Step 1: Pitch Prep LITE Program

What to Expect

For writers who are committed to their craft and are ready to make screenwriting more than just a hobby, Roadmap Writers offers our Career Writer Program. These feedback-driven sessions put the Career Writer in immersive and interactive roundtables, making them competitive in the marketplace while helping them build relationships with as many industry professionals as possible.

The vast majority of our Success Stories come from writers in our Career Writer Program, many of whom have gone on to sign with companies such as CAA, Gotham Group, Gersh, Zero Gravity, Circle of Confusion, and more!

Step 1: Pitch Prep Program

Step 2: Marketing Intensive

Step 3: Portfolio Polishing

Step 4: Manager Track

Step 5: Top Tier

Description
Schedule
About / Testimonials
Guidelines

The Pitch Prep Program is Step 1 of the Career Writer Program.
Writers must complete Steps 1-4 to be considered for our Top Tier Program.

Hone your written & verbal pitch, mold your brand, and get prepared to properly market your material!

So you're finally getting the hang of this writing thing—it's all starting to come together. But when it comes time to pitch it, your amazing story is not coming through—or worse, you freeze up and have no idea what to say—and you can't figure out why. Roadmap understands your frustration, which is why we've put together Pitch Prep LITE that revolves all around pitching and how to master your pitch!

Train with the Roadmap Team and working industry executives to refine your pitch and figure out what's breaking down in translation and how to build it up! Pitch Prep LITE is very similar to Pitch Prep Program—the difference is your coach in Pitch Prep LITE is Adquanita Curtis (our Director of Diversity Initiatives) rather than Dorian (our COO).

Walk away with:

a tight 2-pg. written pitch
a practiced 5-6 min. verbal pitch ready to put to the test
and a personal brand logline highlighting your unique perspective as a screenwriter!

Limited to 9 writers each month so every writer gets optimal attention!

THIS MONTH YOU WILL...

Learn a formula to structure your pitch.

Master tone and voice when pitching.

Practice with professionals who can help you identify where your pitch is weakest - and strongest.

And gain confidence for the hot seat!

Sunday Webinars

Summary

These 90-Min. Webinars typically take place on Sunday afternoons @ 4:00pm PT. They consist of a 30-60-min. lecture followed by 30-60-min. of Q&A (so come with questions!) There are at least 2x Sunday Webinars per month and all are included in your program. You’ll receive the topics, dates, & join links at the start of the month prior to the first Webinar.

VIEW UPCOMING WEBINAR SCHEDULE

Orientation & Logline Prep Lecture

Date / Time

Sun, 06/27/2021 @ 06:00PM - 9:30PM PT

Summary

Learn the fundamentals of pitching and compose your watertight 2-pg. written pitch, including loglines, tonal comps, characters, synopses, & more! This is one of our most popular Clinics with consistent results!

Host:

Dorian Connelley - Co-Founder/COO, Roadmap Writers

Dorian was fresh off working for producer Mark Ciardi (THE ROOKIE, MIRACLE, CHAPPAQUIDDICK) when she co-founded Roadmap Writers as its COO where she has been teaching writers how to pitch (whether they like it or not) ever since. With years of experience in talent management, live events, and feature film producing, Dorian is also a proud Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Guinea/Mali '08-'10). When she's not helping writers perfect their pitches, Dorian can be found at music festivals and karaoke bars.

Logline & Comps Clinic

Date / Time

Fri, 07/02/2021 @ 06:00PM - 9:00PM PT

Summary

We will workshop your Loglines together as a group, including Title, Format, Genre, and Comps. After the clinic, you will then receive the worksheet we used to keep and refer back to you as you revise.

Host:

Dorian Connelley - Co-Founder/COO, Roadmap Writers

Written Pitch Prep Lecture

Date / Time

Mon, 07/05/2021 @ 06:00PM - 9:30PM PT

Summary

We’ll continue the rest of the Written Pitch Prep Lecture including Characters, Synopsis, Season One, and Series Overview sections. Following the lecture, we’ll look through the notes on the example marked-up pitch documents for anyone who wants to stay.

Host:

Dorian Connelley - Co-Founder/COO, Roadmap Writers

[LECTURE] Verbal Pitch Prep

Date / Time

Wed, 07/07/2021 @ 06:30PM - 9:30PM PT

Summary

This lecture and Q&A will cover:

The general structure of a pitch
Honing in on the basic goals of pitching
Tips on holding an exec's attention during your pitch
And you'll hear an example verbal pitch to get you off on the right foot!

Host:

Chris Deckard - Manager / Co-Founder, Fictional Entity

Prior to co-founding the management/production company Fictional Entity in early 2017, Chris Deckard spent over seven years working with and representing talent at the major agencies ICM Partners and WME. While at WME, Chris worked in the media rights department, selling books for series and film adaptations before moving into the talent department, where he worked closely with high level actors in film, television, and the then-emerging digital space. While at ICM Partners, he again worked with high level actors and worked closely with the packaging and sales department and the digital media group. For over a decade, Chris has worked closely with traditional and new media buyers to find and develop content for domestic and international audiences. In addition to helping cast and package numerous features and series, he has evaluated thousands of scripts for actors and directors. Chris graduated from Cornell University and earned his J.D. from Notre Dame Law School.

Chris helps his clients navigate the evolving entertainment landscape in the United States and abroad. He has negotiated deals for features, series, and podcasts in several international territories. His clients have been named to The Black List, The Hit List, The Young & Hungry List, The Blood List and been lauded by the PAGE Awards, the International Emmys, and The GLAAD Awards. Clients have also earned nominations and placements from The Heath Ledger Scholarship, The Academy Nicholl Screenwriting Awards, the AWG, ADG, SPA, and AACTA. Clients have written, directed, starred, and produced in numerous formats, including features, TV, virtual reality, and podcasts, independently and for companies like Netflix, Lucasfilm, NBCUniversal, Legendary, Marvel, Fremantle, SyFy, the CW, Warner Bros., Amazon, Blumhouse, Hulu, XYZ, The BBC, Comedy Central, the ABC Australia, Foxtel, TruTV, Super Deluxe, Hallmark, Lifetime, CBS, Facebook, E!, and MSNBC.

Several of Chris’ clients had films shoot in 2021, including one for Netflix, and another which sold to XYZ Films, both of which are slated for 2022 release. Within the past year, clients have sold series to Amazon, Netflix, eOne, and Hulu. Chris, along with his business partner, is also an Executive Producer on a scripted series project alongside two writing EPs from New Amsterdam which sold to Universal Television in 2021.

Uncle James' Pitchin' Kitchen

Date / Time

Fri, 07/09/2021 @ 04:00PM - 5:30PM PT

Summary

Audit a session of at most eight (8) writers in our Step 2: Marketing Intensive as they practice the pitches they've been going out with & workshop their pitches with notes from Director of Outreach & Diversity, screenwriter James Moorer. Here, you'll get tips on pitching, be able to experience more examples pitches in action, and cheer on your fellow writers! Following the pitch workshop, if there is time, we will open up to Q&A.

Host:

James Moorer - Director of Writer Outreach & Diversity Initiatives, Roadmap Writers

James is a best-selling author, working screenwriter, producer, director, and motivational speaker who loves to find a way to succeed. James has also worked as an actor and voice talent on numerous projects. He is a member of the Organization of Black Screenwriters and was recently accepted into the Independent Writers Caucus. He recently celebrated his first script sale of 2024, and his production company, Hammerjaxx Films, has previously sponsored one of the prizes in our Diversity Initiative. Ever creating, James launched Dark Anthem Press, a division of One Moorer last fall for book-to-screen projects. He's passionate about finding the story within the story and helping writers find both their voice and their own given greatness. His other passion is being the San Fernando Valley's expert on Pancakes.

Panel with Top Tier Mentors

Date / Time

Fri, 07/16/2021 @ 05:00PM - 6:30PM PT

Summary

James will invite a panel of 3x writers from our Top Tier Program to discuss the process of the Career Writer Program and offer advice on goals and getting the most out of the program.

Host:

James Moorer - Director of Writer Outreach & Diversity Initiatives, Roadmap Writers

Branding Prep Clinic

Date / Time

Sun, 07/18/2021 @ 02:00PM - 4:00PM PT

Summary

Hone in on what you, as a writer, deliver. Learn to see beyond genre and better understand how your own perspective seeps into every script you write and capitalize on that. Create an exciting and quickly digestible personal logline to better pitch yourself—and your scripts—to executives.

During the session, you'll present your personal brand logline and workshop it together with the group.

Host:

Terra Joy - Director of Consultations & Script Services, Roadmap Writers

Terra Joy started her career in Washington, DC as a journalist where she then transitioned into nonprofit advocacy and managed a documentary film campaign, resulting in 115+ screenings in under nine months. She was also very active in the local screenwriting community as a member of WIF. Before joining the RoadCrew, she was a reader for Slamdance. She has read over a thousand scripts, and has seen the trends in feedback from execs on over 5K screenplays. Terra is also a professional proofreader and line editor. As a craft nerd, a writer herself, and a Virgo with OCD, she loves to use her detail obsession to benefit story development. She's been to 35+ countries, has a B.A. in Political Science, and when she's not connecting awesome creative people with other awesome creative people, she's writing, or thinking about writing, or analyzing astrological birth charts for her scripts' dream casting, and trying to find the best boba tea flavor.

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 more than 350 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, FUBAR, SUBJECT TO CHANGE, MAYANS, COBRA KAI, POKERFACE, and others. They have also sold to, set up projects at, and been produced by Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, MGM, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Starz, Legendary, American High, New Republic Pictures, Anvil Pictures, Bohemia Group, Lifetime, Will Packer Studios, Roku, and more.

Written Pitch Prep Clinic - Material Review

Date / Time

Sun, 07/18/2021 @ 06:00PM - 9:30PM PT

Summary

Adquanita will have marked up your revised pitch documents ahead of time and during the session we will read through each writer’s pitch together in its entirety, fixing any last issues & areas of confusion along the way.

Verbal Pitch Prep Clinic

Date / Time

Tue, 07/20/2021 @ 05:00PM - 8:00PM PT

Summary

Learn the art of delivering your verbal pitch, including how to pitch conversationally (without reading!), how to efficiently incorporate all of the necessary elements of a pitch (tone, characters, plot), and how to make your pitch relatable and universal. Then, deliver your verbal pitch for practice and notes.

Host:

Alexandra Davies - Director of Education, Roadmap Writers

Alexandra holds a degree in English Literature from UCLA, which she earned while pursuing acting. As an actress for many years, she learned the ins and outs of character, story and entertainment first hand, both on stage and in front of the camera. As the Director of Education at Roadmap, Alex strives to identify the most common hurdles writers face in developing their work and design classes, clinics, and webinars to address these issues. In addition, Alex is a writer with several scripts, a novel, a short film (produced during the AT&T Shape Create-A-Thon), and a webseries (coming soon!) under her belt. Prior to Roadmap, Alex worked in live events, law, and education.

Verbal Pitch Roundtable #1

Date / Time

Fri, 07/23/2021 @ 05:00PM - 8:30PM PT

Summary

You'll take turns delivering your verbal pitch in a Roundtable setting and receive feedback from the exec on strengths and areas of improvement specific to your verbal pitch. Learn from notes on your own pitch and from notes given to your peers!

Host:

Scott Schulman - Literary Manager, Schulman Management Group

Scott Schulman went off on his own three years ago after working at More/Medavoy Management for four years. He first started representing actors and then transitioned to writers. He is currently building a roster of emerging voices and has a passion for representing and inspiring writers. He also is very adamant about breaking the barrier for women by helping get their voices heard. Before More/Medavoy, Schulman was at Abrams Artist Agency for a year as a junior agent in below the line packaging. He got his start working at Fremantle in business affairs as coordinator in both scripted and non-scripted television. He is currently doing business with CBS, Sony, Khalabo, Genius, Radicle Act, Counterbalance, Homegrown, Osprey, and Phoenix Pictures.

Scott continues to serve on the Board of Directors for the entertainment organization, HRTS Associates. “Dream big and dare to fail”, says Schulman.

Verbal Pitch Roundtable #2

Date / Time

Tue, 07/27/2021 @ 05:00PM - 8:30PM PT

Summary

Host:

Stacey Stanley - Consultant, Smart Stanley Group

Stacey Jade Stanley began her entertainment career working as the executive assistant and right hand to veteran distribution executive and Oscar winner John W. Hyde’s Producer Sales Organization. She then followed him to Film Roman Productions (FAMILY GUY; JACKASS 3D) and Anchor Bay Entertainment (47 METERS DOWN; THE FOUNDER; THE HATEFUL EIGHT). After two years, she was given the opportunity to head the company’s new live-action division, New Arc Entertainment (THE TOOTH FAIRY; IT WAITS), where she produced more than 55 hours of programming in the following 20 months, including the Emmy-nominated series MASTERS OF HORROR as well as MASTERS OF SCIENCE FICTION and PAINKILLER JANE. As part of Starz Media, she managed series including the Emmy-nominated STARZ INSIDE and FIRST AMENDMENT, and then, as director of development for Indomina Productions (CABIN FEVER 3: PATIENT ZERO), she oversaw creative development, including the Samuel L. Jackson feature adaptation of AFRO SAMURAI, and a multi-year, multi-picture Lionsgate/Televisa deal. Although retired from production, Stacey continues to consult on scripts for studios and work with up-and-coming writers.

Opening Pages Analysis

Date / Time

Wed, 07/28/2021 @ 06:30PM - 8:30PM PT

Summary

Joey will give several volunteer writers from the Marketing Intensive (Step 2 of the Career Writer Program) specific feedback on their opening 3 pages. The pages will be shared on-screen with the rest of the group so everybody can learn from the feedback. The Opening Pages Analysis will start with a lecture on some of the immediate reasons an executive might pass on your work... and you might not even know you're doing one of these things! Remember, most execs won't read past page 5 if they aren't hooked from the start.

Host:

Joey Tuccio - CEO & Co-Founder, Roadmap Writers

Joey started in the industry at Bold Films (DRIVE, NIGHTCRAWLER, WHIPLASH) and has read for Hugh Jackman's company, George Clooney's company, and Night and Day Pictures, to name a few. Experiencing how hard it was for writers to receive real tangible advice on how to break into the industry, Joey and Dorian created Roadmap Writers over 7 years ago. At Roadmap, Joey focuses on connecting vetted writers with execs in the industry. He has helped hundreds of writers connect to their representation, get staffed and get produced. He also mentors for Cinestory and The Writers Lab. When he's not helping writers, he spends his time rescuing animals in need.

Testimonials

I honestly am so grateful for everything I learned during any of my sessions with Roadmap, it definitely opened my eyes to a new side of the business, and it's especially helped with all of my pitches (I still refer to your pitch tips)!

~ Ashlei Hardenburg-Cartagena, Screenwriter (2021-22 Warner Bros. Writers’ Workshop Fellow)

I can't believe how much I'm getting out of my journey down the 'road'. Working with Roadmap is the single smartest decision I've made since I started writing.

~ Tom Holowach, Screenwriter

Dorian is a force of nature! It was such a pleasure working with her in the Pitch Prep Program and Marketing Intensive. Our group learned so much; it's clear our confidence is growing every time we pitch—all thanks to Roadmap! We received specific notes, invaluable guidance, and, most importantly, we laughed all along the way.

~ Brenda Lynn Bynum, Screenwriter

Thank you so much for all of your help on my project—especially on the business, marketing, and pitching side. Who knows what will come from any given meeting, but it’s a good feeling when someone requests the script or asks about additional materials and if I currently have reps. Right now, an A-lister's development producer is reading the script and I’m meeting with a streaming exec tonight. I feel so much better prepared to pitch and take these meetings because of Roadmap.

~ Todd Hunter, Screenwriter

How it Works

After registering, your confirmation email will include a link for you to access your syllabus for the program, which will include any prep work & resources, class dates & times, join links, assignments, and other instructions.

All interactive sessions are conducted face-to-face via video conferencing software Zoom. While the ability to call in by phone does exist, we strongly recommend taking full advantage of the face-to-face nature of these programs, so you should plan to attend your sessions in front of a computer or stationary tablet at a desk or table in a well-lit room.

Please ensure you are familiar with our Code of Conduct.

**NOTE: Once you have registered for a particular month of the program, you are able to push your registration to a later month up to 7 days prior to the first session of the month for which you originally registered. Please note that the first session of the program may occur up to 5 days prior to the first day of the originally selected month, so check your syllabus accordingly. Changes requested after the 7 day deadline will not be accommodated.