“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
– Winnie the Pooh.
Welcome to the latest edition of the TerraNova newsletter, where original music is sent to you every month.
🎧 Headphones recommended.
A quick note about this recording: I had a different piece scheduled for this month, written a few weeks ago. But I just returned from an unforgettable week in Calabria, Italy with a group of extraordinary writers, who I now call my dear friends. I’m home now, sorting through jet lag, the emotions of the trip, and honestly the last year. When I’m in that in-between space, I go to the little keyboard in my studio and write.
I write music as a way to express what I don’t have words for. My hope is that it is healing ointment to your soul, as it is for mine. Whether you need to escape for a few minutes, refocus, or even work through what’s happening on the inside, I hope this piece serves as a helper.
I hoped to share a full recap of From Script to Pitch by now, but I need a few more days to gather my thoughts. When it’s ready, I’ll post it here.
For now, I’m sharing a few images from Italy, with love.
the way forward by yung pueblo
a reading by me:
“Farewell, and may the blessing of Elves and Men and all Free Folk go with you. May the stars shine upon your faces!”
— This is a blessing given by Elrond, the leader of the Elves, to the Fellowship as they depart Rivendell.
Here’s a quick description of the week and who our mentors were. We were so blessed to have them with us for a week. This by far was the best time/money spent into my filmmaking career.
If you are a writer, I would encourage you to follow (The Quiet Collective on Instagram) and be sure to be on the lookout for the next event.
A 7-day immersive retreat in a hidden gem coastal town in Calabria, South of Italy, designed to transform story ideas from initial development into polished pitches, ready to present to executives and markets, all while embracing the principles of {slow productivity}.
S. Caterina dello Ionio, Italy offers the perfect environment for creative inspiration. With its stunning views of both the sea and the mountains, this picturesque village embodies the best of authentic Italian life. It’s a place where the pace slows down, allowing creative minds to focus and immerse fully in their work.
The blend of culture, natural beauty, and traditional Italian lifestyle makes it the ideal setting for writers, filmmakers, and artists seeking a peaceful, yet inspiring retreat, away from tourists areas.
All activities are thoughtfully designed and carefully balanced to provide participants with masterclasses and personalized mentorship, while ensuring ample time to focus on their individual projects. The program fosters a natural, unhurried pace, helping participants engage deeply without feeling overwhelmed.
In addition to learning activities, the retreat experience is enhanced by authentic interactions with Italian culture and lifestyle, set in a location that naturally embodies the principles of slow tourism, a deep respect for nature, and cherished traditions—all thoughtfully organized by Francesco and Francesca.
MEET YOUR MENTORS & SPECIAL GUESTS
🎤 Special Guest: EVANGELINE LILLY (follow Evangeline on Substack)
For our inaugural edition, we are thrilled to welcome Evangeline Lilly—acclaimed actress (Lost, The Hobbit), author (The Squickerwonkers), and passionate storyteller. Known for her deep character work and spiritual approach to storytelling, Evangeline brings a unique perspective on creative inspiration, mindfulness, and narrative development.
✔️ Personalized mentorship & career-changing guidance by:
*LISA ELLZEY - Producer & Pitch Mentor (follow Lisa on Substack)
A film producer and studio executive with 25+ years in Hollywood, Lisa has worked with Ridley Scott, Robert Rodriguez, Russell Crowe, and Ben Affleck. She has produced and overseen films like Warrior, Unhinged, and Hypnotic, and worked on Black Hawk Down, Man on Fire, and Hannibal. A member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences and the Producers Guild of America, Ellzey remains active in mentorship.
* SARA FURIO - Studio Executive & Pitch Mentor
Sara spent nearly a decade building Netflix’s international efforts, from Hollywood to Bollywood and London to Rome. As a studio executive, she spearheaded the development and greenlighting of international original films that captivated diverse audiences, secured coveted spots on Netflix’s Most Popular Films (Non-English) list, and garnered Oscar nominations. Before her time at Netflix, Sara gained valuable experience at Warner Bros. and worked as a skilled video editor.
*ALEX KENDALL - Screenwriter and Script mentor
Alex is a screenwriter from the UK, currently writing two feature films for Netflix including a project for Oscar-winning director Edward Berger. In 2024 he was also selected for Netflix’s marquee talent development scheme ‘Grow Creative’ and was subsequently commissioned for the project he developed within that scheme. Elsewhere in features, he has written WW2 spy thriller Spikern for Baltasar Kormákur to direct this year with Good Chaos producing - and is currently adapting the acclaimed debut novel Metronome for Archery Pictures, as well as writing an original psychological thriller for Daniel Brühl to direct as his sophomore feature. In television, Alex is the lead writer for a six-part adaptation of Jessikka Aro’s international bestseller Putin’s Trolls which is now in late-stage development with Onerva Pictures, Hummelfilm, and KJ Entertainment. Previously Alex has worked in writers’ rooms for Joe Cornish (Lockwood & Co.), in script development for DNA Films & TV, across shows such as Shōgun and Black Narcissus, as well as films Far from the Madding Crowd, Ex_Machina and T2: Trainspotting. And he worked as a story editor on a slate of features for Netflix including All Quiet on the Western Front, Society of the Snow, Munich: The Edge of War, Troll, and Against the Ice, as well as gaining a ‘story by’ credit on German- language hit Faraway.
*DR. JAKE- Psychologist & character development expert
Dr. Jake brings a wealth of experience as a clinical psychologist specializing in the entertainment industry in more ways than one, collaborating with top film studios and production houses. From Hollywood to the global stage, he works with leaders at every level, ensuring that mental well-being is prioritized from script to screen while consulting on film and TV projects with complex characters, whether in development with writers or directors and on-screen talent during production.
✔️THE LOCATION: Where Inspiration Meets Tranquility
The retreat will take place in a charming historic venue by the beach in Santa Caterina dello Ionio, Calabria. Participants will stay in private apartments with balconies/terraces, ensuring both personal space and community engagement.
This serene, distraction-free environment provides:
🌊 Direct beach access for inspiration & relaxation
🏡 Comfortable, air-conditioned accommodations
🌿 Lush green spaces for reflection & creativity
🍷 Authentic Italian meals & cultural experiences
Thank you for being here
