Founded in 2001 by John S. Johnson, The Screenwriters Colony has quickly grown from a small regional nonprofit accommodating a single writer in its first year to an admired support institution and incubator of new talent for the film community. Since the Colony’s inception, 28 emerging artists and 50 industry mentors have participated in our Writers-in-Residence Program.

Our Colony alumni are making their presence known across the industry.

Colonist Sophie Barthes’ (06) writing and directing debut COLD SOULS, which she developed as a writer-in-residence at the Colony, premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival. Singled out by Manohla Dargis of The New York Times as one of the Festival highlights, the film stars Oscar winners Paul Giamatti, Emily Watson, and David Strathairn. COLD SOULS was also the opening night film at the 2009 Nantucket Film Festival. The films opened in theaters August 7, 2009, courtesy of Samuel Goldwyn Films.
Or check out the viral site: http://thesoulstoragecompany.com.

Colonist Mitchell Lichtenstein’s (’02) second feature film as writer/director, HAPPY TEARS, also developed in residence at the Colony, debuted at the Berlin Film Festival in 2009. TEETH, his writing/directing debut, premiered to wide acclaim at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival and was released by Lion’s Gate later that year.

Colonist Megan Holley’s (’04) screenwriting debut, SUNSHINE CLEANING, starring Amy Adams and Alan Arkin, debuted in theaters in March 2009. The film premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film festival. In 2005, Megan was named one of Variety’s “10 Screenwriters to Watch”.

Colonist Alexandria Brodsky’s (’02) Colony-developed project, BITTERSWEET PLACE, debuted at the 2005 Tribeca Film Festival.

Nearly every writer who has participated in the Colony has found a producer for his or her project and many including Chase Palmer (’03), Bryce Kass (’05) and Ted Kupper (’06) are now working as writers within the studio system.