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Director of Education Alex Davies reflects on 9 years of Roadmap Writers.
It’s been nine years, but I still clearly remember when I learned about Roadmap Writers. Joey and I met for dinner in Studio City, and he told me that he was starting his own company to help writers gain the tools they need to be successful in the industry. I congratulated him, and told him that if he needed any help reading (or with anything at all really), I was available and would love to help.
The next day, he announced that the new company would be called Roadmap Writers.
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The RoadCrew hanging out with Roadmappers in 2018
While it was several months before I would join the team – first as an intern, then as the coordinator, then as the Director of Education – I like to think that I was there at the beginning. In the early days, the team was small and we didn’t have anywhere near the amount of programs and services we do now, but the community was always incredible.
So many people found collaborators, writers’ groups, and genuine friendships with the people they met through our programs. 450 writers have found their rep through our programs. What Joey and Dorian were able to accomplish in just nine years is incredible, and it’s been such a delight and a privilege to be a part of their vision.
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The RoadCrew at the AFF Pitch Competition in 2019
Looking back on my years here, I can’t pick just one stand-out memory:
Dorian designing the very first iteration of what would become the Pitch Prep Program.
Our very first round of interviews for the Diversity Fellowship (then the Diversity Initiative).
Joey hosting a webinar with Jordan Horowitz right after La La Land came out.
Our AFF trips and all the festival adventures with writers I don’t get to see in person very often.
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The RoadCrew at The Museum of the Weird in Austin, Texas
How the community came together to help other creatives during the pandemic and LA fires.
Writers who thought that they couldn’t achieve their dreams taking that first, tangible step.
And there’s so many more.
I count my lucky stars every day that I crossed paths with Joey and Dorian when I did, and that they brought me onto the team. Working at Roadmap has been one of the most rewarding things I’ve been a part of. There’s honestly nothing better than watching talented, good people take off and get the success they deserve.
Here’s to another nine years and many more wonderful memories helping writers achieve their dreams!