Pricing
RESERVE YOUR PLACE
The Screenwriting Cruise
A 7-Day Creative Odyssey on the Mexican Riviera
Feb 6th - 13th, 2026 - Nov 1st deadline is fast approaching.
An exclusive seven-day cruise of structured craft workshops, one‑on‑one mentorship and a live pitch to industry pros. Centered around an Intensive core curriculum that guides you from spark to structure. You’ll disembark with a pressure‑tested premise, a polished outline, bulletproof pitch, professional connections and incredible memories.
We’ll guide you from pitch to completed eight page outline — leaving you fully prepared to knock out your next feature, teleplay or novel.
In association with:
Due to the special nature of this event, space is extremely limited.
Save $500! Don’t miss your chance to attend! Nov. 1 reservation deadline is fast approaching.
Watch the video
Note: Meet and greet with Howard Suber on day one. Subsequent sessions on The Power of Film via Starlink.
You'll leave this experience with…
A Battle-Ready Outline
A polished, 8-page roadmap that locks your story’s spine, characters, and sequences, ready to convert to a screenplay on your return.
A Market-Ready Pitch
A clear, confident 60-second pitch you can take straight into a festival, producer’s office, or Zoom room.
Invaluable Connections
Gain proven story-breaking and pitching techniques, receive real feedback from industry pros, and forge memorable experiences and lasting contacts at sea.
Not Just a Getaway. A Creative Ignition Point.
Imagine yourself at sea, surrounded by fellow storytellers, industry mentors, and the cinematic coastline of the Pacific. For seven days, you’ll immerse yourself in a program designed to accelerate your writing career:
  • Getting Your Story Onboard — From world renowned lecturer Wendall Thomas comes six, intensive, tightly structured craft sessions and by week’s end, you’ll have a polished 8-page plan and a 60-second pitch.
  • The Howard Suber Q&A — Live lectures and Q&A via Starlink, with legendary UCLA professor Howard Suber, expanding on his acclaimed HBO Max series The Power of Film.
  • Story Break Live — Watch industry pros and lucky audience members break a raw concept into a pitchable pilot or feature in real time, guided by Brian Patrick Fagan.
  • The Finale: Live Pitch Showcase — Your two-minute pitch delivered to a panel of producers, showrunners, and executives. This festival-style capstone is designed to prove your story is ready for the spotlight.
  • In the evenings — Take a break and enjoy an optional playful narrative mystery. Whodunit will perform a live interactive story over 3 days with a professional cast of LA comedy improv actors. You are invited to become a part of the show or a fly on the wall as you try and solve Whodunit.
There is limited space on this voyage.
Writers who hesitate miss their chance, while writers who commit change their trajectory.
Prices increase October 10th.
Why This Retreat?
Focus
A magnificent ship is the perfect "forced focus" environment — no errands, no distractions, just the sea and your script.
Feedback
From small-group labs to live table reads, every idea gets tested and refined.
Access
Industry guests join for panels, dinners, and pitch rooms. You'll connect with the kind of decision-makers who can move your career forward.
Screenwriters are hungry for three things: focus, feedback, and proven career strategies.
On this cruise, you'll get all three.
This is a career investment, not a vacation.
Guests and Instructors
Howard Suber, Ph.D.
Howard Suber is Professor Emeritus Recall at UCLA TFT, where during his 50 years on the faculty, he helped establish and chaired the Critical Studies and Ph.D. programs, the UCLA Film & Television Archive, and the UCLA TFT Producers Program. He is a former associate dean, recipient of UCLA’s Distinguished Teaching Award and the prestigious Dickson Emeriti Professorship Award—the highest honor for a retired UCLA faculty member. Suber continues to teach “Film Structure” and “Strategic Thinking in the Film and Television Industries.” He is the author of The Power of Film and Letters to Young Filmmakers.
Wendall Thomas
Since receiving her M.A. in English from the University of North Carolina, Wendall Thomas has worked in Los Angeles as a casting assistant, director's assistant, script reader, story editor, development executive, entertainment reporter, script consultant, and screenwriter, writing and developing projects for companies including Disney, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Universal, Showtime, PBS, RKO, A&E, NBC, and Scottish Screen.
She is in her twenty-ninth year as Adjunct Professor of Screenwriting in the Graduate Film School at UCLA, has consulted for the Atelier du Cinéma Européen Producing Program in Paris, directed the GOOD Foundations and LA FEATURES programs in the UK, was the Director of Screen Queensland's SQ PROJECTOR programs for emerging filmmakers, and is currently the Director of VicScreen’s ORIGINATE GENRE lecture and mentorship program.
She has lectured on film history and screenwriting throughout Europe as well as in Australia and New Zealand and her "Wendall Thomas Talks Scripts" series was featured at the Melbourne International Film Festival from 2011 to 2018. She has also presented 24 screenwriting lectures for Screen Queensland.
Her recent student/clients have written or produced for Netflix, Sony, Fox, Showtime and NBC, Cannes Showcase, HBO, Warner Brothers and Amazon.
Wendall’s first novel, Lost Luggage, was a finalist for the Macavity and Lefty awards for Best Debut and the fourth, Cheap Trills, won Best Comic Mystery of 2023. Her short fiction has also appeared in a variety of crime anthologies, including Murder-A-Go-Gos and Hollywood Kills. She’s adapted Wilkie Collins for PBS’s Wishbone, sponsors a wildlife trail camera in the Australian outback, and wrote the speech for Bonnie Raitt’s induction into The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.
Bryan Cogman
Bryan Cogman is a 4 time Emmy Award-winning television writer and producer, celebrated for his profound contributions to some of the most influential modern fantasy series. He pursued a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting at Juilliard before transitioning from theater to a career in screenwriting.
Cogman rose to prominence as a key writer and producer for HBO’s Game of Thrones, crafting eleven highly acclaimed episodes over eight seasons and earning four Emmy Awards for his work. Known for his deep understanding of George R. R. Martin’s source material, he was often referred to as “the third head of the dragon” by the showrunners. His expertise positioned him as a vital creative force behind the adaptation’s critical and commercial success.
Beyond Game of Thrones, Cogman is the author of Inside HBO’s Game of Thrones and has written and/or doctored features for Paramount, 20th Century Fox, and Disney. He served as a Consulting Producer on Amazon Prime’s The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power and is the showrunner on a TBA streaming series based on a major IP.
Bryan Cogman’s journey — from aspiring actor to a renowned writer and producer of epic television — reflects his creativity, resilience, and passionate embrace of opportunity, shaping modern fantasy storytelling for a generation.
Jon Fitzgerald
Jon has twenty-five years of experience in the independent film, internet and film festival communities, a rare leader with a unique combination of skills. As a filmmaker, he has produced a number of award winning documentaries; and as a consultant, he has guided many independent film projects through the maze of festivals and hybrid distribution models.
As a co-founder of the Slamdance Film Festival, he led the event the next two seasons before being named the Festival Director for the prestigious AFI Film Festival which he ran for 3 years,
Author, Filmmaking for Change.
Shauna Hoffman M.A. MFT, CMC
Shauna Hoffman is a screenwriter, podcaster, speaker, blogger, and psychotherapist. A graduate of CalArts, she is the CEO of Whodunit Productions, Inc./Sea Conferences, where she has produced more than 150 live events at sea. In her psychotherapy practice, she specializes in working with creatives and entertainment industry professionals. Her work has been featured in The Huffington Post, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.
Brian Patrick Fagan
Brian Patrick Fagan is the Director of the UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television's Professional Programs in Screenwriting, Producing, Writing for Television (program co-creator), Acting for the Camera (program co-creator), and Directing (program creator). He previously wrote and directed in NYC and Chicago. Brian holds an M.F.A. in Screenwriting from UCLA, was the researcher for 74 episodes of Law & Order: SVU, and produced The Room Actors: Where Are They Now? (available on Amazon Prime). Before becoming Director, he taught writing for one-hour drama and screenwriting. In his spare time, Brian writes fantasy novels.
Christin Finch
Christin Finch is a producer, director, screenwriter, and entrepreneur, and the founder of Wolftent Films.
Christin is an alum of UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television’s graduate-level Professional Program in Screenwriting, and an alum of UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television’s graduate-level Professional Program in Writing for Television and Producing, for which Christin served as Television Assistant and Producing Assistant, and where Christin continues to moderate film and television special event seminars.
Rachel Wagner
Rachel Wagner is a television and comic book writer who has worked in the writers' rooms of CBS’ CSI, Bounce TV’s Saints and Sinners and NBC’s Revolution and About a boy. After graduating from USC, she worked directly for Jerry Bruckheimer before moving into television, writing and on-set producing several episodes for AMC’s Preacher. In comics, she has written for Boom Studios’ Mighty Morphin Power Rangers and created her own, “GRAY GIRL” for Image.
Disclaimer:
While every effort will be made to ensure the scheduled instructors appear as advertised, unforeseen circumstances (including, but not limited to, work, illness, travel delays, or emergencies) may require substitutions, rescheduling, or adjustments to the program. The organizers reserve the right to replace instructors or modify the event schedule as necessary. Any such changes will be made with the intent of preserving the quality and integrity of the experience.
Who Should Come
Mid-career writers ready to break into TV or film.
Mid-career writers who are eager to write their next story. You have an idea ready to go. You just need the time away, and the support you can only find from like-minded writers, to knock it out.
Novelists, playwrights, or journalists crossing into screenwriting.
You have storytelling experience in other mediums and want to translate those skills to the screen.
Emerging writers serious about leveling up, not dabblers.
You're committed to your craft and ready to invest in your professional development.
Craft a perfected pitch and outline in seven days. Come with an idea.
Leave with a story.
Life Onboard
  • All-inclusive dining and amenities on an award winning cruise line.*
  • Evening salons, cocktail parties, and surprise mystery beats.
  • Port calls in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta — fuel for both your soul and your scripts.
"By day, you're sharpening your craft. By night, you're living inside a story."
We built this for writers who want outcomes: pages, polish, and a plan. Days are structured for deep craft work; afternoons for incredible inspiration and evenings open for salons, scene work, and a playful mystery in short plays and improvs with professional actors that keeps your storyteller brain sparking.
  • Focus: protected writing windows + guided checkpoints.
  • Feedback: writers’ room drills, and insights from professional actors or your peers.
  • Access: curated mentors, industry Q&As, and pitch sharpening.
Port Calls: Fuel for Your Soul & Scripts
Our journey takes you to three stunning Mexican Riviera destinations, each offering unique inspiration and relaxation.
Cabo San Lucas
Explore Baja's quintessential seaside town, home to the historic Iglesia de San Lucas and the majestic rock arches. Witness stunning views where clear ocean waters meet desert landscapes along the Sea of Cortez. Relax on Playa Medano or savor a margarita at a lively oceanside spot, soaking in the vibrant local atmosphere.
Mazatlán
Cradled by mountains and the Pacific, Mazatlán is a captivating resort town. Its Centro Historico features stately plazas and restored landmarks, while white-sand beaches offer lively cafes and ample space for sunbathing. Immerse yourself in the region's rich history, from Spanish conquistadors to buccaneer battles.
Puerto Vallarta
Discover paradise and romance defined in Puerto Vallarta. Relax on pristine beaches like Yelapa, admire the terracotta roofs of the old town, and take in impressive bay views from its charming promenade. Walk down to Los Arcos, the iconic Roman-style arches, then explore El Malecon's contemporary sculptures, bars, and lively nightlife.
Whale Season
Whale season in Cabo runs from approximately mid-December to April, with the most active and best whale watching occurring from January to March. During this time, Humpback and Gray whales migrate to the warm waters of the Baja California peninsula to breed and give birth, making Los Cabos a prime location for sightings.
Key times and species Mid-December - April: The overall season for whale watching, when many species are present.
The Investment
Limited availability - Reserve your place today
  • $500 deposit required to secure your spot → fully refundable until final payment.*
  • Balance due 90 days before sailing.

Think of it this way: a land-based screenwriting retreat costs $3,000–$5,000 without lodging or meals. Here, your investment buys:
  • Elegant accommodations,
  • world-class instruction,
  • direct industry access,
  • and a creative community that will last a lifetime.
* - Minus Stripe credit card processing fees.
Ready to Board?
Where serious craft meets a cinematic journey.
Write bravely. Sail beautifully.
There is limited space on this voyage. Writers who hesitate miss their chance. Writers who commit change their trajectory.
Don’t miss your chance to attend! Nov. 1 reservation deadline is fast approaching
👉 Secure your spot today with a $500 deposit.
Feb 6th - 13th 2026
"This is not just a getaway. It’s an exclusive, creative ignition point: seven days of structured craft workshops, one-on-one mentorship, live pitch opportunities, and the rare kind of peer connections that can last a lifetime. Against the cinematic backdrop of the Pacific and the ports of the Mexican Riviera, you’ll break stories, sharpen pitches, and emerge with an outline, and a plan, that could change the trajectory of your career."
Set sail with us and return with a story that's ready for the industry.
More Information:
Find Us on Social:
Contact Us:
In association with:
Copyright 2025, Roroco, LLC. | Roroco is family run company.
Whodunit Productions, Inc is a Registered Seller of Travel in California #2003317-40
Made with ❤️ in Los Angeles, California.
Want to learn more? Continue to scroll down.
Can I Bring Someone?
Whether you're seeking deep solo focus, dynamic collaboration, or a balanced retreat with a loved one, the Screenwriting Cruise offers flexible options for every writer.
Come Solo
Maximize your focus and productivity. Join an instant community of fellow writers for labs, table reads, and pitch drills.
  • Single occupancy
Bring An Industry Partner
Travel as a creative team. Share a cabin, split and reduce costs, and push both your projects forward with your collaborator.
  • Double occupancy for best value
Bring a Significant Other
Balance intense work days with relaxing evenings. Your partner can enjoy all the ship's amenities and port excursions.
  • Double occupancy for best value
Ready to Reserve?
Secure your place with a $500 deposit. Choose your preferred occupancy: solo, writer + writer, or writer + guest.
Book Now: Screenwriting Cruise Pricing
$500 deposit required to secure your spot → fully refundable until final payment.
Included:
  • 7-night cruise (Ship Accommodations: Interior Virtual Balcony or Balcony)
  • Retreat program: masterclasses, breakout labs, 1:1 mentorship, pitch sessions.
  • Meeting spaces & standard A/V
  • Meals in main dining venues + basic beverages (water, iced tea, lemonade, drip coffee, select juices)
  • Port charges, taxes, and standard Royal Caribbean fees
  • Gratuities (Mandatory, $130 per person)
  • 1 device internet package ($126 per person)
Prices subject to change until time of booking.
Single Occupancy
Double Occupancy
Double occupancy allows for a cheaper rate for two people occupying one cabin. It requires two people to pay that reduced price and share a cabin. Includes retreat programming.
Family Option
Double occupancy allows for a cheaper rate for two people occupying one cabin. It requires two people to pay that reduced price and share a cabin. Excludes retreat programming for additional family members.
Not included:
  • Dining in Specialty Restaurants such as Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, Johnny Rockets, and Izumi
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Spa and Salon services
  • Gambling (Including Bingo)
  • Art Auction, Photographs, Video Arcade
  • Any purchases made in the gift shops onboard
  • Shore excursions
  • Medical Services
  • Transfers (Unless guest has purchased our air/sea package)
  • Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
  • Ship to Shore Telephone calls
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (excluding water, lemonade and iced tea)
  • Travel protection insurance (recommended)
Video and Photos
In association with:
Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas.
Schedule at a Glance
Friday — Departure
Embarkation & Sail Away
Boarding begins at 10:30
  • 12:30 - Meet and greet, Q&A - Howard Suber
  • 14:00 - Orientation
  • 16:00 - Group meetup
  • 19:30 - Dinner
Saturday — At Sea
A full day at sea: writing sessions, workshops, and connection.
  • 07:00 - Breakfast
  • 08:00 - The Elements of a Screenplay - Wendall Thomas
  • 12:00 - Lunch
  • 13:00 - Power of Film - Howard Suber (via Starlink)
  • 15:00 - Free Time / Cue the Coffee / Fun & Relax
  • 16:30 - Pitch Intro
  • 19:30 - Dinner
Sunday — Cabo San Lucas
A full day at port: writing sessions, workshops, and connection. Sessions after 12:00 are optional to allow time to write, visit the port, etc.
  • 07:00 - Breakfast
  • 08:00 - The Crucial First Act - Wendall Thomas
  • 12:00 - Lunch
  • 13:00 - Power of Film - Howard Suber (via Starlink)
  • 15:00 - Free Time / Cue the Coffee / Fun & Relax
  • 16:30 - Filmmaking for change - Jon Fitzgerald
  • 18:00 - Group Writing Session
  • 19:30 - Dinner
Monday — Mazatlán
A full day at port: writing sessions, workshops, and connection. Sessions after 12:00 are optional to allow time to write, visit the port, etc.
  • 07:00 - Breakfast
  • 09:00 - The Dreaded Second Act - Wendall Thomas
  • 12:00 - Lunch
  • 13:00 - Group Writing writing / Pitch Practice
  • 15:00 - Free Time / Cue the Coffee / Fun & Relax
  • 16:00 - Case Study on Game of Thrones - Bryan Cogman
  • 19:30 - Dinner
Tuesday — Puerto Vallarta
A full day at port: writing sessions, workshops, and connection. Sessions after 12:00 are optional to allow time to write, visit the port, etc.
  • 07:00 - Breakfast
  • 09:00 - The Vital Third Act - Wendall Thomas
  • 12:00 - Lunch
  • 13:00 - Lounge Writing Group
  • 15:00 - Free Time / Cue the Coffee / Fun & Relax
  • 19:00 - Group Writing Session
  • 19:30 - Dinner
Wednesday — At Sea
  • 07:00 - Breakfast
  • 09:00 - Transformation: The Character Arc - Wendall Thomas
  • 12:00 - Lunch
  • 13:00 - Overcoming Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome - Shauna Hoffman
  • 14:30 - Free Time / Cue the Coffee / Fun & Relax
  • 17:30 - Story Break Live - Brian Patrick Fagan
  • 19:30 - Dinner
Thursday — At Sea
  • 07:00 - Breakfast
  • 09:00 - Putting It All Together - Wendall Thomas
  • 12:00 - Lunch
  • 13:00 - Pitch Prep, audition and vote
  • 15:00 - Free Time / Cue the Coffee / Fun & Relax
  • 17:30 - Live Pitch Session & cocktail party
  • 19:30 - Dinner
Friday — Return to Los Angeles
  • Morning disembarkation at the Port of Los Angeles.
  • 07:00 - Breakfast
  • 10:30 - Farewell
Collect luggage, board buses to LAX, and say farewell until the next Screenwriting Cruise adventure.
Optional Mystery Thread
Friday
Embarkation & Sail Away
  • 14:30 - Meet the Characters 🔍
  • 18:00 - Show opening 🔍
  • 19:30 - Dinner 🔍
Saturday
  • 11:00 - Wedding Shower 🔍
  • 18:00 - Wedding 🔍
  • 19:30 - Dinner 🔍
Sunday
  • 11:00 - Memorial at Sea 🔍
  • 19:30 - Dinner 🔍
Monday
  • 08:00 - Viewing of the clues 🔍
  • 17:30 - Viewing of the clues 🔍
  • 18:30 - Wrap up Event 🔍
Tuesday
  • 18:00 - Cocktail Party 🔍
Session Details
Study at sea with Howard Suber, Ph.D.
Legendary UCLA film Professor Emeritus Howard Suber will analyze why certain films have remained both popular and memorable for generations.
He uncovers mysteries, dispels myths, and explains with clarity and humor the defining principles and inner workings of some of the most powerful and beloved films of all time.
Howard will be onboard to engage with writers in a meet and greet on day one and then present subsequent sessions via Star link.
Praise for Howard
“Howard Suber’s understanding of film storytelling is surprisingly contrary to what 'everyone knows.' A remarkable work.”
—Francis Ford Coppola
"By connecting us to what makes our stories powerful, Howard Suber connects us to who we are as human beings. An extraordinary and essential series.”
—Alexander Payne, Director, The Holdovers, Sideways, Downsizing, Nebraska
"A one-of-a-kind odyssey into the soul of cinema and why it matters".
—Wade Major, LAist, FilmWeek, Cinegods.com
The Power of Film is a 6 part series created and written by Howard Suber.
The Power of Film Trailer
Getting Your Story Onboard - 6 sessions | 18 Hours
Instructed by Wendall Thomas
World renowned instructor Wendall Thomas teaches "Getting Your Story Onboard": An immersive six-day course designed to develop your next idea. This course will focus on bringing your film idea to life—from concept to outline—through an intensive look at how structure and character come together to create a working screen story. The course is open to writers working in any genre and each day will include a combination of lectures, films clips, and group exercises designed to move your concept forward. Arrive with an idea and you can leave the cruise with a working blueprint for your script.
Day 1: The Elements of a Screenplay (and the documents you need to sell one)
You’ll revisit the overall way that screenplays work—from the opening image to the climax—and about how short documents, like loglines, synopses, and outlines will help you both pitch and write a feature film. We’ll work with some classic examples and talk about the best place to start with your idea.
Day 2: The Crucial First Act
In a screenplay, set-up is everything. If you set your film up properly, the rest of the structure will follow. Using examples from a range of films, from Sunset Boulevard, 3 Days of the Condor, and Fatal Attraction to Get Out, Barbie, The Substance, and Sinners, we will look at how the Opening Image/Scene, the Inciting Incident, and the First Act Break set the stage for the structure of any film and how to translate them to your synopsis.
Day 3: The Dreaded Second Act
Even the most seasoned screenwriters can dread the Second Act of a script, since it’s the longest section and, for many, the hardest to structure. Wendall will discuss a variety of “tricks” she has learned over the years to activate this section of the story, particularly the use of a strong Midpoint, with examples from the films above as well as Chinatown, Thelma and Louise, The Verdict, Notting Hill, Little Miss Sunshine, Gravity, and Parasite. We will also discuss the smartest way to lay this section out in a selling document.
Day 4: The Vital Third Act
Everything in the third act of your screenplay should be more intense, faster, and raise the stakes moment by moment. It needs surprises, which Wendall calls “Blindsides” and its climax needs to be related to the question raised in Act One. We’ll track this increased pacing and intensity in examples from the films above, and talk about how to communicate that in your outline or synopsis.
Day 5: Transformation: The Character Arc
On this day, we’ll look at screenplay structure from a character point of view, discussing the kinds of questions you should ask yourself about your characters as well as examining the strongest ways to introduce them and how to chart their progress—or arc—through the plot points of the story. We’ll add some additional film examples from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, Grosse Pointe Blank, Crazy Heart, and American Fiction and Wendall will explain an alternate outline format that is totally character driven.
Day 6: Putting It All Together
On your last day, we’ll focus on the various short documents that you will all have been working on, talk about making sure the character arc is connected to the structure, and making sure that you have all the tools you’ll need to move forward on your own.
Praise for Wendall Thomas:
“I wish I’d taken this class years ago. Wendall taught me a new way to find ideas and turn them into story pitches. Sign up now!”
- USA Today Bestselling author MELISSA MCCLONE
“Less than one year after I took Wendall Thomas’s class, I sold two movies and one TV series to important platforms and production companies. On a financial level, this is one of the best investments I have ever made. She teaches you how to defeat your fears, enhance your abilities to conceptualize TV and movie stories, and identify why you are the right person to tell them.”
- Screenwriter of La Exorcista and founder, Giant Stories, CHRISTIAN CUEVA
“Of all the screenwriting classes I have taken, Wendall’s course provided me with the best real-world skills that I still use to this day.”
- CBS Diversity Showcase Winner, Upright Citizens Brigade member LISA TIMMONS.
“A class with Wendall is like four years of film school. Without the student loan debt.”
- Screenwriter MICHAEL ROGAN
“This workshop has truly impacted my mindset about stories and their abundance. It has also provided a very concrete creative process I can use regardless of any project I’m working on. This class has been a huge confidence booster as I try to launch.”
- Screenwriter, Educator, and Philanthropist WISDOM AMOUZOU.
“Wendall teaches the single most helpful, necessary, relevant class on being a professional screenwriter I've encountered. I left the class with an outline for one of the best story ideas I've ever had. Wendall creates a warm environment where you will grow beyond what you knew you were capable of.
- Writer/Director The Commune (Blacklist’s 100 Horror Movies by Women You Should be Watching) ELISABETH FIES
Story Break — Live
Hosted by Brian Patrick Fagan
Step inside the writers’ room like never before. Story Break Live is a high-stakes, high-energy session where the audience becomes part of the creative experiment. Guided by Brian Patrick Fagan, you’ll watch a panel of prominent industry guests tackle the blank page with nothing but instinct, craft, and collaboration. With no advance prep, they’ll be handed a raw idea — a logline, a premise, or even just a provocative “what if?” — and tasked with breaking it into the beats of a pilot or feature film in real time.
The room pulses with the controlled chaos of professional story development: arguments over act breaks, fierce debates about character motivation, sudden sparks of brilliance that change the whole trajectory. By the end of the evening, what started as an unformed concept is hammered into a pitchable framework — a spine that could actually be taken out into the industry.
And here’s the twist: in keeping with tradition, one audience member will be invited to join the table and throw ideas alongside the pros. It’s a rare chance to experience the raw electricity of storybreaking at the highest level, where pressure, creativity, and collaboration collide.
Whether you’re on stage or in the audience, you’ll leave with a front-row understanding of how stories are really built — messy, exhilarating, and always in motion.
Overcoming Self-Doubt & Imposter Syndrome
Mindset • 90 minutes
Led by Shauna Hoffman
Every writer hears the fraud alarm. Whether it’s staring at a blank page or pitching to a room full of strangers, self-doubt can derail even the most talented voices. This session uses evidence-based tools drawn from cognitive psychology and performance science to help you quiet that inner critic, build healthier feedback habits, and step into your work with steadier nerves. You will stop your own negative storytelling and rewrite your inner scripts.
You’ll Learn To:
  • To identify your personal cognitive distortions — and replace them with healthy ones.
  • To recognize Perfection Paralysis
  • Understand anxiety and turn it into your super power
  • Reframe rejection into actionable next steps toward success
You’ll Walk Away With:
  • A Wins Ledger to track achievements big and small.
  • Three Counter-Scripts to answer recurring self-doubt patterns.
  • Tools: Cognitive Distortions Cheat-Sheet, Wins Ledger Template, Hold-Harmless Pact.
  • Rejection Reframes — techniques to turn “no” into a plan for next action.
Filmmaking for Change
Impact & Industry • 90 minutes
Led by Jon Fitzgerald, author of Filmmaking for Change
Stories can shift culture. This session explores how writers and filmmakers can build projects that both succeed in the marketplace and drive real-world impact. Jon Fitzgerald — filmmaker, festival director, and author of Filmmaking for Change — will walk you through the strategies behind cause-driven storytelling, from shaping theme into narrative to positioning projects for festivals, distributors, and audiences hungry for meaning. You’ll leave understanding how to create work that entertains and sparks conversation, activism, or change.
You’ll Learn To:
  • Define the social impact goals of your project without losing story momentum.
  • Weave theme and message into character-driven narratives that avoid preachiness.
  • Map the right impact pathway — festivals, NGOs, schools, streaming platforms — for your project.
  • Position your film as both entertainment and catalyst for dialogue/action.
You’ll Walk Away With:
  • A one-page Impact Map aligning theme, target audience, and distribution pathway.
  • A strategy for identifying collaborators, partners, and festivals aligned with your message.
  • Practical tools drawn from Filmmaking for Change that you can adapt to any genre.
Inside the Room:
  • Case studies of films that moved the needle (from indie docs to narrative features).
  • Exercises to clarify: What conversation do you want your film to start?
  • Distribution and outreach tactics unique to issue-driven projects.
Group Writing Sessions
Collaborative Labs • 60 minutes each
Beyond the masterclasses, writers will step into collaborative sessions that simulate professional environments — a space where peer critique, performance, and creative problem-solving bring your pages to life. These sessions are designed to sharpen your instincts, test your material, and show you how ideas land in real time.
The Finale: Live Pitch Session
Industry Showcase • 120 minutes
Everything you’ve built this week has led to this moment. — every exercise has sharpened your project and your presence. Now it all comes together in the capstone event: a live pitch before industry professionals.
Writers will deliver a two-minute pitch to a panel of industry professionals which may include producers, showrunners, agents, and studio executives — the very people who know what it takes to break into the marketplace. Pitches are followed by quick reactions and questions, giving you real-world insight into how your story is heard and evaluated. This is the closest you’ll get to a festival or studio pitch room at sea, and it’s the showcase that proves you can not only craft a project but sell it.
You’ll Learn To:
  • Deliver a polished, high-impact pitch under authentic industry time limits.
  • Hit hook, tone, and stakes with precision.
  • Handle live Q&A without losing control of your pitch.
  • Recognize what excites professionals — and how to refine for your next meeting.
You’ll Walk Away With:
  • Direct feedback from working industry professionals.
  • The confidence of having pitched your project in a professional, high-stakes setting.
  • A sense of completion: your screenplay journey from spark to showcase.
Atmosphere: High stakes, high energy, and fully professional — but within the supportive circle of the peers and mentors you’ve grown with all week. This is the finale of your creative odyssey: a proof point that you’re not just a writer, but a storyteller ready for the industry stage.
Pitch time is limited so depending on the number of attendees their may be a prescreening vote done by the Writers Cruise attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
We've compiled answers to common questions about Screenwriting Cruise to ensure you have all the information you need for a seamless and creatively enriching experience. If you have further questions, don't hesitate to reach out!
General & Logistics
Q: When and where does the cruise depart?
A: Feb 6 to the 13th 2026. The retreat sails a 7-day itinerary from Los Angeles along the Mexican Riviera, with stops in Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, and Puerto Vallarta. Boarding begins mid-day Friday, a mandatory orientation will happen on ship at 1:30pm.
Q: What’s included in my fare?
A: Your cruise fare covers the screenwriting retreat, your cabin, meals in main dining venues, basic beverages (water, ice tea, coffee, tea, lemonade), nightly entertainment, and access to ship facilities.
Creator Ticket
The base writer retreat ticket covers seven days of writing and connecting, including:
  • 7-day cruise with lodging, meals, gratuities, and ship programming.
  • 1 shipboard internet package (connect one device).
  • Access to all seminar classes and guided writing sessions.
  • Built-in informal writing and self-care time.
Family Ticket
Significant others or family members may join at a discounted rate. This ticket includes:
  • 7-day cruise with lodging, meals, gratuities, and ship programming.
  • 1 shipboard internet package (connect one device).
Family attendees may not access seminar classes and guided writing sessions.
Q: Are flights and transfers included?
A: Airfare is not included. One night at an LAX-area hotel and bus transfers to the port would be additional cost and we can take care of any arrangements.
Q: What should I pack?
A: Casual resort wear for day, smart casual for dinners, and two “dress-to-impress” evenings. Bring a laptop, chargers, any personal notepads, and a light sweater for conference rooms.
Q: What if I get seasick?
A: Modern ships have stabilizers; most guests have no issues. We recommend bringing motion sickness remedies if you are extremely susceptible. Ship medical staff are available 24/7.
Q: What kind of rooms are available?
You can choose between three room types and two occupancy options:
  • Interior Room: An inside cabin with no window or outside view.
  • Interior Room: An inside cabin with a virtual outside view.
  • Balcony Room: An exterior cabin with a private balcony, table, and two chairs.
  • Double Occupancy: Rate is per-person for two people sharing a cabin. You can choose a roommate or be assigned one. Ideal for sharing with a family member.
  • Single Occupancy: Rate is per room for individuals who prefer their own cabin.
All staterooms include twin beds (convertible to Royal King), a sitting area, private bathroom, vanity, hair-dryer, TV, radio, and phone. Sizes range from 160-198 sq ft.
Travel Package
If you need us to provide additional arrangements, please get in touch. We can provide all hotel, airfare and travel needs.
Arrival in LA
We recommend flying into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Hotel shuttle service is available from LAX to the hotel.
Bus Transfer
Roundtrip bus transfer from the hotel to the ship dock, and from the ship dock back to LAX after the cruise.
Hotels
Our travel professionals can assist with hotel arrangements prior and post the cruise and are available upon request.

One night at a Los Angeles hotel is recommended if you are not local to the LA area, regardless of whether you stay there. Both double and single occupancy options are available for the hotel.
Creative Program
Q: What is the focus of the retreat?
A: This is a professional-grade screenwriting retreat designed to help you break story problems, refine characters, stress-test pitches, and leave with a polished outline and battle plan for your project.
Q: Who are the instructors?
A: Industry professionals including working showrunners, writers, producers, script consultants, and festival founders. All rotate throughout the week for classes, one-on-ones, and Q&A sessions.
Q: Are sessions mandatory?
A: Core workshops are strongly encouraged. Port days are intentionally scheduled with optional classes so you can rest, explore, or write.
Q: What’s the optional mystery track?
A: “Till Death Do Us Part” unfolds in in short plays and improvs with professional actors across the week, woven into dinners and evenings. Guests hunt clues, interrogate suspects, and compete for “Super Sleuth” recognition. It never conflicts with writing sessions or port time. More Info
Q: Do I need to be a professional writer?
A: Absolutely not. Whether you're a novice or an experienced professional, this retreat offers valuable insights and connections. We believe all writers are on the same path, just at different stages.
Q: Are there attendance requirements?
A: Yes, attendees must be 21+ or 13-20 with a parent/guardian. Children 12 and under are welcome on the cruise but cannot attend seminars; Royal Caribbean offers youth programs. All attendees must have a valid passport.
Q: I’m an introvert. Will this be too much?
We understand the need for social recharging. None of our events are mandatory, and we encourage you to take time to rest and refresh your battery when needed. Your well-being is important for your creative process.
How do I get in contact with you?
For more questions, please email us at info@screenwritingcruise.com
A Mystery Woven Through the Voyage
By day, you’ll be breaking stories, sharpening pitches, and workshopping with top industry mentors. By night, the ship itself becomes a stage.
In partnership with Whodunit Productions, we’ve layered an optional, week-long immersive murder mystery into the cruise experience. Think of it as live theatre you’re inside, a wedding gone awry, secrets whispered across dinner tables, suspects hiding in plain sight. Clues drop between courses, twists unfold after port calls, and the story builds toward a grand “Super Sleuth” finale.
  • Watch character archetypes collide in real time.
  • See red herrings, reversals, and rising stakes in action.
  • Bond with your fellow writers as you trade theories and hunt the truth together.
The Whodunit Mystery is designed to seamlessly complement the writing retreat, adding narrative electricity at night without ever pulling you away from workshops, mentorship, or excursions during the day.
It's run by veteran Los Angeles entertainers that have delighted countless audiences with next level immersive entertainment.
Screenwriting Cruise: Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions (“Agreement”) govern participation in the Screenwriting Cruise (“Retreat”), produced by Roroco, LLC (“Organizer”). By placing a deposit, you (“Participant”) agree to the following:
  1. Retreat Overview The Retreat is a 7-day screenwriting intensive and creative community experience aboard Royal Caribbean’s Navigator of the Seas, sailing roundtrip from Los Angeles, CA. Dates: Feb 6-13th 2026. Includes workshops, mentorship, curated events, and optional mystery entertainment, alongside the standard cruise vacation.
  1. Pricing & Payment a Fees: Guest/Family packages priced separately. Deposit: $500 secures your spot and is applied to the Program Fee. Balance due 90 days pre-sailing.
  1. Go / No-Go Threshold. A minimum number of registered attendees must be booked by the Cruise Final Payment Deadline. If this threshold is not met, Screenwriting Cruise reserves the right to cancel the retreat. In such case: Program Fee payments and deposits will be refunded in full within 30 days, minus credit card processing fees (Stripe).
  1. A deposit is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation. Refundability: Deposits are fully refundable up until the final payment due date.

    Final Payment Date. After Final Payment: Once final payment has been made, all payments (including the deposit) become non-refundable.
    Cancellations Before Final Payment Date: Guests who cancel prior to the final payment deadline will receive a full refund of their deposit.
    Cancellations After Final Payment Date: Cancellations made after the final payment deadline are subject to the cruise line’s cancellation penalties and may result in forfeiture of all funds paid.

    Please note: Any additional travel protection, airfare, or third-party arrangements may be subject to separate cancellation policies.
  1. Refunds & Cancellations Participant Cancellations: Refund of Program Fee including $500 deposit. Organizer Cancellations (non–force majeure): Full refund of Program Fee, including deposit. Force Majeure: In events outside Organizer’s control (e.g., cruise cancellation, global health event, severe weather), Screenwriting Cruise may reschedule, modify, or cancel. Refunds or credits will align with cruise line and event insurance outcomes.

    Refunds do not include the booking fee or transaction fees charged by Stripe or PayPal. Refund dates are based on Royal Caribbean payment deadlines.
  • 100% refund if canceled by November 1st 2025.
  • 75% refund if canceled by November 8th 2025.
  • 50% refund if canceled by December 7th 2025
  • 25% refund if canceled by January 6th 2026.
  • No refund if cancelled after January 6th 2026.
  1. Insurance Travel protection is strongly recommended (covering cruise cancellation, medical, baggage, etc.). Screenwriting Cruise is not liable for airfare, or other third-party costs.
  1. Conduct Participants must follow Screenwriting Cruise’s Code of Conduct (anti-harassment, respectful engagement) and all Royal Caribbean passenger rules. Organizer reserves the right to remove disruptive Participants without refund.
  1. Intellectual Property & Confidentiality All creative works remain the property of Participants. Confidentiality is expected regarding peer and mentor materials.
  1. Liability Waiver Participation is voluntary and at Participant’s own risk. Organizer is not liable for illness, injury, delays, cancellations, or property loss.
  1. Governing Law & Disputes This Agreement is governed by the laws of the State of California. Disputes shall be resolved by binding arbitration in Los Angeles County, CA.
  1. Screenwriting Cruise reserves the right to change any aspect of the program and guest line up at anytime. Scheduling conflicts may arise, and we respect that our guests are actively working in the industry.
  1. Acceptance By submitting payment, Participant confirms they have read, understood, and agree to these Terms & Conditions.
Whodunit Productions, Inc is a Registered Seller of Travel in the State of California #2003317-40
* - The price includes:
  • Screenwriting Cruise
  • All Royal Caribbean fees
  • Ship Accommodations (Cabin)
  • Cabin Tip
  • Internet Access (Starlink)
  • Food & beverages (There are also paid food and drink options)
  • Cocktail Party
  • Travel Agency Fees
  • Entertainment
The following services are not included in the cruise price:
  • Travel Protection Insurance (Available as an add on to your cruise package pricing)
  • Dining in Specialty Restaurants such as Chops Grille, 150 Central Park, and Izumi
  • Dining in Johnny Rockets (Where applicable)
  • Spa and Salon services
  • Gambling (Including Bingo)
  • Art Auction
  • Any purchases made in the gift shops onboard
  • Shore excursions
  • Photographs
  • Video Arcade
  • Medical Services
  • Transfers (Unless guest has purchased our air/sea package)
  • Laundry and Dry Cleaning Services
  • Ship to Shore Telephone calls
  • Alcoholic Beverages
  • Non-Alcoholic Beverages (excluding water, coffee, lemonade and iced tea)
About
Screenwriting Cruise is produced by Roroco. LLC a family-owned company in Los Angeles, CA. We are an entertainment family that has been in the business over a combined century. Momma Shauna is a licensed travel agent and has been putting entertainment cruises together for over 20 years.
Shauna Hoffman
Shauna Hoffman, M.A., MFT, CMC, is an author, relationship specialist, and communication coach who runs a Santa Clarita private practice, leads corporate presentation seminars, hosts the “A Journey to Awareness” podcast, and owns Whodunit Productions, a cruise-themed event company.
Juliet Duncan
Juliet is an actress and talent manager, known for A Mom for Christmas, Baywatch, Quantum Leap, and How I Got Into College. She is a member of SAG and is a Lifetime member of The Actors Network.
Advisor:
Jon Fitzgerald
Founder of Slam Dance Film Festival. Director of the AFI International Festival. Author, Filmmaking for Change.
Jon brings his vast network and experience running epic scale industry events all over the world.

Website
Advisor:
Brian Patrick Fagan
Brian is the Director of UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television’s graduate-level Professional Programs. He wrote for Law & Order: SVU, and was the researcher for seventy-four episodes. In his spare time, he writes fantasy novels.
Advisor:
Ian James Duncan
Ian has worked in production and postproduction for over 20 years and currently is the VP of AI and operations at Trailer Park Group in Los Angeles.
The Screenwriters Cruise Scholarship Fund
The Screenwriters Cruise is an in-person event where writers gather to network and hone their craft.
It’s our goal to make these retreats as accessible as possible. To that end, our scholarship program was created.
How to Apply for a Scholarship
Scholarship applications for 2026 are now open. Scroll for application link.
Scholarships are very popular, and get a lot of applicants, so please read the information below carefully and reach out to contact@screenwriterscruise.com if you have any questions.
Each scholarship awarded provides the recipient with:
  • Full retreat tuition ($3,769)
  • $500 of travel expenses
  • A bed in a shared or if not available, an individual room for the duration of the event
This covers essentially all your expenses for the event, though depending on if you need flights, you might need to cover some of the travel yourself.
Submission Guidelines
When you submit your application please include the following.
Document #1: Personal Essay (450–700 words) Explain why you are a good candidate for the scholarship you are applying to. What makes you unique? What can you bring to our group that no one else can?
Document #2: Writing Sample Include a brief example of your writing (1–3 separate pieces, max 5,000 words).
Applications are due by November 1st, 2025 at midnight your local time. Winners will be contacted in December and announced publicly in February.
Scholarship FAQ
Q: How does the selection process work?
A: A panel of experienced industry professionals will read and rate applications, then choose winners from the top ranked.
Q: Do I need famous recommenders?
A: Absolutely not. The status of your recommenders is not a factor.
Q: Are the scholarships open to anyone?
A: Yes, provided you meet the basic qualifications. Classes are taught in English, and the scholarship only covers $500 of travel.
Q: What if I’m already published, sold a script, etc?
A: Apply anyway. This doesn’t disqualify you.
Q: What if I know one of the judges personally?
A: That judge will recuse themselves; applications will be reviewed blind.
Q: What about teens?
A: Teens are welcome but must attend with a paying adult guardian.
Q: What does “shared occupancy room” mean?
A: You’ll have a roommate on the cruise. If you know another participant, you may request to share.
Q: If I don’t win, can I still buy a ticket?
A: Possibly—but spots often sell out. If you can afford to buy a ticket, please do so, so scholarships go to those who truly need them.
Links: