Work one-on-one with an executive at mutually agreed upon times around your schedule. To start, you'll have a 15-minute strategy call with your executive to get the lay of the land for the month. Then, you’ll have email access to your executive throughout, plus four one-hour story notes sessions. Work on a single screenplay or multiple scripts plus get additional notes on your pitch, brand strategy, and career advice - work your mentorship to its fullest potential!
Pinpoint the heart of what makes your project worth buying in the first sentence, whether that's a tight story hook or a unique sales aspect.
Make sure the pitch highlights the central conflict of the story early on, whether it's internal or external.
The tone/vibe/voice of the pitch should match the tone/vibe/voice of the project - if it's a satire, the pitch should be satirical, if it's a thriller, the pitch should leave me dying to know what happens, etc.
The pitch should make clear where the project fits in the marketplace (indie film, streaming drama, etc) and who the audience is.
Don't compare to too many existing titles as it makes the pitch feel confused- this meets that is fine, not this meets this meets that meets this with a bit of that.
Don't say no one has ever done anything like this before or a similar sentiment, that's a double edged sword.
Don't rely too heavily on cast ideas - it's fine to include names as reference, but you don't want to give the impression your project could only work if a very short list of A-listers agreed to star.
Leave room for the person hearing the pitch to connect the dots to why the project is unique/marketable/castable etc. That's their job.
Procedurals and high-concept tv dramas with female leads. Romcom features and light serialized dramatic tv shows.
Westerns. Faith-based.
Jen Ray is co-founder of the production company LYLAS Pictures whose producing credits include Netflix's LIKE FATHER and Focus Features’ FOR A GOOD TIME, CALL… LYLAS is currently producing the adult animated comedy TANGLES for Monarch Media and has set up film and television projects with companies including Buzzfeed, Elevate Entertainment, Hello Sunshine, Lionsgate, The CW, Desert Whale, The Tannenbaum Company and Temple Hill.
Previously, Jen was a Literary Manager/Partner at Heroes & Villains Entertainment. Jen loves the development process and prides herself on adding value when working with writers, particularly on stories that center women's experiences.
Jen was amazing! She gave practical and actionable feedback while also highlighting elements she saw as strengths of the piece. We had an engaging and enjoyable conversation, and I can't wait to work with her again.
~ Celina Dobson, Screenwriter
This is the first time I've ever submitted anything for feedback, and I was absolutely thrilled with Jen's comments. She was very specific as to what she liked and what I could improve or change. It makes me feel good to know that someone liked my idea, even with criticisms.
~ Lisa Iannucci, Screenwriter
Private Month Mentorship
Each month mentorship kicks off with a preliminary 15-min. call to set expectations and lay out strategy for the month. Writer will have email access to the executive plus 4x one-hour consultations with the exec. Exec will read up to 4 scripts in one month (different drafts of the same script or 4 different scripts) and conduct 4x one-hour story notes calls. Calls can also include feedback on your pitch, branding, or career strategy.
If you pay with the deposit/payment plan, your second half will be due the 2nd week of the Mentorship. If you need a different type of payment plan, email dorian@roadmapwriters.com.
**Please note feature screenplays are limited to 120 pages maximum. Please contact terra@roadmapwriters.com for pricing on a Month Mentorship on screenplays exceeding 120 pages.
What To Expect
After registering, you will receive an automatic Order Confirmation email. Then Roadmap's Director of Consultations, Terra Joy, will get your mentor looped in with you! If you do not hear from Terra or the exec within 3 days of registering, feel free to email terra@roadmapwriters.com for an update.
Before starting your Month Mentorship, please ensure you are familiar with our Code of Conduct.