Any Comedy better have jokes or situations that are actually funny. Three acts on film and TV pilots. Tell me a story and give me a character to believe in.
True Feature Dramas with a bio, real-life, life rights, etc... Anything that gets me excited and makes sense for the current marketplace.
Drama Features must involve life rights, a true story, or some other heightened angle. No original drama features at all.
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 (GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE; AN AMERICAN PICKLE) and Sid Ganis/Out of the Blue Entertainment where he was a story editor on BIG DADDY and DEUCE BIGELOW: MALE GIGOLO.
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
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
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
- Immediately after registering, you will receive an Order Confirmation email that serves as the receipt for your registration. In the Order Summary section of this email, you will find a link reading "CLICK HERE FOR INSTRUCTIONS" that will take you to instructions on how to submit your contact info or written pitch via the Material Submission Form.
- Your material/contact submission is due as soon as you are ready, but no later than 8:00am PT the day of the session.
- You will receive this exec's written feedback on your pitch via email within 10 to 12 business days following the session unless otherwise notified.
- Need some general guidelines on pitching? Check out our Hitchhiker's Guide to Pitching!
What Is "IP?"
Pitch your Intellectual Property in under 8 minutes to reps & producers looking to develop and adapt IP. YOU SHOULD NOT ALREADY HAVE A SCRIPT FOR THIS. THIS IS NOT A PITCH FOR ANYTHING ALREADY SCRIPTED. This means you have either already acquired and optioned this published IP or you have created and already had published one of the following:
- books
- novels
- video games
- graphic novels
- life rights
- optioned true stories
- news articles
- podcasts
- narrative albums
- social media narratives or characters with substantial following
To repeat, you MUST ALREADY be in control of the IP you are pitching. NOTHING SELF-PUBLISHED WILL BE ACCEPTED. THIS IS NOT FOR SCREENPLAYS OR TELEPLAYS. INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY ONLY.
Cancellation Policy
You may cancel for a full refund up to 72 hrs. prior to the start of the session. Cancellations requested after this deadline will be ineligible for refunds.
Questions?
If you have any questions at all about this program, email coordinator@roadmapwriters.com!