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 International Spring 2027 Retreat in Barbados.
We will award ONE FULL SCHOLARSHIP (valued at $4,999.00) and ONE PARTIAL SCHOLARSHIP (valued at $2,499.50) for one of the weeks during our Spring 2027 Barbados Retreat from May 11-17 or May 18-24. Spend 7 days & 6 nights dedicated to your craft at the breathtaking countryside destination Mullins Grove! Scholarships include lodging and a majority of the 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.
Screenwriters will enjoy deep, focused writing time under the Barbadian sun with fellow creatives. Less than a 5 minute walk from the iconic Mullins Beach, this vibrant location offers the perfect blend of inspiration and escape. After settling into your modern condo, 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 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.*
Accommodations at Mullins Grove, Barbados
How It Works
Registration Opens For Applications: June 19th, 2026 at 9:00am PST
Registration to Apply Closes: August 21st, 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 Barbados 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: October 30th, 2026
All 10 Finalists will:
- Attend a Q&A session November 7th, 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 November 9-13, 2026.
Grand Prize Winner of the Full Scholarship & Runner-Up for the Partial Scholarship Announced: November 20th, 2026.
Barbados Retreat Dates: May 11-17 or May 18-24, 2027
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.
BARBADOS RETREAT
Week 1: May 11-17
Week 2: May 18-24
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 at our at our exclusive luxury condos in the beautiful Caribbean island of Barbados!!!
All options include 7 days / 6 nights:
accommodations at our private luxury hotel complex
opening & closing cocktail parties
daily continental breakfast & lunch
full day excursion with tour and shopping
one-on-one meeting with your industry exec mentor
group general meeting(s) with our other resident industry execs
one-on-one logline clinic with Dorian
one-on-one marketing meeting with Joey
live table read of your first 10 pages
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 500 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 Barbados from May 11-17 or May 18-24. 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.
Screenwriters of Color Retreat Scholarship: Winner & Runner-Ups Sicily 2026
Winner Juliette Lin with Runner-Ups Helena Cho & Claire Ince on a boat tour in Sicily.
Closing night party with 2026 Sicily Winner & Runner-Ups with Retreat Coordinator Marisa Martinez Marquez.
Winner Juliette Lin and Roadmap Writers CEO Joey Tuccio on a boat in the Mediterranean Sea.