Roadmap Writers is proud to present our 5th Annual Black to the Future event: a week-long celebration of inclusion and representation for Black Screenwriters, featuring four days of panels with working Screenwriters and Execs!
Roadmap has consistently held space for Black Screenwriters since our company’s founding in 2016 when we launched our free Coletta Preacely-Garcia Diversity Fellowship, which kicks off again on February 23rd. Through our programs and introductions, we are committed to increasing opportunities for writers of color to find a path to success and have helped many writers from this Diversity Fellowship land representation and get staffed.
In its fifth year, Black To The Future is an extension of our commitment to supported and sustained diversity in the world of entertainment. We look forward to finding even more fresh new voices this year!
Day One: The Reps' Panel
Moderated by screenwriter Kaylord Hill, we kick off Black to the Future with an unfiltered conversation with literary managers and producers who actually discover, sign, and champion new voices. In this candid session, working reps break down what makes a writer stand out in today’s crowded market - from the first read to long-term career strategy. Expect real talk about query emails, samples that get passed around the office, the mistakes that kill momentum, and how authentic perspective becomes your greatest advantage. If you’ve ever wondered what happens after you hit “send,” this is where the curtain lifts.
PANELISTS
Day Two: The Producers' & Execs' Panel
Moderated by screenwriter Erica Land, go beyond the pitch and into the decision-making room. This panel brings together working producers and development executives to reveal how projects actually move from script to screen — and why some stall while others accelerate. Hear how they evaluate material, what makes a concept feel “market-ready,” and how writers can position themselves as collaborators instead of hopeful outsiders. From notes to packaging to internal champions, you’ll learn what convinces an exec to fight for your story and how to give them a reason to.
PANELISTS
Day Three - The Writers & Director Panel
What really happens when the script leaves your laptop? Writers and directors come together to unpack the creative handoff — how vision is shared, challenged, and ultimately shaped into the final film or episode. Learn how to protect the heart of your story while embracing collaboration, what directors need from a screenplay, and how writers can become indispensable partners throughout production. From notes calls to set dynamics, this conversation demystifies the relationship that turns words into images.
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Day Four - The Pitch Showcase
Moderated by screenwriter and Roadmap Writers’ Director of Competitions & Partnerships, Tiffany Yarde, we close Black to the Future by putting craft into action. Four selected writers step into the spotlight to pitch their projects live and receive immediate feedback from industry professionals. Experience how ideas are presented, refined, and challenged in real time, and gain insight into what makes a pitch connect - or miss - in the room. Whether you’re presenting or observing, this session transforms the week’s lessons into a practical masterclass in selling your story.
