SCENES OF PARIDISE // 6-22-25 to 6-28-25

7 day FilmMaker retreat in costa Rica

Limited Spots - Only 11 Filmmakers will be part of this journey

Master the Art of Filmmaking

5 days of hands on workshops Led by Blake Ridder & Louis James

Filmmaking in Stunning Locations

Let Costa Rica’s beauty guide your filmmaking journey | Watch this video to get inspired

Itinerary 6/22 - 6/28

7 days, 6 nights in Costa Rica

Day 1 - Arrival Dinner & Drinks
  • Late Afternoon
    • Guests arrive at the retreat property around 4 PM, greeted by breathtaking ocean and jungle views.
    • `Check-in and settle into your accommodations, designed for comfort and inspiration.
    • Welcome drinks are served as you explore the property and meet fellow participants in a relaxed setting.
  • Evening
    • Welcome Dinner: Gather with your fellow creatives for an incredible dinner featuring delicious local Costa Rican cuisine.
    • Group introductions and casual conversations to break the ice and build connections.
    • Opening remarks by Blake Ridder and Louis James, sharing an overview of the retreat, the schedule ahead, and tips for making the most of this transformative experience.
  • Morning:

    • Gather for breakfast with ocean views
    • Introduction to the retreat itinerary

    Afternoon:

    • Workshop: “Creating a Scene From Scratch” – Tips on brainstorming, visualizing, and prepping for a shoot.
    • Icebreaker Game: “Filmmaking Speed Pitch” – Each person pitches a 1-minute film idea inspired by Costa Rica.

    Evening:

    • Welcome dinner with local cuisine.
    • Screening Night: A mix of Blake Ridder’s films and participant-submitted works. Open discussion on creative choices and storytelling techniques.
  • Morning:

    • Excursion to a waterfall location.
      • Activity: Shoot a short scene using natural light and sound.
      • Group discussion: Analyzing the unique challenges of jungle cinematography.

    Afternoon:

    • Workshop: “Camera Techniques That Tell a Story” – Practical hands-on session focusing on framing, angles, and movement.
    • Interactive Game: “Director vs. Actor” – Participants pair up, taking turns directing each other in quick scenes.

    Evening:

    • Dinner overlooking the jungle.
    • Fun Session: “Creative Film Challenges” – Solve surprise filmmaking scenarios in small teams.
  • Morning:

    • Excursion to a pristine beach.
      • Activity: Film character-driven or action sequences using reflectors and natural light.

    Afternoon:

    • Workshop: “Building Cinematic Shots Without Heavy Gear” – Focus on handheld shooting and creative use of available resources.
    • Filmmaking Game: “Genre Switch” – Film a 1-minute scene in one genre and then reshoot it as another genre.

    Evening:

    • Dinner during sunset.
    • Casual storytelling: Share behind-the-scenes stories from your most memorable shoots.
  • Morning:

    • Collaborative group project: Teams shoot their planned scenes with mentorship from Blake and Louis.

    Afternoon:

    • Workshop: “Directing the Emotion” – How to guide performances and craft impactful moments.
    • Interactive Game: “The Prop Challenge” – Create a compelling scene using a surprise prop provided to each group.

    Evening:

    • Celebration dinner with live music.
    • Share raw shots or highlights from group projects and get real-time feedback from peers and mentors.
  • Morning:

    • Workshop: “Making Your Footage Shine” – Post-retreat editing tips for crafting a polished final film.
    • Interactive Session: “Feedback Roulette” – Quick, constructive critiques on favorite shots captured during the retreat.

    Afternoon:

    • Wrap-Up Discussion: Share what you’ve learned and your creative takeaways.
    • Farewell lunch with closing remarks from Blake and Louis.

    Evening:

    • Departures, leaving with new skills, ideas, and connections.

Morning

  • Start your final day with a hearty breakfast featuring fresh, local ingredients as you enjoy one last meal surrounded by the stunning beauty of Costa Rica.
  • Reflect on the week’s creative journey with your fellow participants, sharing memorable moments and lessons learned.

Late Morning

  • Closing Remarks: Blake Ridder and Louis James share their final thoughts, offer words of inspiration, and provide parting advice to continue your filmmaking journey beyond the retreat.
  • Time for goodbyes, exchanging contacts, and celebrating the connections and friendships formed during the retreat.

Departure

  • Guests check out and depart the retreat property, taking with them new skills, unforgettable memories, and creative inspiration to fuel future projects.
  • Optional: Assistance with transportation to the airport or onward destinations.

Led by industry veteran Blake Ridder, an award winning director, writer, and actor.

The launchpad for your film making career!

Dont miss out on this 10k value

Secure your spot with a $1,000 deposit

Accommodations

Accommodations include authentic meals, excursions & local transportation. 

Casa Del Gulfo

2 Private Rooms

Private Room - $4,200 Per Person

Casa Del Pacifico​

1 shared Loft, 1 private room

Shared Loft, 4 Beds - $3,600 Per Person

Casa De Teca

2 Private rooms

Private Room - $3,900 Per Person

Casa De Pochote

2 Private rooms

Private Room - $3,900 Per Person

FAQ

This retreat is designed for filmmakers, content creators, and storytellers of all levels. Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn the fundamentals or an experienced filmmaker looking to refine your craft and find inspiration, this experience will provide valuable tools, hands-on practice, and creative growth.

The retreat is all-inclusive, featuring:

  • Accommodations for 6 nights and 7 days in beautiful Costa Rica.
  • Daily workshops led by Blake Ridder and Louis James.
  • Three authentic, gourmet meals daily, with snacks, smoothies, and juices available.
  • Guided excursions to waterfalls, beaches, and nature trails.
  • Local transportation, including airport transfers and guided tours.
  • Bi-lingual staff support

Yes, we recommend bringing your own equipment, such as a camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or even a smartphone), lenses, a tripod, SD cards, and a laptop for editing. If you don’t have access to professional gear, that’s okay—many workshops focus on making the most of minimal equipment and leveraging creativity to achieve stunning results.

You’ll learn a wide range of filmmaking skills, from conceptualizing and planning a scene to shooting and editing your footage. Specific topics include:

  • Storytelling Essentials: How to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences.
  • Camera Techniques: Mastering framing, angles, movement, and lighting to elevate your visuals.
  • Shooting in Natural Environments: Tips for capturing stunning footage in challenging locations like jungles, beaches, and waterfalls.
  • Directing Skills: Guiding performances, creating emotional depth, and crafting impactful scenes.
  • Post-Production Insights: Editing tips to polish your footage and bring your vision to life.

Additionally, you’ll gain hands-on experience, receive personalized mentorship from industry professionals, and leave with practical knowledge to take your filmmaking to the next level.

Absolutely! Collaboration is at the heart of this retreat. You’ll participate in group projects, interactive games, and hands-on activities that encourage teamwork. These sessions are a great way to connect with like-minded creatives, share ideas, and build lasting relationships with fellow filmmakers.

Costa Casual Retreats is located in the serene town of San Isidro De Cobano, just 5 minutes away from Santa Teresa on the beautiful Nicoya Peninsula. Here are the best ways to reach us:

From San Jose International Airport (SJO):

  1. Option 1: Domestic Flight (Quickest):
    • Take a 25-minute domestic flight from San Jose Airport (SJO) to Cobano Airport operated by Sansa Airlines or Green Airways.
    • Once you arrive at Cobano Airport, we provide a complimentary 20-minute drive to Costa Casual Retreats.
  2. Option 2: Ground Transportation & Ferry:
    • Private Shuttle Service: We can arrange a door-to-door shuttle from San Jose to our retreat (approximately 4-5 hours). This option includes a scenic ferry ride from Puntarenas to Paquera.
    • Car Rental: If you prefer to drive yourself, rent a 4×4 vehicle for a 5-hour journey. The drive includes taking the Puntarenas-Paquera Ferry and continuing through the Nicoya Peninsula.
    • Public Bus: For a budget-friendly option, take a bus from San Jose to Puntarenas, board the ferry to Paquera, and then take another bus or taxi to San Isidro De Cobano.
  3. Option 3: Direct Water Taxi from Jaco:
    • If you’re coming from the Jaco area, you can take a water taxi to Montezuma, followed by a 40-minute drive to our retreat.

From Liberia International Airport (LIR):

  • Shuttle or Car Rental: Costa Casual Retreats is about a 4-hour drive from Liberia Airport. We recommend renting a 4×4 vehicle for a smooth journey, especially during the rainy season.
  • Private Shuttle Service: We can arrange a direct shuttle for you from Liberia.

Travel Tips:

  • Arrival Coordination: Let us know your travel plans in advance, and we can assist with booking flights, shuttles, or car rentals.
  • Best Time to Travel: For a smoother journey, plan your travel during daylight hours to enjoy the scenic views and navigate the roads more easily.

We’re here to make your travel experience as seamless as possible. Feel free to contact us for any assistance!

  • Deposits are non-refundable.
  • Cancellations made less than 30 days before the retreat are non refundable. However, you can transfer your spot to someone else if needed.
  • Under extreme circumstances such as family emergencies or health issues, we are willing to work with you on a partial refund.  

Our chefs prepare fresh, locally-sourced meals with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options available upon request. Breakfast includes a variety of fruits, juices, and hot dishes, while dinners offer traditional Costa Rican cuisine with international twists. Please inform us of any dietary restrictions in advance.

To secure your spot, click the link below. A deposit is required upon booking, with the full balance due 30 days before the retreat start date. 

Reserve Spot

The retreat is limited to 11 participants to ensure an intimate and personalized experience for everyone.