A Midwest Adventure in Screenwriting: My Experience at the Wisconsin Screenwriters Symposium

Diving into the art of screenwriting in the heart of the Midwest, where stories of resilience and creativity thrive

This past weekend, April 4-6, 2025, I attended the second annual Wisconsin Screenwriters Symposium on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus. Hosted by the Department of Communication Arts with support from the International Screenwriters’ Association, this event promised a deep dive into the craft, and it did not disappoint.

For only $25, which included TWO DAYS of panels—plus drinks and snacks at the end—the symposium was a BARGAIN better than Kohl’s cash!

As an aspiring screenwriter, I couldn’t resist the chance to soak up knowledge from industry pros, connect with fellow storytellers, and explore how the Midwest shapes its cinematic voices.

I found myself scribbling notes during workshops like “Writing on a Budget” panel with Angie Gaffney, John Mossman and Ken Miyamoto, where practical tips illuminated how to craft compelling stories without breaking the bank. The “Script to Screen Breakdown: examining Barbie” session led by Max Timm, a seasoned screenwriter, dissecting a script’s 12-stage journey from its opening page to the climax was a masterclass—worth attending in itself!

Saturday brought “Pitch-A-Palooza,” where brave writers (including yours truly) pitched their ideas to a panel and an audience for three minutes—my heart was pounding! I did not beat the buzzer; it beat me, unfortunately—lesson learned. The feedback was gold, though, and sharpened my approach to pitching.

Networking was a highlight, too. Between sessions, I mingled with other attendees, swapping ideas and encouragement. The “Wis to Hollywood: Breaking In” panel featured industry veterans who shared candid stories of their journeys, reminding me that persistence is as crucial as talent.

Sunday wrapped up with a live table read of the “Wisconsin’s Own” screenplay contest winner—the feature BELLADONNA by Beah Travis. Other winners were Best TV Script: Danielle Evenson and Heather Huntington’s DERP, and Best Short and Best Student Script: Charlie Koepp’s UNCLE JON.

My script, THE INFINITY THIEVES was among the semi-finalists.

Throughout the weekend, I gathered insights that will stick with me. The state of the industry, as laid out by pros, is both challenging and full of opportunity—streaming platforms and indie projects are leveling the playing field for new voices. Script analysis sessions taught me to spot strengths and weaknesses in my own work, pushing me to refine my drafts with a sharper eye.

And above all, the recurring theme of “sticking with it” rang loud and clear—screenwriting is a marathon, not a sprint, and every rejection is just a step toward the finish line.

In the end, the Wisconsin Screenwriters Symposium was more than an event—it was a spark. Surrounded by the energy of UW–Madison and the warmth of Midwest hospitality, I left inspired, armed with new tools, and ready to tackle my next script. The weekend was a testament to the power of community and craft, proving that even in the heartland, dreams of the silver screen are alive and thriving.

TK Sheffield writes stories for readers to laugh and escape.

Link to the Wisconsin Screenwriters Symposium.