How You Can Make the Most Out of the ScreenCraft Writers Summit

How can the ScreenCraft Writers Summit help you take the next step in your writing career?

by Shannon Corbeil on June 5, 2024

You know how other professions are always sending people on business trips to conferences and other important meetings? Like that one episode when the cast of Friends joined the paleontologists in Barbados ("The One in Barbados") or when the staff of Abbott Elementary attended the Pennsylvania Educational Conference ("Teacher Conference"). Writers have that, too! We have conventions with our favorite creators (yes, you can and should be writing off Comic-Con as work—and your awesome cosplay outfit as well).

Enter the ScreenCraft Writers Summit—four days of amazing keynote conversations and live Q&A sessions from Hollywood’s leading screenwriters, held throughout June. There are many ways to make the most of this experience, so let’s dive in.

More info coming soon | Remind Me

Research the Speakers at the ScreenCraft Writers Summit

There is an incredible lineup of speakers and live workshops over the four days. From Quinta Brunson (Abbott Elementary, A Black Lady Sketch Show) to Issa Lopez (True Detective: Night Country) to Richard Linklater (Hit Man, The Before Trilogy), there will be writers, showrunners, producers, and more speaking at the Summit.

You will have the opportunity to learn from these screenwriters' experiences. Whether it’s an interview or a live Q&A session, the lessons gleaned from their career trajectories and industry knowledge are invaluable. From professionals' writing processes to their advice on getting work seen by Hollywood insiders, ScreenCraft aimed to create conversations that demonstrate how people found their success, so they can help you find your way, too. These interviews were designed with screenwriters in mind, asking guests questions that emerging writers care about and requested.

The 2024 ScreenCraft Writers Summit includes interviews from Chuck Lorre, Lulu Wang, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, John Orloff, Sean Wang, Brit Marling, and Liz Tigelaar.

Maximum Your Experience

Prioritize your topics of interest and then add relevant panels to your calendar. If you’re looking for representation, attend the programs featuring literary agents and managers speaking. They will discuss their relationships with clients and best practices for querying.

If you’ve got great screenplays you’re looking to sell, there is literally a workshop called “How To Sell Your TV Show”—the Summit is that detail-oriented. The ScreenCraft Summit elevates a screenwriter's career through pitching, mentorships, and directing.

The 2024 ScreenCraft Writers Summit will feature Q&A sessions with literary representatives from Gersh, Thruline, and more; a Showrunners Panel with Mentorship Matters; a Director’s Panel with the Alliance of Women Directors; a Q&A with TV development executive Paige Hooper; a Pitch Panel with Chris Lockhart, a story editor from WME; and a Final Draft Rewrite Session with a working writer.

The 2024 ScreenCraft Writers Summit will feature Q&A sessions with literary representatives from Gersh, Thruline, and more; a Showrunners Panel with Mentorship Matters; a Director’s Panel with the Alliance of Women Directors; a Q&A with TV development executive Paige Hooper; a Pitch Panel with Chris Lockhart, a Story Editor from WME; and a Final Draft Rewrite Session with a working writer.

Don't Forget to Take Notes

Utilize whatever method works best for you and take notes. When I attend professional panels and Q&As, I end up with excellent information that isn’t publicly available. Sometimes I walk away with a to-do list of actionable steps I can take for my career. Other times I have personalized notes about different preferences for companies and pros—for example, how someone likes to receive query letters. I like to create a Google Doc for these events because it’s easy to search for names and topics later.

If you prepare these note pages ahead of time, be sure to include social media handles and prepared questions that you have!

Join the Community

A great way to connect with others from a virtual summit is to post about it online. Share quotes from the speakers or lessons learned, and tag relevant social media handles (hint: like @Screen_Craft on Instagram and Threads, @screencrafting on X).

These kinds of posts can get shared and gain traction which can attract other writers in the industry. Start up a side conversation with other attendees about the Summit. This is an excellent way to build your network of peers and colleagues—you never know when a mutual will be someone looking to hire for their room.

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There will be over 14 hours of excellent resources for screenwriters, all for one price. Recordings will also be available for all who register but can't attend the live events. My advice regarding the recordings is to revisit them as soon as possible in case they include time-sensitive offerings.

In addition to the wealth of information available at this summit, creativity will be encouraged, and fun to be had. Bring your positive attitude and willingness to learn, and foster connections. Don’t forget to apply a business mindset to make the most of this experience!

Join us at the 2024 ScreenCraft Writers Summit!

June 8th - 29th!

Shannon Corbeil is a writer, actor, and U.S. Air Force veteran in Los Angeles with appearances on SEAL Team and The Rookie. She was also a 2023 DGE TV Writing Program Finalist and her screenplays have placed in various contests. You can read more about her on her website or come play on Instagram and Twitter!