There's so much to accomplish in the first act of a feature. Worse, if the reader isn't hooked by page 15, they'll likely stop reading. For the First 30 Consultation, you'll submit the first 30 pages of your feature or one-hour pilot script, and then have a 30-minute story notes call with the executive. They will help you boost your hook and refine your set up to make sure it is as strong as possible so readers HAVE to know what happens next.
Questions? Email terra@roadmapwriters.com
I want to hear what you got, what you've done, where you are - all of it! Then we can get into it and what I think makes the most sense for you and your project. I will say, it shouldn't matter the genre, format, etc..you're getting me interested. That's the goal, to keep the conversation going. I should have questions at the end if you've done your job well. Maybe I've already interjected. That's a good thing! So know the pitch well so you can make it your own and not simply read or recite, and have fun with it. You should be enjoying yourself while pitching. It's your project after all!
I love genre pieces and/or something that has a bigger message or meaning - elevated somehow. So this could be a half-hour sci-fi comedy, or a character-driven psychological thriller. It could be a female-driven supernatural action piece, or a new angle on a character we thought we knew. It could also be a brilliant family dramady like SHRINKING, or a new way into a fast-paced contained prestige drama like THE PITT. I just want it to grab me, my attention. It's compelling - the characters, relationships, and world. It can surely pull from other shows, without being derivative.
Some recent things I've watched or am watching that come to mind - THE BEAST IN ME, PLURIBUS, INVINCIBLE, SEVERANCE, THE BEAR, BEEF, DON'T LOOK UP, BARRY, TED LASSO, KNIVES OUT
I'm not passionate about period pieces that don't have some sort of tie in or foothold back to the present/future, or is a new take on something major, a genre element introduced, etc. A straight war film/series, or 18th century/Little Women type project probably isn't for me.
Doug Landers is a highly experienced development executive with over 15 years in the entertainment industry. A graduate of Chapman University's MFA program in Film and Television Producing, Doug has built a diverse career spanning boutique talent agencies, independent studios, and production roles on studio films and television shows. His passion for creative collaboration and storytelling has driven him to specialize in IP development, where he excels at fostering strong relationships with talented writers, authors, creators, and other industry professionals.
In 2022, Doug joined Imprint Entertainment as Development Executive and Co-Producer, working closely with the CEO while continuing to lead and develop a range of independent projects. Currently, Imprint is in production on a feature animation, and is developing a wide range of projects, while Doug is developing his own projects for his own banner that include two reimaginings of classic tales, a female-led supernatural action series, a military drama, an action comedy, a family wish-fulfillment story, and an outrageous adult animation.
After registering, you will receive instructions on how to submit your material in your order confirmation email. After submitting your material, please allow about 3-4 weeks to receive proposed times for scheduling your call with the exec. If you haven't heard from your exec by the 3-4 week mark about scheduling, please email terra@roadmapwriters.com so we know to check in with them on your behalf about their proposed dates/ETA for you.
**Please note only features and one-hour pilots are eligible for First 30 Consultations. Half-Hour pilots are ineligible for First 30 Consultations.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with Roadmap's Code of Conduct.
Questions? Email terra@roadmapwriters.com
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your registration for a refund or Roadmap gift card if you have not yet submitted your material for review. However, once your material has been received by Roadmap, your registration cannot be canceled. Having revised material or a desire to retroactively apply a discount or gift card code are not grounds for cancellation, refunds, or gift card credit. Once your material has been submitted, the only acceptable grounds for cancellation and a refund or gift card credit is an unforeseen, ongoing emergency on the part of either the writer or the exec resulting in more than 6 weeks without any scheduling update from the exec via direct contact or Roadmap, or a sudden change in the exec's ongoing availability. In the instance of an irreconcilable scheduling issue, the writer may still receive a written feedback report from the exec. In this case, the writer is not entitled to a refund or gift card credit as the exec has read the submitted material and provided written feedback in lieu of the call.