Roadmap Writers Unveils LGBTQ+ Pitch Fellowship

      Roadmap Writers has introduced a new LGBTQ+ Pitch Fellowship aimed at promoting queer voices and facilitating connections between queer storytellers and industry professionals.

      This initiative allows LGBTQ+ creatives to submit a three-minute recorded pitch, a one-page personal essay, and the first 25 pages of their script for a chance to participate in exclusive virtual pitch roundtables with queer executives in the final week of June.

      “As audiences seek more genuine representation, queer creatives continue to contribute some of the most essential, emotionally truthful, and culturally significant perspectives within the entertainment realm,” stated Roadmap Writers in their announcement.

      “There remains a strong demand for narratives that transcend stereotypes and encapsulate the complexity, joy, challenges, and humanity inherent in LGBTQ+ experiences. By matching writers with queer executives who recognize the value of authentic representation, Roadmap Writers aims to nurture robust creative collaborations and enhance the presence of inclusive storytelling on screen.”

      Registration has commenced and will conclude on June 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Participants are required to submit within 48 hours of registering, along with a $35 application fee. The winners will be revealed on June 18. Further details can be found here.

      The five selected winners will pitch to queer executives from Amazon, ABC, Gersh, These Pictures, Circle Management, Buchwald Agency, among others, during the week of June 22. They will also have the chance to present to working queer writers.

      Established a decade ago by Joey Tuccio and Dorian Connelley, Roadmap Writers is based in Los Angeles and focuses on screenwriting education and training to provide writers a structured approach to achieving success in film and TV. The platform offers online courses led by executives, managers, agents, producers, writers, and other industry experts to enhance writers' skills and broaden their networks.

      According to the company, it has assisted over 500 writers in securing representation, including with Kaplan/Perrone, Echo Lake, Good Fear, Anonymous Content, 3 Arts, Artists First, Industry Entertainment, Fourth Wall Management, CAA, and more. Participants have engaged in projects like Paramount +’s Grease: Rise of the Pink Ladies, Amazon’s Reacher and We Were Liars, Netflix’s Fubar, CW’s The Flash, and Fox’s The Resident.

      “This initiative exemplifies Roadmap Writers’ ongoing dedication to uplifting diverse voices and aiding emerging talents in entering the industry,” the announcement further states. “The LGBTQ+ Pitch Fellowship is not solely about a week of pitches; it’s about creating opportunities, fostering community, and helping queer creatives gain recognition in a sector where representation behind the scenes is as crucial as it is onscreen. Through initiatives like this, Roadmap Writers endeavors to support the next generation of LGBTQ+ storytellers and contribute to a more inclusive future for film and television.”