In addition to a tight, killer script, every TV project needs a strong series bible or deck to help convey sustainability and its role in the marketplace. And execs commonly ask for pitch decks for features as well! So submit your Series Bible, Pitch Deck (20 pages max each), or both, and the exec will conduct a 30-minute notes call (1-hour if submitting both documents) to help you clarify and sharpen the supplemental material to help your marketing efforts.
Questions? Email terra@roadmapwriters.com
Keep it simple - in telling a story and in showcasing yourself.
Character-driven dramas mostly. Gritty crime, family dramas. Underdog, blue-collar stories are near-and-dear to my heart. I'm a big fan of 1970s noir, so that should give you an idea of my style, sensibilities, etc. My experience is mostly in cable and streaming, but I have worked in (and enjoyed) network procedurals as well. That said, I do love biting, dark comedies (single-cam, half-hour cable/streaming/network). Aside from the gritty dramas, I'm also fond of genre fare like sci-fi, westerns, and adventure - in both TV and film.
Medical and legal shows/films. My brain automatically shuts off at "intubate!" or "Mens Rea."
John is a television writer and producer. After spending (too) many years as a video editor for CBS/Paramount+, he made the jump into TV upon completion of his WB Television Writers’ Workshop fellowship. Ten years later, he continues to work in television – on staff and in development.
John is currently a co-Executive Producer on the upcoming Starz series, POWER: LEGACY, and he wrapped production on a new Amazon series, CRIMINAL (starring Charlie Hunnam, Adria Arjona, and Emilia Clarke) slated for release this year. Some of his past credits include HIGHTOWN (Netflix/Starz), THE BRAVE (NBC), and TRAINING DAY (CBS). Additionally, John is developing a political-thriller series for Eva Longoria’s Hyphenate Media.
He holds an M.F.A. in Film Directing/Production from UCLA. John was born, raised, and lives in Los Angeles where he faithfully cheers for the Lakers and the Dodgers.
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.
PITCH DECKS: These are visually-driven documents (20 pages max) that use images and short paragraphs of text to demonstrate the tone, world, character insight, key plot points, stakes, and theme of the series or feature. If the Pitch Deck is for a show, it will use some of the same sections of text as your Series Bible, but will be less extensive. When creating a pitch deck, always make sure that you are using images of a consistent size and quality, and that you use the same font, color code, margins, and other design specifications throughout. Click here for a Pitch Deck example! Want more insight? Consider signing up for our Creating Professional Level Pitch Decks webinar!
SERIES BIBLES: These supplemental documents are text-only (20 pages max), and can get requested when marketing any sort of TV show. Among other things, they should demonstrate what makes your characters unique and captivating, the focus and evolution of their arcs, the rules of the world, the hook of the story engine, the intended tone and theme, as well as why YOU are the best person to write this show from this perspective. Here's example #1 and example #2. Note: The formatting and organization of Series Bibles has changed since these examples were created, but addressing these sections in your own Series Bible will be a great starting point to make sure you're answering questions before they're asked.
**Please note series bibles and pitch decks are each limited to 20 pages maximum. Please contact terra@roadmapwriters.com for pricing on a consultation for material exceeding 20 pages.
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.