Lights, Camera, Script!
From the page to the pitch—reflections on a transformative journey into the heart of Hollywood storytelling.
During Story Summit’s recent Hollywood field trip, Summiteers explored the heart of screenwriting and filmmaking. They visited studio lots, soundstages, and iconic landmarks. Networking with industry leaders and pitching to agents allowed writers to turn their aspirations into tangible opportunities.
One of our most popular Story Summit events to date, we’re already receiving inquiries about when the next Hollywood Week will occur. Stay tuned. In the meantime, enjoy these highlights from the May 2025 field trip.
David Kirkpatrick, founder of Story Summit and former president of Paramount Pictures and production chief for Walt Disney, shared:
“In the first week of our Hollywood trips, I had this idea: our group of writers would take a photo outside the original Paramount gates—those iconic arches.
“When we arrived, one side of the gate was open. Now, that wouldn’t do. The shot needed symmetry. Presence. A kind of timelessness.
“Security said, ‘No—you can’t close the gate.’
“So I walked over. Unlatched that big-ass iron gate and closed it. And here’s the thing: no one stopped me.
“During our two tours in Hollywood, I saw our writers doing the same thing—not breaking rules, but pushing through invisible obstacles. Saying ‘yes’ where others hesitate. Turning their stories into something undeniable. That’s the real souvenir of this field trip: not just the memories or the meetings, but the mindset.”
David formulated a list of the Top 10 Lessons learned in Hollywood:
1. Hollywood isn’t a dream—it’s a meeting.
And you’re always one conversation away from a breakthrough.
2. The guard at the Paramount gate won’t bite.
You just need to find a way around him.
3. Writers belong in the room.
Not outside it, not waiting for permission—in it.
4. Managers and agents aren’t mystical or scary creatures.
They’re smart, curious people who want to fall in love with your story.
5. No one has your voice.
And that’s your edge in every room you enter.
6. A good question opens more doors than a polished pitch.
Curiosity makes you unforgettable.
7. The Academy isn’t a museum—it’s a reminder that story endures.
We’re part of that lineage now.
8. Hollywood speaks story.
Learn the language, but never lose your accent.
9. You don’t need to be famous to be respected.
You just need to be prepared.
10. The real souvenir from Hollywood? Belief.
In yourself. In your story. In what happens next.
“One of my favorite memories from Hollywood Week was sitting outside the pitching room, chatting with Summiteers just after they’d pitched their projects to agents and managers. As each writer came out, their faces said it all—joy, pride, relief, a sense of accomplishment, and sometimes a bit of disappointment. Whatever they were feeling, one thing was consistent: even if they didn’t get a request for their script, they were genuinely glad they had done it. That experience is priceless.”
— Deb Engle, Story Summit Executive Director
Tab Murphy, Oscar-nominated screenwriter and Story Summit faculty member, shared his profound and inspiring takeaway from spending a couple of hours in a banquet room full of Story Summit writers:
“It occurred to me that no matter the skill level, no matter where we are in the pursuit of our careers as writers, we are ultimately bonded by the same desire— to tell stories. Whether they are our stories, someone else's, or born in the depths of our own imaginations, we all desire to share those things that cause us to lie awake at night. Wondering and dreaming and letting an idea take us where it may. And the thing that really hits home when you're amongst other creatives, other writers, is that, even though you may think you create in a lonely vacuum, the truth is we are all connected. When we sit in front of our computer screens each day, we are not alone. Because there are hundreds and hundreds of us sitting down together at various times throughout the day. We do not toil in isolation.”
“Despite being an avid film buff and lifelong writer, this trip to Hollywood with Story Summit was my first opportunity to explore that magical world. I loved meeting industry pros and gaining wisdom from their generous conversations. But my favorite part of the week might have been the final dinner at Musso and Frank’s when writers shared all the ways they had grown and benefited from being a part of our Story Summit community. I’m always in awe of how much positive energy and heartfelt connections can stem from a gathering of creative spirits and kind souls.”
— Julie Cantrell, Managing Director of Story Summit
Summiteer Leanna Woodley shared her reflections on returning to Hollywood after living there for ten years earlier in her life.
“In our pitch meetings with managers, I wasn't nervous. There wasn't that familiar desperation of "pick me!" Instead, it was "Are we a good fit? Here's who I am, let's get to know each other." A level of confidence and peace I didn't have in my early twenties. I found myself listening to the conversations happening around us in the Roosevelt's Cinegrill. The familiar rhythm of pitches and creative passion projects. But instead of anxiety or insecurity, I felt something closer to anthropological curiosity. Here was humanity doing what it does: creating, striving, building worlds from nothing but shared imagination. And even better, through this writing school and community David Kirkpatrick had founded, Story Summit, we had found a way to do it lifting each other up rather than competitively.”
What’s Coming Up at Story Summit?
Here are a few of our upcoming classes and events. Check out the complete schedule at www.storysummit.us.
June 11, 18 & 25: Substack Success: Build, Grow and Monetize Your Column with Deb Engle & Julie Gammack
Substack offers writers their own publishing platform and the opportunity to build an income stream. By the end of the course, you’ll have a clear roadmap to launch and sustain a thriving Substack publication.
June 12, 19, 26 & July 3: Build Your Story Like a Pro with Margaret South
If you want to be a writer, you need this class—period. This four-week class is your shortcut to clarity, confidence, and momentum as you learn the fundamentals of writing a well-told story.
June 9: VIP Speaker, Risa Gertner (this event is part of Story Summit+)
A highly respected former talent agent and longtime executive at Creative Artists Agency (CAA), Risa served for 27 years as the longest-tenured female agent in the Motion Picture department. She is a strong and unwavering champion of writers and the creative process.
June 9: Frame Forward with Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas (this event is part of Story Summit+)
Join us for an engaging discussion with this Hollywood frontline professional. Elaine is the producing partner to Jennifer Lopez and president of Lopez’s Nuyorican Productions. She has been a powerhouse agent, studio head, writer, and producer throughout her groundbreaking career.
Lovely piece and great observations. Thank you!