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Ivy Johnson signed with Lit Entertainment
We're sure you know by now: There is no secret formula for success in this industry. Every writer has their own story of how they broke in. That’s why we highlight all the different ways that writers find success. Today, we have Ivy Johnson to tell you about her journey to becoming Roadmap’s 364th writer signed.
This interview was submitted November 28, 2023.
Firstly, tell us about yourself! Who are you as a writer & who did you end up signing with?
My name is Ivy Johnson. I'm a TV comedy writer who just sold her first feature! I signed with Raquelle David at Lit Entertainment.
How did you meet your now rep? What was that first interaction like and how did it lead to your professional relationship now?
I had just sold a script, and wanted to find a manager to help me convert that good news into some career momentum. Joey had read an early draft of the script, and he offered to introduce us. We had a Zoom meeting where she asked me lots of questions about how I work and what my goals are, and I asked her basically the same things. I really liked her, and it was immediately clear she's very good at what she does. I sent her a few samples, we had one more meeting, and the rest was history!
How did Roadmap Writers assist in getting you to this point? Do you think you could've made this step in your screenwriting career without Roadmap?
Definitely not! Joey was the one who connected us, and I don't think Raquelle would have read my work if I hadn't been referred by Joey. He's incredibly well-connected and incredibly generous with his time--definitely a good person to have in your corner!
What types of stories do you write? What's your "writer brand" and how do you think that helped you attract a good match for representation?
I like to make unfunny things funny. Because of this, I do a lot of genre comedy: horror comedy, sci-fi comedy, even historical comedy. I also like my scripts to have structure, and I love jokes! I think this gives my writing a bit of a throwback feel, even though my subject matter is often quite edgy. Also, I work hard! I'm ambitious and tenacious, and I think those qualities, in combination with the strength of my samples, were what got me represented.
Has your mindset about what you're writing changed now that you've added representation to your team? What's the biggest lesson you've learned or had to adapt to since you've been working with your rep?
Definitely. Raquelle thinks big, and she has a great sense of strategy and knowledge of what the industry is looking for. I really trust her advice. I think the biggest lesson I've learned from her is that this industry is a numbers game. You have to get so lucky if you're trying to sell one good idea, but if you've come up with ten good ideas, or a hundred good ideas, you've just increased your odds of success.
Thank you so much, Ivy for taking the time to chat with us and help other writers see how success stories can happen in this industry!
Are you ready to take the next step in your career?
We get it. Getting signed, or whatever your next step may be, can be hard. That’s why we’re here. Our programs are designed to help you find success, whatever that means to you. Here are some great ways to get started:
THE CAREER WRITER PROGRAM
This is the most extensive program we offer. The Career Writer Program doesn’t just get you and your material in front of industry executives. We make sure you’re ready for that moment, which is why most of our success stories come from writers who complete the Career Writer Program.
ACCESS PROGRAMS
Our Access Programs, 10-Minute Reads and Open Pitch Sessions, are named as such because that’s exactly what they are—accessible. These programs are one of the easiest ways we offer for you to get your material in front of industry executives. Plus you’ll get valuable feedback on what’s working, and what could be improved.
CONSULTATIONS
If you want to work one-on-one with industry executives, consultations might just be the program for you. We offer a wide variety of consultation types, so you can have a meeting for whatever you want to focus on. This program is a great way to dive in and get personalized notes from industry professionals.
Be sure to check our website often and sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of any page of the site, as we are always bringing new executives and offerings to you.
Still not sure where to start? Be sure to book a free strategy call with our own Uncle James Moorer–but book ASAP because his spots are booked several weeks out right now!