The Owl was created by the Athens Film Office to help develop film and TV projects with international appeal, and that make the most of the advantages Athens offers to the industry.

It is an annual workshop for screenwriters who have already achieved early-career success with a distributed film or TV show and who are ready to launch their career internationally. The workshop aims to create a bridge for screenwriters working outside global centers of film production to reach some of the most well-funded and commercially successful film producers in the world.

A group of 10 film professionals will be selected to participate in the mentoring and networking workshop held November 7-10th, in Athens, Greece.

We’re looking for screenwriters from a diverse range of backgrounds and identities who develop audience-driven feature films and TV series, combining artistic vision and commercial potential, and which could be adapted to be produced and/or shot in Greece. Entries are judged by a Selection Committee of experienced film and TV professionals. Judging is based on the writer’s track record and overall quality of the script, originality, writing style and concept marketability.

The variety and versatility of Greece makes it the ideal base for a wide range of productions. With locations from inner-city streets to the classic white sand beaches, a project doesn’t need to be set in Greece to shoot here.

The Owl Screenwriting Workshop runs in three sessions:

1st session is held in Athens November 7th - 10th at the St. George Lycabettus Hotel

Screenwriters are invited to participate in the full Owl program in Athens which comprises of

·       one-to-one mentorship

·       panels from industry experts

·       masterclasses from screenwriting experts

·       peer to peer review in TV and Film cohorts and

·    numerous networking opportunities with Greek and International industry professionals.

The Athens Film Office and the City of Athens cover room and board costs, tuition fees and experiences such as walking tours, networking opportunities and potential screenings.

2nd session is online in February 2023

Having completed an intensive workshop in Athens, screenwriters will submit a second draft of their Feature Film or TV pilot. In February, they will participate in a group workshop, led by prof. Scott Myers, where each cohort member has read each other’s revised scripts.

Screenwriters will benefit from:

·       A wider range of critiques, feedback, and suggestions

·       In critiquing other scripts, each writer will develop their critical analytical skills

·       Encourage group bonding that may help to carry those connections forward

3rd session is held in Athens in September 2024.

Upon completion of their final draft, screenwriters are invited to return to Athens and partake in their final Group Session; a conversation with their cohort and prof. Scott Myers about the state of each writer’s revised script. They will also have the opportunity to take a masterclass on pitching and then present their projects in a pitching event in front of a committee at The Owl Industry Days; a two day market event running parallel to the Owl Screenwriting Workshop.

Professor Scott Myers: Associate Professor, Screenwriting, DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts, Chicago, Illinois

Dave Clarke:International Co-Production and Development Consultant, CBS Studios International

Marianne Wendt: Creator, Screenwriter, Showrunner

Marc Lorber: Executive Producer at The Art of Co Production. Former SVP of Int’l coproductions at Lionsgate

Danna Stern: Executive Producer, Global Content Executive

Lindsey Bender: Literary Agent, CAA

Raffaella Bonivento: Executive Producer and Strategic Content Advisor

Chadi Zeneddine: Director of Projects Development and International Relations - Industry and Festival expert

Peter Carlton:Bafta Winning Executive Producer, Joint CEO at Warp Film