorship Sessions
The Nostos Online Screenwriting Workshop was a highly creative and motivating experience. Mentor Rudy Thauberger greatly helped to put my script on good tracks. The workshop makes you feel good and confident about your ideas.
Margaux Mitterrand, Writer & Director
I really enjoyed the Online Workshop at Nostos and connecting with writers and filmmakers from around the world. Rudy was very knowledgeable and worked individually with everyone. I learnt a lot and it has given me the impetus to finish my project.
Lorraine O'Connor, Writer & Producer
I was a participant of the December Online Workshop, which was very enriching for my project. I had a great time discussing story ideas with Rudy and the other members, an invaluable experience that resulted in insightful and very constructive feedback. Recommended to all screenwriters and filmmakers, whether you are embarking on a new personal project or have been stuck with the writing or development of an idea for some time.
Federico Casal, Editor/Director/Producer
The Online Workshop is fantastic. I think it’s the best investment of time and money I could have made in terms of improving my screenplay. The feedback I got from Rudy and the other writers has been enormously helpful, and I’m learning a lot from the discussions of the other writers’ work as well. So grateful I’m part of the workshop!
Julia Pearlstein, Actor and playwright
I absolutely love the online workshop. Great people and such useful notes on everyone's projects!
Karyn Peyton, TV Writer
It’s been so educational on so many levels, not just with my own writing but how to work with others on theirs and get to examine story structure in so many different genres.
Barrett Edmonds, Editor/Producer/Director
The workshop is terrific. Rudy's notes are thoughtful, constructive, and spot-on, and the other participants are wonderfully engaged and have terrific suggestions!
Anna Storm, Writer
The feedback I got from Rudy and the writer group has been invaluable. I found the experience both hugely challenging but also supportive! I would recommend to anyone, at any stage in their project to get breathe new perspective into it.