Competition Dates
Early
ENDS MAY 8, 2020
$55
Regular
ENDS JUNE 12, 2020
$65
Late
ENDS JULY 10, 2020
$75
Final
ENDS AUGUST 14, 2020
$85
Announcement Dates
Top 100
NOVEMBER 19, 2020
Top 50
DECEMBER 10, 2020
Top 10
JANUARY 7, 2021
Winners
JANUARY 28, 2021
Competition Add Ons
Feedback Notes
[bg_collapse view=”link-list” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” custom_class=”card-learnmore”]By selecting the Feedback Notes add-on, you will get an insider look at how your work was read, reviewed and analyzed by our professional readers. With readers for our competition working for several major studios, agencies, management companies and financiers, you will not only receive a high level read just by entering, but now you will have the opportunity to peek behind the curtain to see how your project was reviewed for our competition.
As an entrant into this competition, for just half the price of our Development Notes option, you will receive 1 to 2 pages of notes, thoughts and analysis from our readers. Use these notes to see why your project advanced, or to learn what kept it from reaching the next stage. Get an idea as to what readers liked, bumped on, or had concerns over as the story progressed. This is a true inside peak into what those reading for the majors really think.
All Feedback Notes will be returned to each writer via the email address used at time of entry before the Top 10 is announced.[/bg_collapse]
$75
Mentorship
[bg_collapse view=”link-list” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” custom_class=”card-learnmore”]will continue with three new mentors joining in the fun and helping our next wave of writers begin their careers with all of the ammo and answers possible to make their dreams a reality.
How It Works
Each of our mentors will select a minimum of one writer/project to mentor from those entries that selected the Mentorship Program add-on while entering. The selected writers will work with their mentors to help develop their projects and their careers, as the mentors help answer questions, give advice and offer thoughts on their work. Every mentor is different, and every mentor’s approach is unique, but each will be asked to read your work (which they will select themselves from the entries), and help guide you and your project towards accomplishing the next steps in your career. Each writer will meet with (or chat on the phone if not local) with their mentor and be introduced upon selection. Mentors will serve as a sounding board for all of those questions we know everyone has when starting something new, but are often afraid to ask. Whether it be questions on writing, reps, pitches or career moves, we want you to be ready and confident to tackle Hollywood.
To be considered by our mentors your entry must include the Mentorship Program add-on. All scripts entering and selecting the Mentorship Program add-on will be considered by our mentors. You do not need to have made any finalist rounds to be considered for this opportunity, as each project will be reviewed outside of the finalist rounds for consideration. That means that even if you do not make the Top 75, you are still in the running to be selected by our mentors for the Mentorship Program.[/bg_collapse]
$25
Guaranteed Signing
[bg_collapse view=”link-list” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” custom_class=”card-learnmore”]Our exclusive representation partner(s) will each select a minimum of one writer to represent from those entries that selected the Guaranteed Signing add-on while entering. Reps will work with their selected writer to help not only develop their work, but their careers, as they forge ahead on the first steps in becoming a professional writer. Whether film, television, or other mediums, each company will help guide your career, your work, and your next steps as they showcase and introduce you and your writing to the world.
How It Works
To be considered your entry must include the Guaranteed Signing add-on. All scripts entering and selecting the Guaranteed Signing add-on will be considered. You do not need to have made any finalist rounds to be considered for this opportunity, as each project will be reviewed outside of the finalist rounds for consideration. That means that even if you do not make the Top 75, you are still in the running to win the Guaranteed Signing prize.[/bg_collapse]
$25
Guaranteed Option
[bg_collapse view=”link-list” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” custom_class=”card-learnmore”]Our industry leading partnerships with companies like Michael De Luca Productions, Scott Free Productions, Vertigo Entertainment, Endgame Entertainment, Lee Stobby Entertainment, ESA, and Energy Entertainment, to name a few, give writers even more opportunities to take their writing careers to the next level. Our guaranteed option partner will select a minimum of 1 project from the competition to option with an eye toward developing and producing your work.
How It Works
To be considered your entry must include the Guaranteed Option add-on. All scripts entering and selecting the Guaranteed Option add-on will be considered by each company. You do not need to have made any finalist rounds to be considered for this opportunity, as each project will be reviewed outside of the finalist rounds for consideration. That means that even if you do not make any finalist rounds, you are still in the running to win the Guaranteed Option prize.[/bg_collapse]
$25
Congratulations to the Top 50 Finalists for the 2020 Launch Pad Feature Competition
|
Project |
Writer(s) |
| A WAR ON TERROR | Peter Haig |
| A WOLF ON FAIRMOUNT | Travis Cox and Robert Williams |
| AMERICAN INFAMY | Takeo Hori |
| ANYONE ELSE ALIVE | Gareth Wronski |
| AS YOU WISH | Suhashini Krishnan |
| BATTLE OF LOUGH SWAIN | Sean Keating |
| BLACK FRIDAY | Jonathan Dillon |
| BLESSING | Yael Schick |
| BREAK IN | Sam Roseme and Justin Gallaher |
| BUTTERFLIES | Christien Reid |
| COME BACK KING | N. Fituri Scown |
| CRUEL PECANS | Jonny Flores |
| DEAD STORAGE | Jay Stern |
| DEADASS | Sam Josephs |
| DEATH SUCKS | Ginny Hill |
| DUST TO DUST | Cate Honzl |
| EXES AND OHS | Isabella Vergun and Isobel Bradbury |
| EXILED | Becca Mann |
| FULL COURT BONSAI | Andrew Benedict |
| GYOPO | Christina YR Jun |
| HAVEN | Hannah McCarthy |
| HIGH MEDIUM | Brendan Kelly |
| HOT GIRL SUMMER | Michelle Askew |
| KERIAH | Renee Rothstein |
| KOI | Doua Moua |
| LOLO | Wilandrea Blair |
| LOWLANDS | Alex Ovadal |
| MAX AND TONY’S EPIC ONE-NIGHT STAND | Thomas Kivney |
| MISS DICKPUNCHER | Emily-Anne Mikos |
| MYRA NIGHTSHADE’S GREATEST HITS | Jesse Swenson |
| NOW WE’LL GO TO HELL | Vince Robbins |
| OFFICER X | Michael Joiner |
| ON THIN ICE | Laura Ranney |
| REAWAKENING | Virginia Gilbert |
| REN FAIRE VERSUS ALIENS | Harry Aspinwall |
| ROSA | Chelsea Hazzard |
| SHEL | Beth Curry |
| SIERRA VISTA | Kevin Engelking |
| SOLDIER FORWARD | Shahnaz Mahmud |
| THE BARREL FIELD | Dan Ast |
| THE BIG SWINDLE | Greg Fortier |
| THE CARLISLE INDIAN | Peter Vicaire |
| THE SEA DRAGON | Adam Sharp |
| THE WHIPPERSNAPPERS | Rikki Bleiweiss |
| TUNNEL VISION | Evan Rindler and Jon Rizik |
| UNDERDOG | Alex Tranquada |
| WAR DANCER | Veialu Alia-Unsworth |
| WEST WOMAN | Wilandrea Blair |
| WILLFUL BLINDNESS | Sean Malcolm |
| WITTIKKA | Lauren Stufflebeam |
Make sure to check back for further announcements!
(As a reminder: If you entered into the Mentorship Program, or signed up to be part of the Guaranteed Signing or Guaranteed Option prizes, regardless of making the Top 50, you are still in contention for those prizes.Those winners are selected from the entire pool of submissions separately from the finalist rounds, and will be announced alongside the winners)
|
Project |
Writer(s) |
| A WAR ON TERROR | Peter Haig |
| A WOLF ON FAIRMOUNT | Travis Cox and Robert Williams |
| ADARIA AND THE VILLAGE OF SOULS | Claire Bosnich |
| AJEETA THE INVINCIBLE | Terry Lynam |
| AL QURAIN | Abdullah Alhendyani |
| AMERICAN INFAMY | Takeo Hori |
| ANYONE ELSE ALIVE | Gareth Wronski |
| AS YOU WISH | Suhashini Krishnan |
| BATTLE OF LOUGH SWAIN | Sean Keating |
| BEACON | Nate Ruegger |
| BELLYACHE | Andy Compton |
| BERLINERS | Jack Ebstein |
| BIRTH CONTROL | Melissa Darch |
| BLACK FRIDAY | Jonathan Dillon |
| BLESSING | Yael Schick |
| BOXED IN | Joe Gressis |
| BREAK IN | Sam Roseme and Justin Gallaher |
| BREAK POINT | Zachary Johnson |
| BUTTERFLIES | Christien Reid |
| CHERRY RED | Jesse Mallin and Brian Warzak |
| COME BACK KING | N. Fituri Scown |
| CRUEL PECANS | Jonny Flores |
| DEAD STORAGE | Jay Stern |
| DEADASS | Sam Josephs |
| DEATH SUCKS | Ginny Hill |
| DETECTIVE ZEKE AND THE JADE TABLETS OF DESTINY | Maja Bodenstein |
| DEVIL’S RAIN | Tami Ryder |
| DUST TO DUST | Cate Honzl |
| EL NINO PERDIDO | Vince Robbins and Robert Montes |
| EXES AND OHS | Isabella Vergun and Isobel Bradbury |
| EXILED | Becca Mann |
| FALSE FLAG | Edward Coffey |
| FEAST | Greg Scharpf |
| FEBRUARY | Heather Spiegel |
| FOOLISH WOMAN | Jared Neumark |
| FULL COURT BONSAI | Andrew Benedict |
| GET A LIFE | Olivia Mayberry |
| GREEN FLASH | Garrett Rowe |
| GYOPO | Christina YR Jun |
| HANDY MAN | Teddy Schenck |
| HAVEN | Hannah McCarthy |
| HERO OF THE GOOD LAND | Logan Shaw |
| HIGH MEDIUM | Brendan Kelly |
| HOT GIRL SUMMER | Michelle Askew |
| IF I NEEDED YOU | Joey Rayburn |
| JACKPOT | Tim Durham |
| KERIAH | Renee Rothstein |
| KOI | Doua Moua |
| LOLO | Wilandrea Blair |
| LONGSHORE DRIFT | Annie Humphrey |
| LOVE UNCONTROLLED | Fabio Bondi |
| LOWLANDS | Alex Ovadal |
| MARRIAGE UNIVERSITY | Cat Youell and Brad Crowe |
| MAX AND TONY’S EPIC ONE-NIGHT STAND | Thomas Kivney |
| MISS DICKPUNCHER | Emily-Anne Mikos |
| MOONBOY | Brent McKnight |
| MYRA NIGHTSHADE’S GREATEST HITS | Jesse Swenson |
| NOW WE’LL GO TO HELL | Vince Robbins |
| OATH | Paul Frank |
| OFFICER X | Michael Joiner |
| ON THIN ICE | Laura Ranney |
| POPE JANE | David Bush |
| POPULAR | Marley Schneier |
| REAWAKENING | Virginia Gilbert |
| REN FAIRE VERSUS ALIENS | Harry Aspinwall |
| ROSA | Chelsea Hazzard |
| ROSES IN THE WATER | La’Chris Jordan |
| SALONE | Jordyn Giddens |
| SAVING TABITHA | Anu Sukhdial |
| SENIOR PRANK | Alexis Irvin |
| SEPARATION | Anna Bierhaus |
| SHEL | Beth Curry |
| SHELLEY AND STANLEY | Becky Leigh and Mario Kyprianou |
| SIERRA VISTA | Kevin Engelking |
| SOLDIER FORWARD | Shahnaz Mahmud |
| STRAIGHT UP | Alexia Verbeke |
| TEN DOLLAR HOUSE | Rick Kinnebrew |
| THE ALICE SOLUTION | Emily Redinbo |
| THE AMBULANCE DRIVER | Barry Leach |
| THE ART OF LYING | Amy Teague |
| THE BARREL FIELD | Dan Ast |
| THE BIG SWINDLE | Greg Fortier |
| THE BONES OF MINNIE LEE | Martine Moore |
| THE CARLISLE INDIAN | Peter Vicaire |
| THE CLIFF WALK | Mike Ackerman |
| THE FIGHT INSIDE | Merridith Allen |
| THE FOX | Kevin Leahy |
| THE ITCH | Jeremy Bradford |
| THE SEA DRAGON | Adam Sharp |
| THE SHETLANDER | Martina Muhoberac |
| THE SPOKEN RIVER | Frances Hebert |
| THE TIGER’S DAUGHTER | Jason M. Lee |
| THE WHIPPERSNAPPERS | Rikki Bleiweiss |
| TUNNEL VISION | Evan Rindler and Jon Rizik |
| UNDERDOG | Alex Tranquada |
| WAR DANCER | Veialu Alia-Unsworth |
| WEST WOMAN | Wilandrea Blair |
| WHO WAS CARY GRANT? | Jon Davis |
| WILLFUL BLINDNESS | Sean Malcolm |
| WITTIKKA | Lauren Stufflebeam |
Make sure to check back for further announcements!
(As a reminder: If you entered into the Mentorship Program, or signed up to be part of the Guaranteed Signing or Guaranteed Option prizes, regardless of making the Top 100, you are still in contention for those prizes. Those winners are selected from the entire pool of submissions separately from the finalist rounds, and will be announced alongside the winners)
WELCOME TO THE LAUNCH PAD FEATURE COMPETITION!
The Launch Pad Competitions have led to more signings, success stories and careers than any other screenwriting competition. With nearly a decade of experience in promoting up-and-coming writers, The Launch Pad Competition has firmly established itself as the premier hub for Hollywood to discover fresh voices and new ideas. We advocate for all of our Top 100 finalists, working with them to develop compelling bios and loglines, and sharing their work with the right industry members to advance their career.
Our prestigious juries of industry members include managers, agents, producers and executives at companies across Hollywood. We also offer exclusive partnerships with management and production companies to give writers an extra leg up. Through these partnerships, as well as our exclusive mentorship opportunities, we seek to provide as many avenues towards success as possible. No competition will do more to help all of their finalists take the next steps in their careers, and no competition has had as much success in helping writers break into the industry. Enter now for a chance to join this tradition of Launch Pad success.
A CLOSER LOOK AT OUR JURY
This year’s jury includes industry professionals from such prestigious companies as:
- Bellevue Productions
- Mandeville Films
- Scott Free
- Vertigo Entertainment
- Verve
Click over to our jury tab to learn more!
MENTORSHIP PROGRAM – ADD ON
The best way to learn is by working with experienced writers who have already navigated that path to success. That is exactly what the Launch Pad exclusive mentorship opportunity is setup to do. This year’s mentors are:
Barbara Stepansky
Barbara Stepansky is a WGA Award winner, a Nicholl Fellow and an award-winning independent film director. Her work was short listed for the Academy Awards, garnered the DGA Diversity Award, the Student Emmy and was featured on the Black List. She is the recipient of the Mary Pickford Foundation Scholarship and the Franklin J. Schaffner AFI Fellow Award. FLINT, a film she wrote about the Flint Water Crisis for Sony/Lifetime with Queen Latifah, was nominated for a Critics Choice and won a WGA Award. She currently writes on the Starz TV Show OUTLANDER.
Colin Bannon
The only writer to appear twice on Tracking Board’s 2019 Hit List, Colin has also featured on the Young & Hungry and Black Lists. He set up HOLDOUT at Netflix with producer Ridley Scott, VIGILANCE at Justin Lin’s Perfect Storm, and his 2019 spec FIRST ASCENT sold to Netflix in a bidding war for Ridley Scott to produce and Jake Scott to direct.
Lamar Woods
Lamar Woods is a comedic writer/performer hailing from Atlanta, Ga. Lamar made a name for himself writing for his youtube channel, Northside Comedy, accumulating over 1.4 million views online. Lamar has also been hired to write and produce online videos for content creators such as Funny or Die, Comedy Central, and All Def Digital. You also can see Lamar performing with his all black, all male, improv/sketch team called White Women. Lamar has been staffed on such shows as Starz’ SURVIVOR’S REMORSE as well as Fox’s NEW GIRL and ABC’s SINGLE PARENTS. He also co-wrote and starred in the indie comedy IT’S A PARTY, starring Ego Nowdim and Tone Bell.
Leon Chills
Recently named to both the Hit List and Young & Hungry List for 2019, Leon’s action script SHADOW FORCE sold to Lionsgate with Kerry Washington and Sterling K. Brown attached to star and produce. He was staffed on the upcoming Netflix drama series SPINNING OUT from Safehouse Pictures. Previously, he’d set up projects with No Label Productions and Great Lake Pictures, took the top spot in the WeScreenplay Diverse Voices Contest, and participated in the CBS Entertainment Diversity Sketch Comedy Showcase.
GUARANTEED OPTION – ADD ON
This year’s Guaranteed Option partner is Romark Entertainment, who have set up multiple Launch Pad scripts around town, including MARIAN at Sony and Pascal Pictures and JUST. ONE. KISS. at Netflix. They have signed dozens of Launch Pad writers across the Feature, Pilot and Manuscript Competitions and is currently developing the Launch Pad projects KILL CREEK with Scott Derrickson at Showtime, and MR. & MRS. AMERICAN PIE with Laura Dern at Platform One.
GUARANTEED SIGNING – ADD ON
This year’s Guaranteed Signing Partner as Adrian Garcia of Recon Literary. A former talent agent at Paradigm, Adrian Garcia went on to found his management company Recon Literary. Garcia has frequently had writers appear on the Hit List, Black List and/or Young & Hungry List, and has a proven track record of signing Launch Pad writers, including Eric Koenig who sold his Launch Pad winning script MATRIARCH to Paramount in a bidding war.
The guaranteed option, guaranteed signing, and four mentor partner(s) will each select a minimum of 1 project each from this year’s competition to win their prize. To be eligible, entrants MUST select the “Guaranteed Option”, “Guaranteed Signing”, and/or “Mentorship” add-on at the time of entry.
If you select any add-ons at the time of entry, regardless of where you place in the competition, you will still be in the running for those add-on features.
FEEDBACK NOTES
In the same spirit as our mentorship program and our commitment to helping writers improve, we are thrilled to offer our Feedback Notes Program to provide 1-2 pages of in-depth notes on your competition entry. Select the notes at checkout to get insight on the story, characters, writing and marketability of your script.
The 2020 Launch Pad Feature Competition Prizes
The Launch Pad Competition is focused on identifying, discovering and helping launch the careers of our writers. Whether you make the quarter-finalists or win it all in any of our competitions, we work with you to help polish your work, prepare for meetings, craft you pitch, identify your follow up projects, and prepare yourself for anything that comes your way on the journey to becoming a professional writer.
Grand Prize | Top 3 Winners
- Everything the Top 10 receive, plus…
- You will be invited to our annual Launch Pad Party celebrating you and the other Launch Pad Winners of the year. This will be an exclusive industry event centered on showcasing and honoring you and your work, while also introducing you to agents, managers, executives, producers, and other creatives. This is a private guest list event tailored toward our winners from the year, and including some of our previous judges, mentors, partners and past Launch Pad Alums.
Top 10
- Everything the Top 100 Finalists receive, plus…
- You and your project will be showcased individually to agents, managers, executives, and producers who are looking for new clients, new projects, and new writers.
- Your work will be read, reviewed, and voted on by each of our esteemed judges.
- You will receive 1 free entry into any future Launch Pad Competition of your choosing.
Top 100 Finalists
- Your project will be announced on our sites and via press release and industry newsletter via The Tracking Board, Launch Pad, and our partners to more than 100,000 readers and industry members worldwide.
- You and your project will be featured in both our individual Launch Pad Competition Booklet, as well as our Annual Launch Pad Alum Booklet, both of which are shared with our industry network and beyond, including agents, managers, producers, executives and other creatives seeking new material and clients.
- You will receive a free 1-Year Membership (or extension) to The Tracking Board.
Add-On Competition Prizes
If you select any add-ons at time of entry, regardless of where you place in the competition, you will still be in the running for those add-on features.
Guaranteed Option Exclusive – Romark Entertainment
- A Minimum of 1 project will be selected from our exclusive development partner to receive an option agreement for their Launch Pad project.
- To qualify for this prize, entrants must have selected the “Guaranteed Option” add-on when submitting their project.
- This prize, as with all add-on prizes is not decided upon by placement in the competition. Regardless of whether the project entered makes any finalist round, your project will still be in contention for this prize until the competition ends.
Guaranteed Signing Exclusive – Recon Literary
- A Minimum of 1 writer will be selected for representation by our exclusive signing partner(s).
- To qualify for this prize, entrants must have selected the “Guaranteed Signing” add-on when submitting their project.
- This prize, as with all add-on prizes is not decided upon by placement in the competition. Regardless of whether the project entered makes any finalist round, your project will still be in contention for this prize until the competition ends.
Our Exclusive 2020 Launch Pad Mentorship Program
- A Minimum of4 writers (1 per mentor) will be selected by our mentors to enter our 2020 Launch Pad Mentorship Program.
- To qualify for this prize, entrants must have selected the “Mentorship Program” add-on when submitting their project.
- This prize, as with all add-on prizes is not decided upon by placement in the competition. Regardless of whether the project entered makes any finalist round, your project will still be in contention for this prize until the competition ends.
Success of Previous Top 100’s
Here are a few Top 100 writers we would like to celebrate…
Dennis Curlett
Surj Das
John Wikstrom
He was also recently hired to write DOSE for AGBO producers Joe & Anthony Russo.
Chris Dennis
Adam Kolbrenner
Lit Entertainment Group – Manager
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]-
With his newly minted Lit Entertainment Group, Adam continues to be one of the top managers in the industry.
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From 2018 alone, 6 of his clients landed on the Hit List, 3 on the Black List, and 2 were named to the Young & Hungry List.
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Represents writers such as Justin Marks (THE JUNGLE BOOK), Ed Ricourt (NOW YOU SEE ME), and Dave Andron (SNOWFALL).
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Has signed numerous Launch Pad Alumni in previous years including Aaron Sala (THE BEAST) and 2018’s Feature Comp Eric Cross (T).
Adrian Askarieh
Prime Universe Films – Producer/Executive
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Producer behind the HITMAN franchise of films, including the upcoming Hulu TV series adaptation of the best-selling video game franchise.
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Currently in development on the adaptations of the video game franchises DEUS EX, JUST CAUSE and THIEF, the comic book series’ HAWKMAN, DANGER GIRL, HEATHEN and PROPHET, as well as the feature adaptation of the hit television series JOHNNY QUEST, and the original features ALIEN SLEEPER CELL, as well as the Launch Pad winning script FRONTIERSMEN by Ben Feuer.
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Prime Universe Films has a first look deal with studio Constantin Films for film and television projects.
Adrian Garcia
Recon Literary – Manager
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Has frequently had writers appear on the year-end Hit List, Black List and Young & Hungry Lists.
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Signed Launch Pad winner Eric Koenig and sold his Launch Pad winning script MATRIARCH to Paramount in a bidding war.
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With an eye for discovering new voices, Garcia has signed multiple Launch Pad Alums in the past years in film, TV and books.
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A long time Launch Pad partner, Recon Literary has previously served as a Guaranteed Signing partner.
Andrea Dimity
Pannon Entertainment – Manager
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Has signed multiple Launch Pad writers, including Pete Barry, whose script MARIAN sold to Sony and Pascal Pictures with Margot Robbie and Amy Pascal attached to produce.
Andrew Childs
Vertigo Entertainment – Producer/Executive
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Vertigo Entertainment is the successful production company behind such franchises as THE GRUDGE, THE RING, THE LEGO MOVIE, HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON, GODZILLA, and IT, as well as films such as critical hits such as THE DEPARTED, DOCTOR SLEEP, and THE DISASTER ARTIST.
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Vertigo has been one of the most prolific Launch Pad partners, having picked up multiple film and television projects from our competitions and writers and serving as Guaranteed Option partner for 2019.
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Childs is currently overseeing projects such as the the 2018 Black List script COBWEB.
Brooklyn Weaver
Energy Entertainment – Manager
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- One of the most prolific spec-selling manager/producers in Hollywood, he has sold multiple Launch Pad projects in film, television and publishing.
- His clients include Rob Liefeld (DEADPOOL), Brad Ingelsby (RUN ALL NIGHT, OUT OF THE FURNACE), and Mark Mallouk (BLACK MASS).
- His clients have created the hit TV series REVERIE and EXTANT (Mickey Fisher) as well as BATES MOTEL (Anthony Cipriano).
- His clients have been staffed on such shows as Freeform’s SIREN, FX’s THE STRAIN and NBC’s CHICAGO P.D.
Charlie Ferraro
UTA – Agent
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- His clients include Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely (CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR, AVENGERS: INFINITY WAR), James Gunn (GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY), Diana Ossana and Larry McMurty (BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN), Gary Whitta (ROGUE ONE), Greg Mottola (SUPERBAD), and Steven Moffat (DOCTOR WHO, SHERLOCK).
- A partner at UTA, he has signed more than half a dozen Launch Pad writers in the past few years, setting up LP projects with Fox, UCP, Showtime, Disney, Sony and Netflix.
- Consistently one of the top agents on the spec market for more than a decade, he has also had writers appear on every major annual best of list.
Dash Aiken
Romark Entertainment
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- Romark Entertainment has been involved in four of the seven Launch Pad bidding wars, having previously set up MARIAN at Sony with Margot Robbie and Donald De Line, MATRIARCH at Paramount with Douglas Wick, TRANQUILITY BASE at Fox with Ridley Scott and JUST. ONE. KISS. at Netflix.
- Romark is currently developing the Launch Pad projects KILL CREEK with Scott Derrickson at Showtime, and MR. & MRS. AMERICAN PIE with Laura Dern at Platform One.
- One of the most prolific management and production companies, Romark clients are also developing projects at AMC, UCP, Endgame, Sony, Blumhouse, Vertigo Entertainment, Pacific Electric, and Assemble Media.
David Boxerbaum
Verve – Agent
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- A partner at Verve, he has signed more than a dozen Launch Pad writers and has represented 4 of the 7 bidding wars for Launch Pad projects, including the 2018 Launch Pad feature script JUST. ONE. KISS. which sold to Netflix.
- Has had writers appear on every major annual best of list every year since 2013, including having 8 writers represented on the 2018 Black List and Hit List.
- Has set up more spec scripts in the past decade than any other agent in the industry, often out-selling other agents and agencies 2 to 1.
- Has signed and set up more Launch Pad projects than any other agent in the industry, and has served as a guaranteed signing partner multiple times.
Derrick Eppich
Empirical Evidence – Manager
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- After sending time working with Lee Stobby Entertainment, Derrick recently branched out to form his own management company Empirical Evidence.
- Derrick has signed multiple Launch Pad alumni in the past, and represented projects on the Young & Hungry and Hit Lists.
- His clients have written for such programs as THE ERIC ANDRE SHOW, THE RANCH, and BOB HEARTS ABISHOLA.
Jake Wagner
Alibi Entertainment – Manager
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- After years at Good Fear Film + Management, top manager Wagner is branching out with his own venture Alibi Entertainment.
- Wagner was an Executive Producer on his client Tripper Clancy’s film STUBER.
- Had clients on both the Young & Hungry List and Hit List for 2019.
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Jason Tamasco
Bad Idea – Producer/Executive
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- Bad Idea’s recent projects have included the films OPENING NIGHT starring Topher Grace & Taye Diggs, THE BAD GUYS starring Glen Powell and Mekenna Melvin, and DEADTECTIVES starring Chris Genre and Martha Higareda.
- The Company’s recent television projects include the Netflix series EL CHAPO and the Univision series TIJUANA.
- Served as the Guaranteed Option partner for the 2019 and 2020 Launch Pad Pilot Competitions.
Jeff Portnoy
Bellevue Productions – Manager
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- One of the best spec-selling management companies in town, Bellevue has consistently appeared toward the top of every major end of year list for the past three years.
- Jeff represented three projects on the 2019 Hit List, and Bellevue clients were featured on every major year-end list.
- He has signed multiple Launch Pad alumni, and previously set up Launch Pad writer Aaron Sala’s Launch Pad script The Beast with H Collective.
- Bellevue is produced the horror film ELI and is producing the upcoming Madonna biopic Blonde Ambition for Universal.
Jon Huddle
Fourth Wall Management – Manager
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- As a former UTA agent turned manager, Jon has signed multiple clients from the Launch Pad Competition, and had several appear on the Black List, Hit List or Young & Hungry List over the past few years.
- Jon’s clients include Jonathan Goldstein & John Francis Daley (HORRIBLE BOSSES, VACATION, and SPIDERMAN: HOMECOMING).
- His other clients have written such films as KEANU, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, and HUNTSMAN: WINTER’S WAR.
- His clients have been staffed on such shows as RRICK & MORTY, AGENTS OF SHIELD, GREENLEAF, THE GOLDBERGS, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE and more.
Michael Chung
Verve – Agent
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- Michael Chung has signed multiple Launch Pad alumni, and Verve has signed more than a dozen Launch Pad writers over the years.
- Michael’s clients include Adele Lim, writer of CRAZY RICH ASIANS and the upcoming RAYA AND THE LAST DRAGON for Disney.
- His clients have written for such shows as THE ROOKIE, HAWAII FIVE-0, CHICAGO FIRE, DYNASTY, SUPERGIRL, and COUNTERPART, amongst others.
Nicole Poritzky
Mandeville Films – Producer/Executive
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- Mandeville has produced hit films such as WONDER, STRONGER, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST and the DIVERGENT franchise, as well as television series’ THE FIX, WICKED CITY, DETROIT 1-8-7 and MONK.
- The company is currently in development on the Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones starring THE AERONAUTS, the Jim Carrey starring ALEISTER ARCANE and the live action adaptation of HUNCHBACK.
Rachel Reznick
Weed Road Pictures – Producer/Executive
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- Weed Road has previously produced THE DARK TOWER, King Arthur: LEGEND OF THE SWORD, LONE SURVIVOR, HANCOCK and I AM LEGEND.
- Run by Akiva Goldsman, the company has steered critical hits such as the WGN series UNDERGROUND, and the Oscar-winning A BEAUTIFUL MIND
- Company is currently in development on the Launch Pad partner’s Inkshares new book adaptation A God in the Shed.
Rebecca Feuer
Scott Free – Producer/Executive
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- Ridley Scott and his Scott Free production company have acquired multiple Launch Pad projects, picking up feature, pilot and manuscripts from previous competitions.
- Scott Free was the first company to set up a Launch Pad script in a multiple studio bidding war for Daniel Turkewitz’s Tranquility Base.
- Company has been behind multiple critical and commercial hits, including THE MARTIAN, BLADE RUNNER 2049, ALL THE MONEY IN THE WORLD, MURDER ON THE ORIENT EXPRESS, and all of films from the ALIEN Franchise.
- Scott Free produces such television series as THE GOOD FIGHT, THE TERROR, and THE MAN IN THE HIGH CASTLE.
Rock Shaink
Romark Entertainment – Manager
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- Romark Entertainment has been involved in four of the seven Launch Pad bidding wars, having previously set up MARIAN at Sony with Margot Robbie and Donald De Line, MATRIARCH at Paramount with Douglas Wick, TRANQUILITY BASE at Fox with Ridley Scott and JUST. ONE. KISS. at Netflix.
- Romark is currently developing the Launch Pad projects KILL CREEK with Scott Derrickson at Showtime, and MR. & MRS. AMERICAN PIE with Laura Dern at Platform One.
- One of the most prolific management and production companies, Romark clients are also developing projects at AMC, UCP, Endgame, Sony, Blumhouse, Vertigo Entertainment, Pacific Electric, and Assemble Media.
Scott Stoops
Good Fear Content – Manager
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- Scott’s clients have written for such series as SHADOWHUNTERS, ORPHAN BLACK, BRIARPATCH and DEADLY CLASS.
- Good Fear has signed multiple Launch Pad alumni over the years.
- Good Fear is producing the upcoming live action MULAN reboot with Disney and produced UNDER THE SILVER LAKE starring Andrew Garfield.
Thomas Carter
Artillery Creative – Manager
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- A longtime Launch Pad judge and partner, Carter has previously signed several writers from the competitions, and set up LP projects at Paramount, NBC, UCP, HBO and CBS.
- He is producing the upcoming adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s Hugo and Nebula Award-winning book DAWN with director Ava DuVernay, as well as the upcoming Mahershala Ali project BURN.
- Clients have staffed for shows on Netflix, NBC, HBO, TNT, USA, CBS, Fox, and Freeform, and some of those staffed have included include LP writers Jenny Deiker, Annabelle Seymour, David Hoffman and Migizi Pensoneau.
Varun Monga
Kaplan Stahler Agency – Agent
[bg_collapse view=”link” color=”#4a4949″ icon=”arrow” expand_text=”Learn More” collapse_text=”Learn More” ]- Monga recently moved to the Kaplan Stahler Agency after years with ESA/Equitable Management.
- He has had numerous writers appear on the Black List, Hit List and Young & Hungry List in previous years.
- Has signed multiple Launch Pad Alumni in the past.
- All scripts MUST BE submitted as a PDF.
- All feature scripts must be under 120 pages (any script with more than 120 pages will be charged an additional $1 per page)
- Do not submit any form of pitch document with your feature script.
- Scripts with multiple writers are allowed (however, all entry fees must be paid under one account and all prizes to be shared among writing partners).
- All scripts must be the sole property of the writer(s).
- Features with a prior option are allowed, but at the time of submission and for the duration of the contest, must remain exclusively the writer’s property.
- The only scripts not allowed to be entered are those which have already sold, have previously earned our “TB Recommends” honors, or received a top 100 placement in a previous Launch Pad competition.
- The Launch Pad uses Coverfly to manage our submissions and reads. Updated drafts accepted through the Coverfly website only.
- The Launch Pad and all judges/readers will utilize whatever criteria they deem appropriate in deciding a winner.
- All scripts will remain the property of the writer(s) throughout the contest (at no point will anyone from the judge’s panel, or Launch Pad ever attach themselves to your work without your consent).
- Entrants may be contacted as a result of the contest by Launch Pad, the judging panel or other industry professionals in regards to representation, production, sale and/or option of the entered work.
- Entrants are under no obligation to sell their work or otherwise attach themselves to representation in any form – this includes the guaranteed option and guaranteed signing add ons
- General script entries will not receive feedback, however, you can opt to upgrade and receive feedback on your script submission.
- The contest is open to entrants 18 or older. It is an international contest and open to entrants worldwide.
- The Launch Pad reserves the right, at our sole discretion, to change or modify these terms at any time without notice.
- By entering this competition, you agree to receive periodic emails from The Launch Pad and The Tracking Board. You may unsubscribe to these at any time.
- All entrants understand and agree to allow Launch Pad to post details on their script (title, writer’s name, logline, genre, and competition details) as well as regarding the writer (biography, picture) to their site, or sister site to help promote the entrants’ work.
- All purchases and submissions are final. No refunds will be issued.
- VOID WHERE PROHIBITED.
- Except where prohibited by law, participation in the contest constitutes each entrant’s consent to LaunchPad and its agents’ and contest sponsor’s use of entrants’ names, likenesses, photographs, and/or personal information for promotional purposes in any media, worldwide, without further payment or consideration. All uses of a entrants’ information are in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
- You agree to release and hold harmless LaunchPad, its subsidiary, parent and affiliated companies, prize contributors, judges, readers, sponsors, and any other organizations responsible for administering, advertising, or promoting the competition, and every one of their respective members, directors, employees, agents and representatives (collectively, the “Released Parties”) past and present from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liability, including but not limited to damages and negligence to property and persons, including but not limited to invasion of privacy, defamation, slander, libel, violation of right of publicity, copyright, infringement of trademark or other intellectual property rights relating to a participant’s entry, participation in the competition and/or acceptance or use or misuse of prize; provided however, that such release will not apply to any commercial exploitation of the script by a Released Party in violation of your rights under applicable copyright law; and (c) indemnify, defend and hold harmless the LaunchPad and its sponsors, agents, and employees from and against any and all claims, expenses, and liabilities (including reasonable attorneys fees) relating to an entrant’s participation in the competition and/or entrant’s use or misuse of Prize.
Selection Criteria
Initial reads will be completed by professional industry readers, after which point our internal team of readers will read all promising submissions to allow for extensive internal discussions over the relative merits and weaknesses of each project. Through internal conferences, we narrow down a list of 100 finalists. At this point, writers may be asked to submit supplemental information (a brief bio, a bible for their tv pilot, etc.) to assist in the decision making process.
Further rounds of internal reading and discussion, as well as consultations with our signing and option partners, narrows the finalists down to 10, at which point our panel of industry judges read each script and provide feedback which determines each of our winners.
Any entrant may be deemed ineligible at the sole discretion of Launch Pad. We reserve the right to amend these rules at any time.
