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New Year, New Success Stories! We have a lot of interviews with signed writers to catch on, so let's get started with writer/director/actor Matt Sadowski, who signed with Established Artists.
This interview was submitted on 2/19/2025
Firstly, tell us about yourself! Who are you as a writer & who did you end up signing with?
I’m a writer and performer with a love for darkly comedic, emotionally resonant storytelling. My work often explores themes of identity, transformation, and the tension between personal ambition and responsibility — usually with a mix of humor and heartbreak. Whether it’s screenwriting, stand-up, or storytelling, I aim to craft narratives that feel raw, real, and a little offbeat.
Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work across film, television, theater, and digital media, with projects ranging from indie features (Pretend We’re Kissing) to award-winning TV pilots (Wild Geese). I’ve written for network television, developed original series, and performed my one-man show Welcome to Splitsville, which blends comedy with personal storytelling. I’ve also been diving deeper into genre storytelling, from horror-comedy to supernatural dramas, always looking for ways to elevate familiar tropes with fresh perspectives.
Recently, I signed with Gio Bakunawa at Established Artists, who really gets my voice and my approach to storytelling. I’m excited about what’s ahead—whether that’s developing new scripts, stepping into TV writers’ rooms, or finding new ways to bring my stories to life.
How did you meet your now rep? What was that first interaction like and how did it lead to your professional relationship now?
I first connected with my rep, Gio Bakunawa, through an introduction from Joey Tuccio after marketing my script Dad, You’re Killing Me. Joey had been championing my work, and when he set up the introduction with Gio, I could tell right away that this was going to be a good fit.
Our first interaction was one of those rare meetings where you just ‘get’ each other. Gio really responded to my voice—the blend of sharp, character-driven humor and emotional depth that I try to bring to everything I write. What stood out to me was that he wasn’t just interested in a single project; he was interested in me as a writer. He saw the bigger picture of what I want to do in my career, whether that’s feature films, TV, or even unconventional storytelling formats. From that first conversation, it was clear that he wasn’t just about selling scripts — he was about building a sustainable career (for both of us). A partner.
From the moment you started training and/or working with Roadmap Writers, how long has it been before you secured your current representation?
We started connecting and going through my projects in March of 2024.
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?
Being based in Canada, I’ve always been aware of how different the infrastructure and industry pipeline is here compared to the U.S. While there are great opportunities in Canada, breaking into the larger U.S. market, where there are more buyers and a wider range of projects being developed, can be incredibly challenging without the right access. That’s where Joey came in.
Beyond just making introductions, Joey provided invaluable guidance on refining my scripts, helping me understand the difference between a great script and one that will actually get attention in the marketplace. He helped shape my approach to pitching, loglines, and overall career strategy, ensuring that when my work landed on the right desks, it had the best possible shot.
I also participated in Roadmap’s Mock TV Writers' Room class with Mika Frank, which was an incredible experience. It gave me a deeper understanding of how a writers' room operates, strengthened my ability to collaborate and pitch ideas on the fly, and ultimately made me a sharper, more adaptable writer.
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?
My 'writer brand' is all about mixing the unexpected with the deeply personal. I like to take familiar tropes and turn them on their head, whether that’s reimagining a classic horror setup, exploring the supernatural through a grounded, emotional lens, or bringing a sharp, self-aware sensibility to rom-coms. My background as a filmmaker and performer also informs my writing—I’m always thinking about how a story plays visually and rhythmically, making sure the dialogue crackles and the characters feel authentic.
I think that mix of voice and versatility is what helped me attract the right rep —a writer who can jump between genres while maintaining a distinct point of view.
What do you hope your next steps are? What are your immediate goals now that you've landed representation?
Since I just officially signed with Gio last week, but having representation has already shifted my mindset in an exciting way. Now, with someone in my corner, there’s an added layer of clarity and focus. Instead of feeling like I’m navigating the industry alone. It’s still early, but the biggest shift so far has been the confidence of knowing I’m not just throwing scripts into the void. There’s a plan now, and that makes all the difference.
In 10 years, what do you want your screenwriting career to look like?
If I travelled forward in time 10 years, I'd hope to see myself as a writer who’s consistently working—whether that’s having my films produced, being in a TV writers’ room, developing original series, or contributing to projects that excite and challenge me. I’d love to be in a position where my name is attached to projects that are known for their originality, sharp humor, and emotional depth.
Writing is often a solitary craft, but filmmaking and TV are collaborative, and I want to build a career that fosters that spirit—working with people I respect, telling stories that matter, and constantly pushing myself to evolve as an artist.
In short, in 10 years, I want to be doing exactly what I’m doing now — writing, creating, and telling stories that stick with people — just getting paid for it.
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Matt - good luck!
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