Let's Talk Queer Characters

Roadmap Writers is a talent training and discovery platform for screenwriters ready for a guided path to success. Our programs are hosted by working industry executives and are designed to empower writers with actionable tools and insights to elevate your craft and cultivate relationships with industry professionals. Since 2016, we have helped hundreds of writers from all over the world sign to representation, staff on series, and option and produce their projects. Our writers have been staffed on BRIDGERTON, THE FLASH, CHICAGO PD, THE FIRST LADY, NIGHT COURT, THE GOOD DOCTOR, THE RESIDENT, REACHER, SUBJECT TO CHANGE, MAYANS and POKERFACE. Writers have sold, set up and been produced by Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, MGM, American High, New Republic Pictures, Maven Screen Media, Lifetime, Will Packer Studios and Roku. 

E. Napoletano (she/they) is an award-winning screenwriter and non-award-winning standup comedian with an unapologetic (and totally not creepy) obsession with death and dying. They tell stories that explore how death creates a delicious cocktail of humor, hope, and grace that gives folx permission to be who they’ve always wanted to be if they’re brave enough to take a swig — kinda like E. did after their mother died and they came out as nonbinary and pansexual in their 40s. As far as accolades go, E. won the inaugural Population Media Center Fellowship at the 2019 Cinestory TV Retreat, top prize at The Breakk Screenwriting Retreat that same year (an event created by Karen Kirkland), and was a 2019 Sundance Episodic Lab Second Rounder. Whew. 2019 was a big year. In this magical year of 2021, E. now has two shows in active development, two dogs who love to steal E.’s panties, and one spouse that does not share E.’s obsession with death but who remains fabulous, despite trouncing E. at Galaga. Every. F***ing. Time.

John Lowe is a comedic writer but considers himself more of a word stylist. He graduated with honors from The University of Notre Dame in May of 2007 with double majors in TV Writing and English Literature.  He began his career as an agency assistant in the TV Department at ICM. After the agency he worked as a PA on Bones (FOX) and then as a Writer's Assistant on Detroit 187 (ABC). He's staffed on the Disney+ series called Beauty that is being Executive Produced by Edward Kitsis, Adam Horowitz and Josh Gad. He's repped by Epicenter and Buchwald.

John dabbles in the world of unscripted and has worked as a producer on shows like Project Runway and Top Chef.  His ultimate goal is to follow in the footsteps of Michaela Coel, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Donald Glover and Shonda Rhimes with their smart, blunt and inventive sensibilities. As a black and queer man, the characters and worlds he creates will always be diverse, inclusive and captivating. 

Michael is an LGBTQ+ writer who has four Emmy nominations for his work on Adult Swim’s critically-acclaimed, animated comedy ROBOT CHICKEN. Most recently, he finished working as a Co-Producer on The CW's queer sci-fi, action series TOM SWIFT. Before that, he wrote on Netflix’s super hero dramedy series RAISING DION as well as on the Hulu animated comedy CROSSING SWORDS. On the development side, Michael previously developed with Red Hour and Full Fathom Five on his dark comedy, UNRAVELING: A Sadistic Musical. Before writing full time, Michael was the Director of Development for Krysten Ritter’s production company Silent Machine Entertainment. And outside of the industry, Michael has worked as a crisis counselor at The Trevor Project – a suicide lifeline for LGBTQ youth.