SOLD OUT!!
Check out our Spring 2024 Retreat in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico!!
Dreaming of focused writing time surrounded by dedicated writers, industry pros, and some of the most beautiful coastline in California? All nestled in a laid-back beachy artist community?
Then you're in luck!
Join the RoadCrew and Hollywood industry execs for our 6-day/5-night Fall 2023 retreat September 20-25, 2023 at a private beachfront property in beautiful Laguna Beach, CA!
Work on Craft & Marketing with the RoadCrew:
Bio & Marketing Prep with Joey Tuccio (Roadmap's CEO)
- As a direct result of working with Joey, writers at our previous retreats have been signed to Untitled Entertainment, Bohemia Group, Industry Entertainment, Affirmative Entertainment, and Navigation Media Group!
Logline Prep with Dorian Connelley (Roadmap's COO)
Writer Branding with Terra Joy (Roadmap's Director of Consultations & Script Services)
Verbal Pitching Skills with Alex Davies (Roadmap's Director of Education)
The Industry Mindset with James Moorer (Roadmap Signed Writer #127 & Roadmap's Director of Diversity Initiatives & Writer Outreach)
Improv Skills for Writers with TBD
Mindfulness for Creatives with Melody Herr (Writer / Director / Producer & Roadmap's Retreat Coordinator)
PLUS, Story Development and Career Advice with:
Brandy Rivers (Manager, Industry Entertainment)
and Adesuwa McCalla (Manager, Metamorphic Entertainment)!
Who Should Attend?
Screenwriters who are ready to put in some serious writing time while enjoying the end of summer in one of California's most beautiful coastal destinations.
What to Expect
After getting settled in your well-appointed room, join our industry exec(s), the RoadCrew, and your fellow writers at a welcome cocktail party—including a game to break the ice and get us all acquainted!
Then get ready to dive into what promises to be a career-changing week! Each day starts with an optional meditative stretching session on the beach followed by a delicious continental breakfast. Quiet writing blocks, valuable breakout sessions with our team, table reads, and scheduled meetings will round out the rest of each day.
Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to recharge and get inspired. Relax as our personal chef prepares daily lunch at our private beachfront property featuring a pool, courtyard fire pit, and rooftop lounge. Spend your evenings networking and bonding with your fellow writers as you explore the area and sample the award-winning local cuisine.
Beachfront Property Room Options
PRIVATE ROOMS:
King Room (1 King Bed) - [SOLD OUT!]
VIP Deluxe King Suite (1 King Bed w/ Living Room) - [SOLD OUT!]
**Want to bring a non-writer guest? Add $1,000 for double occupancy in a Private Room.
SHARED ROOMS (2 Double Beds) - [SOLD OUT!]
**Shared Rooms will be same-sex wherever possible; we'll ask before assigning roommates of opposite genders.
What Writers Are Saying...
“Way beyond expectations! And walked away with a meeting...mind-blowing. Beyond my expectations... and really fun.” – Puerto Vallarta 2022 Participant
"I appreciate all the effort given to the retreat. It was a smashing success because you managed to have all of the attendees bonding with each other. Bravo!” – Puerto Vallarta 2022 Participant
“Everyone was so helpful and engaged!” – Puerto Vallarta 2022 Participant
“I liked that [the exec] sat down with a group and fielded our questions; not only did I get my questions answered, but I learned a lot when [they] answered other people's questions. It was a much more personal and direct approach that I found useful.” – Puerto Vallarta 2022 Participant
“It was an amazing time and so worth it!” – Puerto Vallarta 2022 Participant
“Meetings [were] all actionable and direct. Dorian drafted me new log lines on two separate scripts (I have worked on those for so long and Dorian just knocked them out)… And who doesn't love Joey!” – Puerto Vallarta 2022 Participant
“Thank you for all of your time, energy, and hard work! Roadmap is a class Act!” – Puerto Vallarta 2022 Participant
"OMG! Amazing. Everyone I met with was through my experiences with Roadmap. And each person was generous, courteous, supportive, and helpful. I feel like I am making friends in Los Angeles and moving toward the next steps.” – Big Bear 2022 Participant
“Thank you so much, Roadmap, for being an invaluable tool for making contacts in the business. The meetings with the execs during the Retreat was a stepping stone for chatting with execs on the general meetings field trip.” – Big Bear 2022 Participant
“I've said it before and I'll say it again—Roadmap is the best!!!!!” – Big Bear 2022 Participant
COVID Protocols
Vaccines: All participants must show proof of full vaccination (including applicable boosters) against COVID-19.
COVID Tests: Proof of a negative COVID test is required no more than 24 hours prior to arrival. You will also need to bring another rapid COVID test to take upon arrival or throughout the retreat as needed.
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.
Joey started in the industry at Bold Films (DRIVE, NIGHTCRAWLER, WHIPLASH) and has read for Hugh Jackman's company, George Clooney's company, and Night and Day Pictures, to name a few. Experiencing how hard it was for writers to receive real tangible advice on how to break into the industry, Joey and Dorian created Roadmap Writers over 7 years ago. At Roadmap, Joey focuses on connecting vetted writers with execs in the industry. He has helped hundreds of writers connect to their representation, get staffed and get produced. He also mentors for Cinestory and The Writers Lab. When he's not helping writers, he spends his time rescuing animals in need.
Dorian was fresh off working for producer Mark Ciardi (THE ROOKIE, MIRACLE, CHAPPAQUIDDICK) when she co-founded Roadmap Writers as its COO where she has been teaching writers how to pitch (whether they like it or not) ever since. With years of experience in talent management, live events, and feature film producing, Dorian is also a proud Returned Peace Corps Volunteer (Guinea/Mali '08-'10). When she's not helping writers perfect their pitches, Dorian can be found at music festivals and karaoke bars.
Alexandra holds a degree in English Literature from UCLA, which she earned while pursuing acting. As an actress for many years, she learned the ins and outs of character, story and entertainment first hand, both on stage and in front of the camera. As the Director of Education at Roadmap, Alex strives to identify the most common hurdles writers face in developing their work and design classes, clinics, and webinars to address these issues. In addition, Alex is a writer with several scripts, a novel, a short film (produced during the AT&T Shape Create-A-Thon), and a webseries (coming soon!) under her belt. Prior to Roadmap, Alex worked in live events, law, and education.
Terra Joy started her career in Washington, DC as a journalist where she then transitioned into nonprofit advocacy and managed a documentary film campaign, resulting in 115+ screenings in under nine months. She was also very active in the local screenwriting community as a member of WIF. Before joining the RoadCrew, she was a reader for Slamdance. She has read over a thousand scripts, and has seen the trends in feedback from execs on over 5K screenplays. Terra is also a professional proofreader and line editor. As a craft nerd, a writer herself, and a Virgo with OCD, she loves to use her detail obsession to benefit story development. She's been to 35+ countries, has a B.A. in Political Science, and when she's not connecting awesome creative people with other awesome creative people, she's writing, or thinking about writing, or analyzing astrological birth charts for her scripts' dream casting, and trying to find the best boba tea flavor.
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 more than 350 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, FUBAR, SUBJECT TO CHANGE, MAYANS, COBRA KAI, POKERFACE, and others. They have also sold to, set up projects at, and been produced by Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, MGM, Warner Bros., Lionsgate, Starz, Legendary, American High, New Republic Pictures, Anvil Pictures, Bohemia Group, Lifetime, Will Packer Studios, Roku, and more.
James is a best-selling author, working screenwriter, producer, director, and motivational speaker with a dynamic passion for the entertainment industry. James has worked as an actor and voice talent on numerous projects. He is a member of the Organization of Black Screenwriters and was recently accepted into the Independent Writers Caucus. He recently celebrated his first script sale of 2024, and his production company, Hammerjaxx Films, has previously sponsored one of the prizes in Roadmap Writers' Diversity Initiative. Ever creating, James launched Dark Anthem Press, a division of One Moorer last fall for book-to-screen projects. He's passionate about finding the story within the story and helping writers find both their voice and their own given greatness. His other passion is being the San Fernando Valley's expert on Pancakes.
Award-winning writer-director Melody Herr likens her life to Eminem’s biopic: “If you’ve seen 8 MILE, then you know my life—minus the rapping.” Growing up three blocks north of Detroit’s famous dividing line meant she had to be as industrious as the factory next door. Both hardworking and adventurous, she fled Detroit to spend years living and traveling around the world with her growing family. Now she escapes through her passion for telling universal, female-driven stories that connect on an emotional level. Melody infuses heart and levity into her work to balance the heavy themes she often explores. Melody’s hour-long drama/comedy TAPPED OUT is a quarterfinalist in the 2022 PAGE Awards. Her latest produced short X-ED OUT won Best Drama at the 2021 London Indie Short Film Festival, and also received awards from Toronto, Vancouver, and other festivals worldwide. Melody earned her MFA in Writing for Film and TV at Emerson College and recently produced the feature film DIFFRACTION on the campus of Marquette University, where she teaches screenwriting.
Pitch Prep with Dorian was challenging, clarifying, and motivating. You quickly learn how to talk about and market your writing, and you also build skills to vet future project ideas. I have not found this type of information in other programs. Highly recommended!
~ Amy Schleunes, Screenwriter
Spending any time with Joey is well worth it! He has the pulse of the industry and shares this vital information with all his writers. He is one of the most passionate advocates I've ever met and anyone is lucky to be in the same room as Joey Tuccio!
~ Gail Joy Stewart, Screenwriter
James has a wonderfully no nonsense style to his inspirational approach. He has his thumb on the pulse of this industry and a passion for guiding us toward our success. Thank you James!
~ Renee Brown, Screenwriter
James Moorer is a powerful motivator who has his finger to the entertainment pulse. James helped me craft and hone my personal logline and feel comfortable with my elevator pitch. He's excellent with strategy and has plentiful ideas. Beyond all that, he is a kind soul down to his very core. I am so thankful I met James Moorer through Roadmap Writers.
~ Tiffany Chandon, Screenwriter
After just a few sessions with James, I felt stronger about my ability to pitch and he gave me the confidence to rise above my own self-doubt. James has an exceptional ability to provide the exact guidance when it comes to everything from cleaning up your pages to building your personal narrative. What I will cherish most about working with James is his kindness and commitment in making sure you shine brighter than you thought possible.
~ Marisa Marquez, Screenwriter
James is such a careful, detailed, nuanced reader. He looks at a script and imagines multiple possibilities for what it could be and just lays the tools in front of you for you to pick the best option. He's great about guiding a writer's hand and reassuring them that they know what they're doing. He helped me take my pilot from good to great in no time.
~ Gregory Blackmon Jr, Screenwriter
Working with James Moorer through Roadmap has been nothing but a pleasure. He's as relatable as your buddy from high school but has the acumen and drive that Hollywood runs on. James is a straight-shooter who's not afraid to tell you what you need to hear because he cares (and it shows!) Our writing, presentation process, and mindset have all developed tremendously through Roadmap, and I can directly attribute a lot of that to James.
~ Kenneth Hicks and Jibreel Turner, Screenwriters
You will know who James is within 10 seconds of chatting. He's an open book and an open heart. He freely shares decades of valuable experience, saving you from learning "the hard way" but with the excitement of a child on Christmas Eve. He truly loves his craft, this business, and you. When he told me he related to my story of an Asian woman who hated to look in the mirror, he had tears in his eyes. You won't be a list of adjectives and selling points for him, you'll be a human and an artist. Anyone who works with James will feel his love and ability to move mountains.
~ Stephanie Bast, Screenwriter
Pitch practice with James not only helped me hone the words of my pitch, but helped me feel more prepared and empowered to bring my pitch into the real world. We walked through each sentence until the overall structure felt right. While some of the solutions were clear to James, he carefully ensured that the pitch felt authentic to me and the story I was telling. James reminds us about the power of connecting with people and how hard work can pay off. I walked away with tools that I can use to craft future pitches. His encouragement and relevant feedback were efficient and inspiring. I am so grateful to have crossed paths with James Moorer.
~ Rebecca Brewer, Screenwriter
James is the genuine article. He is always available for advice or questions and guided me in a way that found my match with my reps. His door is always open and no question is too small or too big. He knows his way around the business and is a stellar matchmaker. Welcoming, warm, and a guy who's been in the writer trenches—he gets it and will go the distance to help other writers too.
~ Alison Wroblewski, Screenwriter
I have the honor and privilege of knowing James E. Moorer (II) in his professional capacity as Director of Diversity Initiatives and Outreach for Roadmap Writers. As a coach and mentor for aspiring screenwriters, one could not wish for a more supportive, patient, and knowledgeable professional to have in your corner. He treats each writer and their projects with respect and integrity. Coaching sessions with "Uncle James" are not only inspirational and a great confidence boost, but his approach allows the writer to take a breath and realize the world ain't gonna end with the first or subsequent rejection. There's always a way forward and he will help you find it. James does not sugar-coat—he's forthright in his approach. Trust him and with his guidance he'll show you how to develop and present your work in the best possible light. There's no doubt his guidance and collegial support towards all who have the privilege to work with him comes from a foundation of love and respect—for the writer, their aspirations, and to the craft.
~ Diana Black, Screenwriter
James is the perfect mentor and coach for anyone pursuing a career in screenwriting. He provides insightful, actionable feedback that has made me a better writer. His notes on my pitch were particularly helpful, and I credit his feedback with the reason that my project has been so warmly received. He's also generous with his praise and gives a great pep-talk, which we all need from time to time. I'm so grateful that I had the opportunity to work with James, and I would encourage anyone, from a newbie to a pro, to do the same.
~ Megan Green, Screenwriter
James is an absolute delight to work with! He has been a great mentor: from our first call to discuss a strategy for my career, to helping me hone my personal brand, to reading my projects and hearing my pitches and giving me insightful feedback, to being my biggest cheerleader! Interacting with James never fails to inspire and energize me. His personality is so electric and positive! He knows so much about the business from his own personal experiences and is always willing to share. He's the hardest working writer I know. I can't recommend James enough. (Plus, he knows everything there is to know about pancakes!)
~ Meemee Taylor, Screenwriter
Anyone who meets James is lucky to discover they have tremendous support on their side. James' charisma and care brings ease to writers as they dive into pitching for the first time. After running my pitch with James, the feedback and encouragement I received cemented the confidence I had for my story and my presence. Also an accomplished writer, James' business sense grounds writers who are finally stepping into their professional careers. Part mentor, part cheerleader, part career bodyguard... James has your back!
~ Courtney Harrell, Screenwriter