Roadmap Writers is committed to expanding career opportunities for writers from underrepresented communities. As part of our ongoing effort to champion industry advancement for creatives within the BIPOC* community, Roadmap Writers is proud to announce the Screenwriters of Color Retreat Scholarship for our Spring 2026 Retreat in Sicily.
We will award ONE FULL SCHOLARSHIP (valued at $4,999.00) and ONE PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP (valued at $2,499.50) for Week 2 of our Sicily Retreat from April 7-13, 2026. Spend 7 days & 6 nights dedicated to your craft at the breathtaking countryside destination Borgo del Carato! Scholarships include lodging and meals as well as accommodations in a shared room with two single beds and same-sex roommates wherever possible.
Applicants should have at least two market-ready projects, including the one they plan to continue developing while at the retreat. During the week, you will be mentored by incredible industry professionals, strengthen your writing craft through curated sessions, participate in marketing meetings with the RoadCrew, and experience a transformative creative journey.
Current mentors include:
Wes Akwoubi (Creative Exec, Current Programming @ Amazon)
Nathan Varni (Drama Programming Development + Current for ABC and Hulu)
Mika Frank (Story Editor @ THE RESIDENT)
Justin Ross (VP, Development @ Bohemia Group Originals)
Screenwriters will enjoy deep, focused writing time immersed in a stunning Sicilian estate alongside fellow creatives. Located 30 minutes from Syracuse and the sea, this serene location offers the perfect blend of inspiration and escape. After settling into your beautifully updated accommodations imbued with old-world charm, you'll join our industry exec(s), the RoadCrew, and fellow writers for a Welcome Cocktail Party - kicking off a truly career-changing experience!
Each day will feature traditional Sicilian meals prepared by the onsite family-owned restaurant, quiet writing blocks, valuable breakout sessions, table reads, and a fulfilling week of creative growth. Beyond networking, these retreats foster meaningful community and lasting professional relationships.
Our retreats frequently sell out, making this an extraordinary opportunity to elevate your craft, travel, and build lifelong connections!
*BIPOC includes but is not limited to African, Indigenous, Native, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, and Multiracial heritage.
*Please note that scholarships do not include airfare to or from Italy or any additional transportation.
*Mentors are subject to change.
NOTE: You will not be able to save their application progress so before submitting, please take the time to review ALL application eligibility requirements and questions before starting. YOU MUST SUBMIT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF REGISTRATION. *Entries received after this deadline will be disqualified.*
How It Works
Registration Opens For Applications: December 4th, 2025 at 9:00am PST
Registration to Apply Closes: January 2nd, 2026 at 12:00pm PST (If you register by the deadline, you will still be given the courtesy of 48 hours to submit.)
YOU MUST SUBMIT WITHIN 48 HOURS OF REGISTRATION. *Entries received after this deadline will be disqualified.*
Application Fee $35
Add Feedback Notes | +$55
Receive a one-page written analysis of your script.
* Feedback is returned within 6-8 weeks from the Finalist announcement.
Application of Personal Statement & Writing Sample
Submit a Personal Statement (500 words max) that communicates why you would be a valuable member of the Roadmap Writers Sicily Retreat!
Your statement should:
- Describes 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
- Identify the project you hope to continue to develop during the retreat
- Demonstrate your ability to collaborate within a creative community
And yes - please remember, the statement must be no more than 500 words!
Your Writing Sample should be an original, complete script (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.
Have all your submission materials ready before you register to apply as the materials will be required within 48 hours of All qualifying applicants will receive FREE Screenwriting Craft and Industry Resources designed to help you craft strong scholarship applications.
Top 10 Finalists Announced: January 9th, 2026
All 10 Finalists will:
- Attend a Q&A session January 10th, 2026
- Be announced on Roadmap Writers' blog
- Complete a short form detailing the project they hope to continue to develop during the retreat
- Be invited to participate in a 30-minute interview with the RoadCrew
Interviews will take place January 11 - 14, 2026.
Grand Prize Winner of the Full Scholarship & Runner-Up for the Partial Scholarship Announced: January 19th, 2025.
Sicily Retreat Dates: April 7-13, 2026
While most meals, retreat accommodations, and the offsite excursion are included in the prize, transportation to and from the retreat is not included. The Winner and Runner Up are responsible for arranging and paying for their own travel to and from the retreat. Proof of booked travel will be required prior to the start of the retreat.
*Notification dates are subject to change.
*The retreat is subject to change.
SICILY RETREAT
April 7-13, 2025
Do you dream of focused writing time surrounded by fellow dedicated writers, the RoadCrew, and industry pros in a beautiful and adventurous setting?
Join the RoadCrew and Exec Mentors from Tuesday, April 7th - Monday, April 13th for 7 Days / 6 Nights at our exclusive sprawling converted farmhouse in the countryside of Sicily, Italy!
The retreat includes, but is not limited to:
Accommodations at our country farmhouse
Most meals (except excursion day)
45-min. Story notes meeting with your mentor exec
20-min. General meeting with guest industry exec #2
Live table read of your first 10 pages with guest industry exec #3
One-on-one meetings with Joey & Dorian
All group retreat sessions
Off-site excursion
Spread over just two floors, the charming accommodations feature an en-suite bathroom with a bidet, a flat-screen TV, and free Wi-Fi. Shared Rooms have two single beds with same-sex roommates wherever possible; we'll ask before assigning roommates of different genders.
Not included: beverages, spa services, recreational activities, ground transportation, or airfare.
ROADMAP WRITERS
Founded by Joey Tuccio and Dorian Connelley in 2016, Roadmap 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, their classes take place exclusively online and are designed to empower writers to elevate their craft while expanding their network. Roadmap has helped over 480 writers sign with representation to date, while guiding some directly toward work in the industry. Writers signed through the program 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).
View our complete Fellowship rules and guidelines here.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be part of the BIPOC diaspora, including but not limited to African, Indigenous, Native, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, Arab, and Multiracial heritage.
- All applicants must submit a Personal Statement and an original market-ready Feature or TV Pilot script. The Top 10 Finalists will be required to complete an additional form about the project they intend to continue to develop during the retreat.
- Applicants must have earned less than $25k as a screenwriter.
- Applicants must have fewer than 3 produced feature films or TV credits that aired or have been distributed.
- Applicants must be able to provide their own transportation to and from the retreat and be available to attend the retreat in Sicily, Italy, from April 7-13. Roadmap Writers is not liable for any travel delays or issues that arise as a result of travel.
*All deadlines and announcement dates are subject to change.
