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Sometimes, you just can't do a verbal pitch. Maybe you have a work conflict, or a family commitment, or you have terrible allergies and the ragweed is causing you all sorts of grief. We get it, and we have options for you to submit a 2 page written pitch for feedback instead.
But did you know there are different expectations for a written pitch? Everything from the font you use to the margins to the layout matters to whether or not an exec is going to enjoy reading the document - and hopefully connect with your story!
Join us for this two week clinic to learn the basics of how to put together a written pitch!
This Two Week Clinic Will Cover:
- Contents of a written pitch
- Layout and general formatting
- What execs look for (with exec guests)
- Live Q&A
Roadmap Writers is a talent training and discovery platform for screenwriters ready for a guided path to success. Our programs are hosted by working industry executives and are designed to empower writers with actionable tools and insights to elevate your craft and cultivate relationships with industry professionals. Since 2016, we have helped hundreds of writers from all over the world sign to representation, staff on series, and option and produce their projects. Our writers have been staffed on BRIDGERTON, THE FLASH, CHICAGO PD, THE FIRST LADY, NIGHT COURT, THE GOOD DOCTOR, THE RESIDENT, REACHER, SUBJECT TO CHANGE, MAYANS and POKERFACE. Writers have sold, set up and been produced by Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, MGM, American High, New Republic Pictures, Maven Screen Media, Lifetime, Will Packer Studios and Roku.
Janet Jeffries is a Production and Development executive working in both feature films and television for Lawrence Bender Productions / Bender Brown TV Productions. We strive to find and develop character driven material, working side by side with writers, directors and other producers to create projects with both commercial and award-winning potential.
Lawerence Bender Productions is an independent feature film company in Los Angeles, led by award winning producer, Lawrence Bender. Films include the Peabody Award winning animated short film COPS AND ROBBERS, the Academy Award winning, live action short film TWO DISTANT STRANGERS, THE HARDER THEY FALL, GRETA, and Academy Award winning and nominated films - HACKSAW RIDGE, GOOD WILL HUNTING, AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH, PULP FICTION and INGLORIOUS BASTERDS. As a development executive, Janet works closely with Mr. Bender to develop a wide variety of features in many genres. We also have several documentaries we are developing and currently looking for financing and are filming.
Janet is also actively involved with the company’s television arm, Bender/Brown Productions, led by partner Kevin Brown. Credits include the docuseries, THE CHICANO SQUAD for A&E, the Netflix limited series SEVEN SECONDS, Starz limited series FLESH AND BONE, and the CW series ROSWELL, NEW MEXICO. Currently streaming on Paramount+ we have the 4-part scripted series, RED ALERT, about survivors of the October 7th attacks. We are also actively developing projects across many genres and formats for Fox, Fox International, Peacock, Telemundo, and Skydance, CBS, to name a few.
Janet recently was an adjunct professor for the MFA in screenwriting program at National University. She has also worked as a professional screenwriting mentor working with emerging screenwriters, reading and writing professional coverage, offering written and in person feedback on scripts and other materials.
A graduate of UC Santa Barbara with a degree in Film Studies, Mark Saffian is the owner of literary management company Content House which represents dozens of New York Times Best Selling Authors, screenwriters, directors, and production companies, as well as top names in comic books, video games, and new media. Projects include THE CROOK FACTORY based on the best-selling novel by Dan Simmons (THE TERROR, HYPERION) and the television series ONE SECOND AFTER with Constantin Films based on the best-selling trilogy of books by William Forstchen. Recently, Content House sold or set up series on behalf of its clients to eOne, Warner Bros. Studios, Warner Animation, CW, Comedy Central, Showtime, and HBO. Mark began his career working in the mailroom at Agency for the Performing Arts (APA) before being promoted to an Assistant in the Packaging Department and eventually becoming the Literary Department Development Coordinator where he helped develop pilots and films including the television series 24. After APA, Mark worked as a Development Executive and Story Editor for Sony Pictures and Sid Ganis/Out of the Blue Entertainment where he was a story editor on BIG DADDY and DEUCE BIGELOW: MALE GIGOLO.
I registered for a four-week rewrite clinic with several friends hoping to find a solution to a problem we all shared in finding the right learning environment to workshop our material. When you teach creative writing to others, it’s challenging to find a group that allows you as a more experienced yet still evolving writer to get the same substantive feedback you provide your students. Furthermore, when you’re a creative from marginalized identities, you often get discouraging notes that imply you can either write commercial stories or stories that center your communities’ interests as if those two objectives are mutually exclusive. Justin Ross proved to be the perfect mentor for our group. He respected the stories each of us was trying to tell and provided specific notes and actionable exercises that gave us new ways into our revisions. There are few critique spaces where we feel we get the support we need, and having found Roadmap Writers and Justin Ross has gotten our creative year off to a wonderful start.
~ Sofia Quintero, Screenwriter
Mark not only identifies key script issues but generates multiple options to resolve them. He's great at finding ways to move forward.
~ Anonymous Screenwriter
Mark cares about your project and it comes across in his ease and likability. His notes are thoughtful and considerate. He never once made me feel pressured or anything less than a creative. You truly feel he's in your corner and he breaks down your work in ways that are easily understood. I have much appreciation for him in this mentorship.
~ Anonymous Screenwriter
While Roadmap connects writers with many fine execs, Janet is far and away my favorite. Her feedback is always the right mix of supportive yet revision-oriented; I always come away with incredibly valuable insights and new ways of seeing my writing. Her professional yet friendly personality is also top-notch.
~ Anonymous Screenwriter
Mark's notes have triggered breakthroughs on some really tough script issues that I have struggled with for quite a while. He seems to get what I'm trying to do with a script, and his suggestions have always been consistent with the core vision I started out with. Sometimes notes reflect a lot about the person giving them and would push a script in a direction that reflects their tastes more than mine - but Mark has a knack of making suggestions that improve the script without intruding on my role as the writer or leading me in directions that I later have to backtrack on.
~ Greg Price, Screenwriter
Janet can always get right to the essence of what is needed to enhance a story. She has a gift with character and makes comments specific enough that the writer has a clear path for revisions. She has great energy and enthusiasm. Always a pleasure to work with Janet!
~ Cheryl Mott Smith, Screenwriter
I got so much out of my work with Janet. In short, I came into the class with a completed first draft, and I came out of it with so much more! She clearly understood the story I wanted to tell, and more importantly, she helped me understand how to tell it better. As a working parent, I deeply appreciated how Janet knew how to help me set appropriate goals for each week; she helped me make significant progress without burning me out. She is a very skillful mentor. If this workshop started tomorrow, I would literally register for it again right now.
~ Brendon Bates, Screenwriter
Our meeting went so well, it went beyond allotted time, so huge thank you to Mark. He said he enjoyed reading my script and suggested some pointed changes that yours truly thought were quite good. This was an amazing chat since, like many writers, we don't often get a chance to discuss our work in detail. Writers are not allowed to say this but, "I can't find the words to express my gratitude!"
~ Kevin Michael Irvine, Screenwriter
Justin is awesome. His notes are specific and valuable. He listens to the writer and wants to make sure that he understands what is trying to be accomplished with the script. I would highly recommend him for feedback.
~ Brenda Lynn Bynum, Screenwriter
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel for a full refund up to 5 days prior to the start of the class. Cancellations requested after this period will be ineligible for refunds.
Please ensure you are familiar with our Code of Conduct.