In just 6 years The Launch Pad Competition went from being the newcomer on the block to the most successful writing competition in the world. With an emphasis on helping start careers, and not simply giving a writer a few dollars and putting their names on a list, we’ve seen our writers land with some of the largest representation in town, sell their projects to several elite outlets, and land on every major annual “best of” list sine our launch. Now with over 371 writers signed, 127 projects set up, and more than two dozen staffed on shows, we’re incredibly proud of the work our team has done, but we’re even more so with the writers we’ve had a chance to work with to make their dreams become realities.
writers signed
projects set up
writers staffed
bidding wars
Since the launch of the TB Recommends program 18 of 19 writers have gone on to sign with representation via our referral, and 6 have seen their recommended script sell!”
All scripts that receive a “Recommend” (for the script section only) through our coverage service will be announced on The Industry website, forums, and feeds, showcasing their script as the next big thing to the thousands of industry professionals who follow The Industry.
For more details on our coverage services, head on over to Script Coverage for more information.
Erik W. Van Der Wolf
Logline: A woman discovers that she has received new personality and memories from a bone marrow transplant – including how her donor was murdered.
Comments Summary: MARROW is good. Really good. In a market more or less inundated with formulaic thrillers, it’s interesting that the story manages to be both original and familiar at the same time. It’s incredibly well structured and written, hitting not only all of the required beats but doing them in a way that feels surprising and engaging. The characters themselves all play well off of each other, helping reshape a lot of the more convoluted twists and turns into something that feels fresh and logical. The script honestly is a perfect example that you don’t necessarily need to reinvent a genre to write a great script; you just need to understand it. There are a few plot beats that feel less focused than the rest of the script, as well as some characters that are ultimately underutilized, but all in all MARROW achieves what it sets out to do and more.
Charles Peirce
Logline: While hiding in an abandoned mansion from the dangers of WWII, a young boy, with the gift of an over-active imagination, must venture from safety in order to save his mother… only to discover that reality is worse than anything he has ever dreamed up.
Comments Summary: “The Vagabond Prince” contains virtually no issues outside of a few typographical errors and was one of the most enthralling screenplays I have read in a long time. A good script should be able to capture a reader’s attention to the extent that all mechanical aspects of a script become invisible due to the effortlessly graceful flow of the story: this screenplay accomplishes that in spades. The script concocts a strange and interesting brew by mixing together hints of “Nell,” “Gone with the Wind,” “The Others,” “Pan’s Labyrinth,” and “Alice in Wonderland” into a single story. This may sound like the script is trying pack too much in to a limited space, and yet it works due to the fact that it was clear the writer was inspired by these films and did not copy them outright. The screenplay unfolds in a fluid manner that digests easily while remaining poignant, and this intoxicating script contained a story that read with ease as well as a premise that kept me captivated till the end. With only a few (very small) errors they were hardly enough to render the script anything less than production-worthy.
Daniel Dollar
Logline: Story chronicles the early career of Bill Watterson, author and creator of Calvin & Hobbes, and his coinciding struggle with the sudden popularity, coverage, and licensing battles that came with creating one of the most influential comics of a generation.
Comments Summary: The Boy And His Tiger is simply fantastic. It builds at a perfect pace, juggles countless small moments and weaves them easily into the big picture without losing sight of their small meanings. Bill Watterson is a complicated character, in real life and in the script, but the writer comes from such a place of clear admiration that the audience falls in love with Bill’s eccentricities as quickly as his wife and the world does. It’s honestly hard to find anything negative in the project as a whole, or anything that can be improved. While there are individual tweaks that could be made, it almost exclusively comes down to personal preferences rather than outright writing issues. The script as is serves as a pitch perfect project to start making rounds to get representatives or talent interested in this writer, this script, and the launch of what should become an exceptionally talented career.
Michael Perri
Logline: A brash and rebellious hacker gets caught with technology being used by cyber terrorists, and finds his only way to stay out of jail, save his brother and conceal his true hacking identity is to work with the NSA’s secret anti-cyber terrorist program known only as Nexxus.
Comments Summary: In a TV market desperately on the hunt for a fresh, yet comfortably familiar series “NEXXUS” delivers well above most of the pilots that will go to air this fall. The pilot mixes an excellent recipe of wit and action with timely themes, strong characters, and a setting that is original, but not so unfamiliar that middle America will be scared. The pilot offers a strong intro to a series, and includes a handful of characters you’ll find yourself eager to follow. In a new market once again oversaturated with police, hospital and law dramas, Nexxus reminds me of something akin to the ease and action/comedy of “Chuck” but with the potential to ocassionally turn it up to 11 and give 24 a run for its money. Fast, exciting, and leaving you wanting more – that’s how I’d sum up this pilot.
Curt Burdick
Logline: An archeological dig leads to a shocking discovery that proves time travel is not only possible, but that the Russians accomplished the feat in the 80’s (resulting in the Chernobyl catastrophe). Now a U.S. crash project must immediately begin endeavors to study and surmount the achievement.
Comments Summary: “Discoveries” is a quickly paced, very well written, pilot that would lead in to a series with a lot of commercial potential. The show has an excellent premise and structure and the pilot lays the foundation for several seasons worth of self-contained episodic as well as ongoing serial story arcs. The strong characters are enough to keep you interested in the pilot and story, but luckily that is far from this script’s only strength, as the overall high quality of writing made this teleplay a pleasure to read. The current visuals for the pilot are very good, and I have no doubt they will become even more interesting in future episodes as more is revealed. It’s easy to envision “Discoveries” being renewed season after season, as the show will be sure to appeal to any and all fans of sci-fi/action/adventure TV. That, coupled with a very unique take on the time travel theme makes the show incredibly interesting, and yet still manages to stays grounded in reality. The pilot has a captivating teaser at the beginning, great reveals and hooks at each act break, and gets into some pretty cool territory that easily shows how this show will only get better with each subsequent episode.
Shane Joseph Willis
Logline: In the future, a thief who replaces his own memories with the identities of those around him must go on the run to recover a stolen virus threatening to bring down the whole system.
Comments Summary: ANONYMITY is fantastic. The writer has a strong grasp on structure and story, and the pacing and build in the story itself is impeccable. The action scenes all build in logical yet unexpected ways, and the tone has a great noir-ish action feel to it, that leaves you on the edge of your seat as the pages fly by. While the setting is determinedly futuristic, it’s smartly low key enough that any production budget wouldn’t quickly balloon out of control. A fun, stylish read from a new voice I hope we’ll be seeing a lot more of!
Peter Limm
Logline: A prickly tween genius runs her own detective agency with the aid of her best friend and sidekick.
Comments Summary: The Ardenworth Files is an extremely well-constructed TV pilot focusing on a thirteen year-old child prodigy who is running her own detective agency. The story perfectly combines the teen world with noir detective undertones and storylines and in doing so creates something fresh and interesting. The character work is brilliant, especially the dynamic between our main character and her supporting cast. This is exemplified in the superb dialogue that manages to capture the voice of a teenager who is smarter than most adults, but who still speaks like a teenager.
Bandar Albuliwi
Logline: An unassuming Arab-American college student gets recruited by the FBI to infiltrate a suspected terrorist cell on his campus, only to become radicalized himself in the process.
Comments Summary: Radicalized is strong, with confident, clear writing from a professional and experienced writer, memorable visual imagery, and a provocative premise that’s sure to get people talking. Little things could be improved, such as conversation length and grammar errors in the series outline, but it’s very easy to picture this pilot as a show. The writer’s depiction of Muslims is more even-handed in this draft, and while it does seem hard to imagine rooting for a terrorist, the writer seems capable of pulling it off, as he consistently demonstrates his thoughtfulness, intelligence, and talent in this draft.
Brian Scully
Logline: When their significant other is killed in a car crash, a man and woman discover they have been dating the same man for ten years.
Comments Summary: COUNTERPOINT is a fantastic, well written and character driven script. The things it does right it does better than a lot of ‘professionally’ written and sold script, including fantastic characters with real motivations, desires, and goals. The plot never moves forward for the sake of the story, merely stepping back and letting the characters themselves dictate where conversations and, ultimately, the story goes. There are some issues, mainly with a disconnect between the first and second half, but in the end nothing should stop COUNTERPOINT from eventually finding a dedicated team to bring it to life.
Mukilan Thangamani
Logline: A hilariously raunchy ensemble comedy chronicling the intersecting arcs and misadventures of a group of people attending a divorce party. ‘Bridesmaids’ meets ‘Love Actually’.
Comments Summary: DIVORCE PARTY is fantastic. In a script market constantly clogged with droves of questionable ‘edgy’ comedies, it stands out with fantastic dialogue, well fleshed-out characters, and hilariously original situations. Some scripts can succeed or fail based on the talent attached; the biggest strength of the script is that it will always stand out as a well written and hilarious comedy, even if it were made by a fifth grade talent show. DIVORCE PARTY easily showcases the writer’s talent for wordplay and comedy.
Sylvester Ada
Logline: Disparate perspectives on the 1960’s communist fear and organized crime seen through the eyes of a transsexual cabaret singer tasked with infiltrating a gay club run by a communist gangster.
Comments Summary: CLUB LAVENDER is an extremely well written script, with a rich and textured story world that would look amazing on screen. It compares very favorably with many TV series such as BOARDWALK EMPIRE or VINYL, yet does more than enough to stand out from the crowd. The world here is so specific and distinct, with the writer finding fresh spins on some of storytelling’s classic tropes, weaving elements of thriller and mystery into an intensely personal story. Seamlessly combining threads about transgender society in the 1960s, the fear of communism in Cold War America, and the way that both interacted with organized crime, this story remains relevant and poignant for modern audiences.
Conor Healy
Logline: After a bad break up, a young writer travels to London to try and find inspiration as well as the real meaning of love.
Comments Summary: EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN is a fantastic, well crafted drama that is driven by a well thought out emotional center. The biggest draw is the perfectly sculpted character developments and arcs, all of which happen naturally and dovetail perfectly with each other. The movie has a message, if not an outright moral, and the protagonist’s journey is an engaging one. There are slight issues with over direction throughout, as well as the possible problem that the plot points are all a little too on the nose, but nothing large enough to deter the writer going out with this project after a miniscule rewrite.
Paul McLalin
Logline: When a work obsessed young woman, with a sketchy past, accidentally kills her date, she enlists the help of her slacker neighbor to cover up the murder.
Comments Summary: “You’re Dead To Me” is a hilarious feature comedy with a really fun premise. The idea is very intriguing and easily leads to a ton of comedic moments that organically emerge from the aftermath of the situation. Add to this a time constraint and a surprise antagonist and the writer has truly raised the stakes to make this script high concept. The story itself is excellent as well. It is well crafted, meaningful, and not just merely a vessel for cheap laughs. It also ties up all the lose ends and doesn’t push the suspension of disbelief too far. In addition there is a strong B story. This script never gets too sappy or cheesy, which is refreshing, and makes this feel more like a regular comedy than a rom-com, thus opening the appeal to all audiences. I loved this script.
Eric Brown
Logline: A fatherless copywriter uncovers a stash of immaculate love letters dated the year he was born, and postmarked from Key West and Havana, Cube. Convinced he is Hemingway’s bastard love child, he travels down to Key West with his teenage son in tow to usurp his birthright.
Comments Summary: After I turned the last page of “Hemingway Boy” and set down the script, I could not help but feel that this is the kind of story that makes a writer known. The characters big and small, are so well developed, they walked right off the page and created this world around me as I read. There is a comedic, truly Americana mystery unfolding and the writer paints a vivid world for us to journey through as our main character traverses through a life lived, and a life longed for. There is also something very appealing about the idea that this man, who is far from having the perfect life himself, is so determined to uncover his true namesake… a potentially absent father who was well known to have his own personal demons, but also one who may well have been the best there ever was in his field. It’s a wonderful coming-of-age journey for a man still searching for meaning in his life, and his slacker son he hopes to impress, and win over along the way. The story is full of heart, and beautifully mixed together in a comedic and dramatic tone akin to “Sideways” or “Little Miss Sunshine”. I eagerly look forward to seeing what this writer does next!
Nicolas Lishko
Logline: A down on his luck Henchman, desperate to win over his family and impress his super-villain boss, sets out to capture the greatest superhero ever… his new next door neighbor.
Comments Summary: “Henchman” is a fun, funny, and family friendly script that gives us a fresh look at the superhero genre through the eyes of a villain’s henchman. Filled with goofy scenes and ironic situations, this comedy does not fail to deliver as it touches on what makes a good-guy good, and a bad-guy bad, all while remaining fast paced, original and exciting. Think “The Incredibles” meets “Despicable Me” when you think of this script. This screenplay has all the makings for a big franchise-launching summer 3-D release; it is very well written, the premise and story are very strong, the scenes are funny, both the characters and the premise are relatable to the masses, and the story mixes in a lot of real world problems into this fictional space. Overall, this was an incredibly enjoyable read that kept me entertained and laughing from beginning to end. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot about this script and writer very soon!
Kevin Sluder
Logline: In order to solve his wife’s murder, a reclusive scientist uses his experimental technology to dive into the memories of her accused killer.
Comments Summary: “The Memory Sphere” is an “Inception” or “Source Code” like sci-fi story with a stellar mystery thrown in to differentiate it from the pack. It is the complete package from immaculately written visual descriptions, to fascinating characters, to an enthralling mystery, to a wonderfully moving story, all wrapped up in a very marketable premise and a story world that allows for all the amazing visuals like those we saw in “Inception” – yet done without all the exposition that was necessary to understand it. I have little to offer in the way of criticism or advice. The story was clear, it had me hooked from the beginning, it left me moved in the end, and I was never bored at any point throughout. I would definitely pay to see it, I would enjoy watching it, and I would recommend it to all my friends. Given the success of the aforementioned films, I see no reason why this wouldn’t be a commercial success. Even with the dark storyline and somewhat dark ending, it still manages a wonderful emotional resolution that will not be easily forgotten. And while the special effects could be expensive, the cast and locations are very concise and controlled. I see no reason why this shouldn’t be purchased and produced. Congratulations to the writer.
Dan Benamor
Logline: After learning that he is dying from cancer, a former hit man, physically haunted by the souls of people he’s killed, takes revenge on his boss who he blames for the degradation of both himself and his city.
Comments Summary: Benamor’s action/thriller wowed our readers with its unique setting, motivated characters, memorable visual elements, and exciting action. Most of all, it was clear that Benamor’s writing showcases a strong and unique voice, with his words being confident, capable, and demonstrating a clear vision of a fully realized world. The script has similarities to both “The Raid” and “John Wick,” in regards to the flashy and stylized action, while still maintaining originality with its locations and themes.
Gregory Bernstein
Logline: The remarkable true story of Katharine Gun, a woman who stood up to her government and the US in defense of the truth about the war in Iraq.
Comments Summary: THE SPY WHO TRIED TO STOP A WAR is a gripping true story that centers its plot on the characters and their trials instead of its agenda, walking the tight rope of a political message film and a riveting drama. The script succeeds on almost all counts, with only a few small issues cropping up throughout that, more likely than not, simply reflect the facts of the story rather than narrative missteps. While it’s always hard to suggest changes for a story that is following a true set of events, nonetheless there are a few story beats that seem disconnected from the rest of the plot as a whole, as well as a number of secondary characters that appear only to give their contribution to the overall picture and then disappear for the remainder of the film. None of these issues, in the end, really derail the core of the film, though they might want to be considered in future rewrites. All in all, the script is a near perfect example of its genre and with the right backers could easily be seen drawing in crowds who aren’t normally drawn to this type of political nail biter.
Signed with Paradigm and Good Fear Film + Management
Set up with Paramount, Red Wagon Entertainment, Romark Entertainment
Signed with Kaplan Stahler Agency and Echo Lake Entertainment
Once his pilot, NEXXUS, became a TB Recommended script Perri quickly found himself with representation. To follow that up he made his way onto a Young & Hungry List, the 2013 National Hispanic Media Coalition’s Television Writers Program, became the 2013 Storyboard National TV Pilot competition Winner, and entered the 2013 Writers on the Verge Program at NBC Universal. Since that time he has been staffed on NBC series' STATE OF AFFAIRS and BLINDSPOT.
Signed with Epicenter
Signed with ICM and Luber/Roklin
Receiving a TB Recommends for her script GROWING UP MORALES, Sierra has since been signed by Brandy Rivers at ICM and Bryan Brucks from Luber/Roklin and went on to make the 2013 Young and Hungry List. She is now working on the project CHICO GRANDE for Amazon Studios.
Signed with UTA and Thruline Entertainment
Signed with UTA and Thruline Entertainment
Signed with Stephanie Rogers & Associates
Signed with CAA and Industry Entertainment
Set up with Warner Bros., Appian Way, Romark Entertainment, Vertigo Entertainment
Signed with APA and Energy Entertainment
Set up with 20th Century Fox, Energy Entertainment, Romark Entertainment, Scott Free Productions
Signed by CAA and Washington Square Arts
Signed with Verve and Industry Entertainment
Set up with MXN Entertainment, Wonderland Sound & Vision
Signed with Paradigm and Energy Entertainment
Set up with Anonymous Content, Energy Entertainment, Romark Entertainment
Signed with Paradigm and Kaplan/Perrone Entertainment
Signed with UTA and Lee Stobby Entertainment
Signed with Madhouse Entertainment
Signed with UTA and Good Fear Film + Management
Set up with Blumhouse Productions, Chapter One
Signed with CAA and Untitled Entertainment
Signed with APA and Circle of Confusion
Signed with ICM and Good Fear Film + Management
Signed with ICM and Grandview
Signed with Heroes and Villains Entertainment
Signed with Artillery Creative
Signed with Paradigm
Signed with Paradigm and Artillery Creative
Set up with Demarest Films
Set up with Demarest Films
Signed with CAA and Madhouse Entertainment
Set up with 3311 Productions
Set up with Under the Stairs Entertainment
Signed with Bellevue Productions
Signed with Good Fear Film + Management
Signed with Kaplan Stahler Agency and Good Fear Film + Management
Signed with Dialed-In Entertainment
Signed with Paradigm and Black Box Media
Signed with Brillstein Entertainment Partners
Signed with Rothman Brecher Agency and Principato/Young Entertainment
Signed with APA and Echo Lake Management
Signed with Energy Entertainment
Set up with Imperative Entertainment
Signed with UTA and Energy Entertainment
Signed with Echo Lake Management
Signed with Jon Kanak Management
Signed with WME
Signed with ESA and Industry Entertainment
Signed with New Wave Entertainment
Signed with Verve and The Muraviov Company
Set up with Producers Jason Irizarry and Tani Marole
Eleven days. That’s all it took The LaunchPad to literally launch my screenwriting career. Eleven days from myscript Matriarch placing in the top 25 of their aptly named Launch Pad Features Competition to it being bought by Paramount. These guys know exactly what they’re doing – period.
This isn’t some bullshit random contest offering you money or something – this thing starts careers. It’s only been around for one year, and already everyone is this town knows about it. It’s huge. Everyone wants what this contest has.
Signed with Madhouse Entertainment
Signed with ESA and Kailey Marsh Media
Set up with Altered.LA, Punch Media
Signed with Paradigm and Infinity Management
Signed with Good Fear Film + Management
Signed with Paradigm and Black Box Media
Signed with Heroes and Villains Entertainment
Signed with Rothman Brecher Agency
Signed with CAA and Lee Stobby Entertainment
The Launch Pad contest is a serious game changer. I’d never really been persuaded by the idea of entering a contest before, because many seemed pointless: it’s a lot of politics, you have to write ‘for’ the judging panel, and what you win is either just a title or money. I didn’t know exactly what I could get out of that. It’s amazing to see The LaunchPad run a contest of a different sort: you can be you, talent is talent, and what you receive is something more measurable than just acclaim. In an industry where so much of your future relies less on what you can do but who you know, the simplicity of the contest is wonderful. It’s a true chance to cut through the B.S. and let your writing speak for itself.
I entered The Launch Pad Pilot contest and within a week of being named a Semifinalist I signed with a top tier manager. I think that speaks for itself, but I’d also like to note that The LaunchPad’s staff has gone above and beyond to promote my script and expose it to legitimate industry contacts and keep me abreast of every step. Most contests simply announce the winners on their website and have done with it, but The LaunchPad is actually motivated to help the careers of its entrants. Also, they have the means to actually do so, which is rare.
Signed with Energy Entertainment
Set up with Enderby Entertainment
Signed with Paradigm and Heroes and Villains Entertainment
Signed with Energy Entertainment
Signed with Grandview
Signed with Management SGC
Signed with Zero Gravity Managment
Signed with Markerstone
The Launch Pad competition is one of, if not the, premiere industry screenplay competitions. It is a gold mine of well-executed, commercial specs and it is run by execs who are savvy, have great taste and are well connected. With the amount of talent that is signed and the amount of scripts that are sold out of Launch Pad, this is the competition that every writer, rep and exec should know and be excited about.
When I submitted to the LPFC, I thought I was entering a competition - only to discover I had landed in an expertly curated screenwriting showcase. Thanks to the LPFC I have gone from being yet another schmuck with a script to being promoted, celebrated, supported, and embraced as a screenwriter. You’ve given me attention, guidance, support, and access. More than that, you’ve given me a career. Whatever else happens from here on out, it is a direct result of the LPFC and all your work.
Signed with Zero Gravity Management
Signed with APA and Circle of Confusion
Signed with 42 Management and Zero Gravity Management
Signed with Anarchy Management
Signed with Rosa Entertainment
Set up with Rosa Entertainment
Signed with Heroes and Villains Entertainment
Signed with Energy Entertainment
Signed with ICM and Silent R Management
This contest legitimately changed my life. It was amazing to have my work set out and actually taken seriously. Right away, I got a ton of emails from people requesting to see the script!
Signed with Markerstone
Signed with Good Fear Film + Management
Signed with Energy Entertainment
Signed with Niad Management
Signed with Vision Arts Management
Signed with Jon Kanak Management
Set up with Energy Entertainment, Vertigo Entertainment
Signed with Luber/Roklin Entertainment
The Launch Pad competition has been an awesome, thrilling ride. Ever since my script "Darklands" placed in the Top Ten, Chris has been hustling to get it into as many hands as possible (forty-one on the first day alone!). In my experience, getting my scripts read by the right people has been nearly as difficult as writing the scripts themselves, so it's been a great feeling just knowing that some of the best and brightest in the industry have given "Darklands" a shot. I cannot praise Chris's professionalism enough, and if you're an aspiring screenwriter, entering the Launch Pad competition should be a no-brainer. It really can lead to your big break!
The day after hearing I made the top 25 I had the top manager in town calling me on a Sunday. On Monday I met and signed with him. By Wednesday, my pilot was being read by the head of several TV departments at the top agencies. By Friday, I was developing the show with some of the biggest producers in this town.
Signed with Preferred Artists
Signed with Chemical Imbalance Productions
Signed with Jon Kanak Management
Signed with The Mikael Group