Over two five-day sessions, the CNA ScriptLab & Screenwriting/ScreenTelling workshop explores scriptwriting for fiction, documentaries, and series. This program combines theory and practice to establish the fundamentals of screenwriting, analyze dramatic choices, and examine their impact on storytelling.

We will select up to five projects in development (at the treatment or step-outline stage) along with their authors, as well as eight participants without a project, who will participate as active observers. Guided by Miguel Machalski, we will assess the strengths and weaknesses of each project without aiming for formal development. The goal is to apply the theoretical concepts studied during the workshop.

The program includes the analysis of script excerpts and film clips. During the second session, authors will have the opportunity to present revised versions of their projects and fully scripted sequences to delve into the transition to a completed screenplay.

This workshop is open to Luxembourgish authors and directors, or residents of Luxembourg, with or without a writing project. We accept up to five projects (fiction, documentary, series, any format or genre) and eight additional participants. Sessions will be conducted primarily in English, so a good command of the language is required.

Born in Buenos Aires to a Polish father and a British mother, and now based in Montpellier after many years in Paris and Barcelona, Miguel Machalski has a multicultural and polyglot background reflected in his extensive activities, with nearly 30 years of experience. His expertise includes general project development, script consulting and editing, workshops, and screenwriting.

Miguel has written or co-written over 22 film scripts across various genres and conducts workshops in four languages (French, English, Spanish, and Portuguese) across Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. He has served as a consultant and speaker for SOURCES 2, EAVE, LIM, FOUR CORNERS, MAIA, and several MEDIA-supported programs. Additionally, he has worked as a consultant for national film funds in Catalonia, Colombia, and Jordan, as well as with the Binger Institute in Amsterdam, among others. Since 2019, he has been part of the Torino Feature Lab tutoring team and collaborates regularly with the Creative Media Desks of the Basque Country and Hamburg.

He has authored three books on audiovisual writing: "El guion cinematográfico: un viaje azaroso" and "El punto G del guion cinematográfico" in Spanish, and "ScreenTelling – Filmic Storytelling" in English.

For detailed information, visit Miguel Machalski on IMDb.

Dates

Session 1: May 5 - 9, 2025
Session 2: September 29 - October 3, 2025

Participation in both sessions is mandatory.

Application deadline: March 31, 2025

Target audience

Screenwriters, screenwriting collectives, directors, producers, and film/audiovisual students—whether working on a current project or simply seeking to familiarize themselves with screenwriting—Luxembourg nationals or residents.

Participants

Authors group: Maximum 5
Observers group: Maximum 8

Languages

English, French


Application: 

For the “Authors” group:

Submit an application file (all documents must be translated into English) including:

• A CV/biography detailing all writing and directing experience.
• For fiction projects: a one-page synopsis (A4) of the current project + a treatment or step-outline, with an optional statement of intent.
• For documentary/non-fiction projects: a description of the project, theme, concept, and potential characters. Include a description of planned scenes, visual style, voice-over (if applicable), sound/music design, and any preliminary materials (photos, videos, etc.).

For the “Observers” group:

Submit an application file including:

• A CV/biography detailing all writing and directing experience.
• A portfolio of completed works (scripts and/or films).

All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality. Selection will be made jointly by Mylène Carrière (CNA) and Miguel Machalski.

Please send your application to: formation@cna.etat.lu

Note:
This workshop is based on collaborative reflection and work. Selected participants will receive all projects and materials in advance and are required to read them carefully.

For more information, contact: mylene.carriere@cna.etat.lu