Short films are a great and accessible way to get your feet wet as a multihyphenate (writer-producer, writer-director), and give you real world experience to set yourself apart. In the Shorts Consult, you will submit your short film script (20 pages max) to the exec of your choice, and have a 30 minute notes call to discuss feedback on pacing, character, dialogue and tone, how to elevate marketability, and strategy for next steps.
Questions? Email terra@roadmapwriters.com!
Sell me on why this particular story is one that YOU have to tell. This doesn't have to be making up a reason you're the ONLY one to tell it, but specifically what about the idea excites you.
I'm into horror and thrillers, anything with a compelling mystery fueled by dynamic characters. Also dark comedies and anything with a found (dysfunctional) family.
Ryan Copple is a queer writer, UCB trained comedian and avid gamer from the Midwest who is passionate about stories that combine horror and comedy, with an emphasis on found families. His writing career began in 2009 when he created the award winning steampunk fantasy series RIESE: KINGDOM FALLING for SyFy and NBC International. Following the release, Ryan co-wrote a prequel novel published by Simon & Schuster and released an original video game around the property. He then went on to produce the hit HALO: FORWARD UNTO DAWN film starring Ayelet Zurer, Anna Popplewell and Thom Green.
He shifted gears and moved into the executive space where he held positions overseeing both production and development at Legendary Entertainment, Lionsgate Studios, as well as completely overseeing Felicia Day's production company Geek & Sundry. Ryan was responsible for hit shows like Alan Tudyk's CON MAN, Mark Hamill's POP CULTURE QUEST, Wil Wheaton's TABLE TOP and the Dungeons & Dragons megahit CRITICAL ROLE which raised over 11 million for the first season of their animated series.
Ryan returned to his writing roots when he sold his original half hour comedy DUE PROCESS to AMC Studios that centered around the inner workings of a jury room with a Rashomon-esque twist. His horror comedy, POOKA LIVES, was bought by Blumhouse and premiered on Hulu. It was directed by Alejandro Brugues and starred Rachel Bloom, Felicia Day, Malcolm Barrett and more. He also launched the critically acclaimed audio series VOYAGE TO THE STARS for SiriusXM about a group of assholes lost in space. The cast has included Jake Johnson, Paul F. Tompkins, Angela Kinsey and more. VOYAGE TO THE STARS is currently in its third season with comics being released by IDW. He also wrote for an audible original titled THIRD EYE starring Felicia Day, Sean Astin and Neil Gaiman that premiered last October.
On the heels of his recent successes, Ryan has recently directed his short, WHITE ELEPHANT, that's a comedic Hitchcock-inspired "whodunnit" that's going to hit festivals later this year.
After registering, you will receive instructions on how to submit your material in your order confirmation email. After submitting your material, please allow 3-4 weeks to receive proposed times for scheduling your call with the exec.
**Please note short film script consultation material is limited to 20 pages maximum.
Be sure to familiarize yourself with Roadmap's Code of Conduct.
Questions? Email terra@roadmapwriters.com
Cancellation Policy: You may cancel your registration for a refund or Roadmap gift card if you have not yet submitted your material for review. However, once your material has been received by Roadmap, your registration cannot be canceled. Having revised material or a desire to retroactively apply a discount or gift card code are not grounds for cancellation, refunds, or gift card credit. Once your material has been submitted, the only acceptable grounds for cancellation and a refund or gift card credit is an unforeseen, ongoing emergency on the part of either the writer or the exec resulting in more than 6 weeks without any scheduling update from the exec via direct contact or Roadmap, or a sudden change in the exec's ongoing availability. In the instance of an irreconcilable scheduling issue, the writer may still receive a written feedback report from the exec. In this case, the writer is not entitled to a refund or gift card credit as the exec has read the submitted material and provided written feedback in lieu of the call.