Applications for "The Owl" Open on Wednesday, 30th April
The 4th International Screenwriting Workshop of the Athens Film Office returns with a refreshed format, inviting both Greek and international screenwriters to Athens this October.
On 4th and 5th October, the 4th International Screenwriting Development Workshop, “The Owl”, returns to Athens, bringing together some of the best Greek and international screenwriting talent.
The creative workshop, organised by the City of Athens through the Athens Film Office of Develop Athens, will keep its applications open from Wednesday, 30th April, and for the next two months. Aspiring screenwriters can submit a feature film script or a TV series pilot script (in English) via the Coverfly platform to compete for one of the 16 places available in the programme. The workshop aims to provide tangible support to the creative community within the audiovisual sector and promote Athens as an international destination for the development and production of content.
In total, 16 screenwriters, from both Greece and abroad, will be selected to take part in “The Owl,” benefitting from the expertise of esteemed professors and mentors from the global stage.
In a statement marking the opening of applications, Ioannis Georgizas, CEO of Develop Athens, remarked:
“‘The Owl’ is gradually becoming a key reference point for screenwriting professionals, bolstering Athens’ growing reputation as a hub for creative talent within the international audiovisual landscape. We are proud that our city continues to serve as a meeting place for collaboration and artistic exchange among talented creators from across the globe.”
Notable Mentors from the Global Audiovisual Industry
This year, the programme will be guided by two outstanding professors: Scott Myers, Associate Professor of Screenwriting at DePaul University’s School of Cinematic Arts in Chicago, and Eleni Fessa, a script consultant, screenwriter, and director. Together, they will lead the academic side of the workshop, providing tailored guidance and advanced theoretical tools.
In addition, a dynamic group of international mentors from the film and television industries will support participants, offering invaluable practical knowledge and experience:
- Brendan Fitzgerald, CEO of Secuoya Studios
- Maria Kivinen, Sales Manager at YLE, The Finnish Broadcasting Company
- Larry Bass, CEO of Shinawill, founder and executive producer
- Michael Colleary, screenwriter, producer, and consultant (FACE OFF, LARA CROFT: TOMB RAIDER)
- Matti Halonen, CEO and Executive Producer at Wolfberry Film Company Ltd
- Brendan Foley, Head Writer and Executive Producer (SHERLOCK & DAUGHTER)
- Shelly Goldstein, author and performer
- Julia Berg, producer and director
- Marc Lorber, Executive Producer at The Art of Co-Production and former SVP at Lionsgate
- Tina Gharavi, PhD in Screenwriting (QUEEN CLEOPATRA, VIRGINIA WOOLF’S NIGHT & DAY)
- Kjartan Thor Thordarson, CEO of Sagafilm Nordic
Through an intensive programme of personalised guidance, creative exercises, and exchanges of experience, talented screenwriters in search of the “next great story” will have the opportunity to develop their scripts with the support of leading figures from the international audiovisual industry, with the goal of advancing them towards production.
This year’s programme will culminate in the two-day “The Owl Industry Days” on 6th and 7th October. Last year’s participants will have the opportunity to present their projects to producers, decision-makers, and industry professionals through B2B meetings, panels, and networking sessions.
Applications for “The Owl” open on 30th April and close on 30th June 2025.
For further information about the workshop and how to apply, please visit: athensfilmoffice.com
