UPCOMING

Founded in 2004 by  Dr. Lew Hunter, Dean Emeritus of the UCLA Screenwriting program, The American Screenwriters Conference is the premier discussion of its kind where award-winning screenwriters learn the art and business of screenwriting.

2026,  A TRANSITIONAL YEAR

Because the conference is tied to the Sacramento International Film Festival, and we are now free to meet, in person, screenwriters are invited to attend the entire five-day festival to learn even more about the art of filmmaking. Whether your goal is to one day be involved behind the camera or not, this invaluable additional education and networking will greatly benefit your screenwriting craft. 

ABOUT OUR HOST:

Richard Broadhurst is a veteran of Broadway, national commercials, and film, having written, directed or starred in over 50 stage plays and films. His play "Billie" was Larry Moss's first directing project at his studio featuring Noah Wyle of E.R. fame. Richard has worked with many major talents including Jason Alexander of Seinfeld and Edward Asner of The Mary Tyler More Show and Disney's UP. He has acted in many national productions including on the soap opera, One Life to Live. A life-long member of SAG/AFTRA and Actor's Equity, Richard has a vast arsonal of tools in his creative kit to help you craft stories that are real AND vivid . Actors love running his lines. Meet Richard and pick his brain about writing or acting in this relaxed, fun setting where creativity abounds.

MEET THE MAKERS:

Why it's important to combine a Screenwriting Conference WITH a Film Festival

Combining a screenwriting conference with a film festival bridges the crucial gap between the page and the screen, creating a dynamic ecosystem where stories find their execution. While a standalone conference focuses on the mechanics of writing, integrating it with a festival allows writers to see finished products, analyze audience reactions in real time, and understand how scripts translate to the screen. More importantly, it brings together the exact creative counterparts who need to meet: screenwriters looking for representation or production, and directors or producers actively hunting for their next script. By placing writers in the same rooms as filmmakers and industry executives who are already gathered to scout talent, the combined event transforms theoretical networking into immediate, actionable career opportunities

 Below is the conference but PLEASE check out the ENTIRE FESTIVAL!

ASC SCHEDULE:

10:00 AM PACIFIC:  SPECIAL GUESTS: MEET THE PROS!

11:00 AM PACIFIC: CHARACTER BUILDING (Learning who your stories are about)

12:00 PM PACIFIC:  LUNCH WITH RICHARD + FRIENDS (Get to know your fellow screenwriters)

1:00 PM PACIFIC:    PITCH FEST 2026. (Let's see how to improve your pitch!)

2:00 PM PACIFIC:    NETWORKING 101 (Learn tips and tricks to selling your screenplay)

3:00 PM PACIFIC:  THE ART OF STORY With special guest: (How to bring ideas to life as fully crafted stories)

 

"Write On": An ode to the Late Dr. Lew Hunter

ABOVE: Dr. Lew Hunter (UCLA Screenwriting Dean Emeritus/Founder of the

American Screenwriting Conference)

CONFERENCE BACKGROUND:

Initiated in 2004 at the historic Delta King, a genuine 1860's riverboat and floating hotel located in Old Sacramento, the American Screenwriters Conference was founded by the late 'Godfather of screenwriting', Dr. Lew Hunter, author of the screenwriter's bible, SCREENWRITING 434. Each year we strive to honor Dr. Hunter's creation by bringing the BEST screenwriting talent from around the world to learn and share the craft of screenwriting.

2025 WINNERS 

ALL ACCEPTED SCREENWRITERS FOR 2026 COMING HERE SOON!

STAY TUNED and meet the screenwriters of 2026 here in this space!