Roadmap Writers is proud to launch the 45 Forward Screenwriting Fellowship, a new initiative dedicated to championing screenwriters who are 45 and older. The fellowship will provide writers with the opportunity to submit a feature or pilot, a one-page personal essay, and a short video introduction to be considered for weekly pitching and Q&A roundtables with execs and reps for 3 months.
Some of the most compelling stories come from writers who have spent years building careers, raising families, overcoming challenges, and accumulating the life experiences that shape great storytelling. Yet despite the industry's ongoing search for fresh voices, many writers who begin their creative journeys later in life or return to writing after other professional pursuits often face unique barriers to access. The 45 Forward Screenwriting Fellowship was created to help bridge that gap by celebrating experience as a creative strength rather than an obstacle.
Every week for 3 months, 5 winners will connect via Zoom with execs and reps from companies including Gersh, TPH Entertainment, Epicenter, Heroes and Villains, Magnet Management, Lit Entertainment Group, Maven Screen Media, Anonymous Content and more!
Dates & Deadlines:
Registration Opens For Applications: June 8, 2026 @ 4:00pm PT
Registration Closes: July 31, 2026 @ 11:59pm PT
YOU MUST SUBMIT YOUR MATERIALS WITHIN 48 HOURS OF REGISTRATION. *Entries received after this deadline will be disqualified.*
Application Fee: $45
Add Feedback Notes | +$55
Receive a one-page written analysis of your script.
Feedback is returned within 7-10 business days from the Finalist announcement.
Semifinalists Announced: August 28 , 2026
Finalists Announced: September 25, 2026
Winners Announced: October 23, 2026
Submit The Following:
3-Minute Recorded Pitch
A 3-minute elevator pitch is a concise, persuasive summary of your script designed to hook the listener.
Your pitch should consist of three distinct, high-impact components:
- The Hook & Setup: Introduce the core premise, the primary protagonist, and the inciting incident. Establish the world, the tone, and the central conflict.
- The Journey & Stakes: Outline the main obstacles your protagonist faces, the allies they meet, and the escalating tension. Clearly define what they have to lose if they fail.
- The Climax & Resolution: Tease the ultimate climax and the emotional or thematic payoff. Conclude with a strong statement on why this movie must be made right now.
Personal Statement
Submit a Personal Statement (500 words max) that communicates your brand as a writer!
Your statement should:
- Describe how your diverse background shapes and informs your storytelling
- Highlight your strength as a storyteller
- Share who you are as a writer and the types of stories you create
And yes – please remember, the statement must be no more than 500 words!
Writing Sample
Your Writing Sample should be the first 25 pages of an original feature or TV pilot. A strong writing sample should be market-ready, which means:
- A well-polished draft
- Properly formatted with minimal typos
- Clearly showcases your unique voice
Market-ready does not mean commercial – feel free to submit the script that best reflects who you are as a writer.
About Roadmap Writers
Founded in 2016 by Joey Tuccio and Dorian Connelley, Roadmap Writers is an L.A.-based screenwriting education and training platform that is dedicated to writers seeking a guided path to professional success in film and TV. Led by working executives, managers, agents, producers, writers, and other industry professionals, our classes take place exclusively online and are designed to empower writers to elevate their craft while expanding their network. Roadmap has helped over 500 writers sign with representation to date, while guiding others directly toward work in the industry. Through our programs, writers have been signed to the likes of Kaplan/Perrone, Echo Lake, Good Fear, Anonymous Content, 3 Arts, Artists First, Industry Entertainment, Fourth Wall Management, and CAA, with some going on to staff on shows like GREASE: RISE OF THE PINK LADIES (Paramount+), REACHER (Amazon), FUBAR (Netflix), THE FLASH (CW), WE WERE LIARS (Amazon), and THE RESIDENT (Fox).