Retirement Road Trip

RETIREMENT ROAD TRIP
Comedy/Drama
Feature Film Screenplay

TAGLINE: Retirement is not the end of the road. It is the beginning of the open highway.

LOGLINE: An OCD commercial airline pilot (Kyle) plans to retire and do nothing, but comfortably relax in his paid-off custom-built home. However, his plans suddenly change, when a demolition crew levels his home by accident.

STORY SUMMARY: Waiting for the matter of his missing / demolished house to be settled, Kyle purchases an RV. His initial thought is that he will place the "house on wheels" high atop his empty property lot and wait out the reconstruction of his new home. But "hell or high water" Kyle is also determined to throw himself a long-awaited retirement party. As the night wears on, high school buddies are persistent in persuading Kyle into an epic road trip; one they never took following High School graduation. Kyle eventually gives in, taking them up on the offer.

What happens next is a fun-filled adventure, and rediscovery of old friendships.

  • Project Type:
    Screenplay, Other
  • Number of Pages:
    110
  • Country of Origin:
    United States
  • Language:
    English
  • First-time Screenwriter:
    No
  • Student Project:
    No
Writer Biography

Joe Leone: Award-Winning American Screenwriter and Film Industry Professional

Occupation: President/CEO – Write Now Productions LLC

Biography: Joe Leone is a highly accomplished American screenwriter and esteemed figure in the film industry. He is the President/CEO of Write Now Productions LLC, a successful and growing production company focused on producing compelling cinematic experiences.

Education: Joe Leone is a proud alumnus of Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Arts, a prestigious institution recognized as the #4 film school in the United States by The Hollywood Reporter. Notable industry icons such as The Duffer Brothers, Justin Simien, and Ben York Jones, creator of 'Everything Sucks!,' are among the distinguished alumni of this esteemed institution.

Awards and Recognitions: Mr. Leone's exceptional talent and outstanding contributions to the art of screenwriting have garnered him over 60 prestigious awards. His remarkable scripts have been officially selected by more than 300 film festivals and screenplay competitions worldwide, solidifying his reputation as a master storyteller.

Professional Experience: Joe Leone brings a wealth of industry experience to his craft. He spent six years with Paramount Pictures' Motion Picture Marketing Administration, where he honed his skills and gained valuable insights into the marketing and promotion of films. Additionally, he served as a Story Analyst for Prelude Pictures and Kamin & Howell Entertainment, further deepening his understanding of storytelling and the intricacies of the filmmaking process.

Joe Leone's passion for storytelling, combined with his exceptional talent and extensive industry experience, has established him as a leading voice in the world of screenwriting. His dedication to his craft and remarkable achievements continue to inspire and shape the future of the film industry.

Agent Representation:
Lisa Simpson - Elevated Artists Entertainment LLC
Elevated Artists Entertainment LLC
Clearwater, FL 33764
(727) 350-2665
contact@elevatedartistsent.com

Screenwriter of RETIREMENT ROAD TRIP (FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY) - currently selected in (55) Film Festival/Screenplay Competitions, which include: (14) Award Wins, (2) Honorable Mentions, (1) Special Mention, (13) Finalist, (4) Semi-Finalist, (12) Quarterfinalist, and (9) Official Selections to date.

Retirement Road Trip - a fun-filled dramedy about the value of friendship, family, and the bonds that keep us together.
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SCREENPLAY COMPETITION RECOGNITION/AWARDS (as of 04/18/23): FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY - RETIREMENT ROAD TRIP

AWARD WINNER(S):
Your Script Produced! - Season 3 - FINALIST (Feb 2023)
Abdolrahman Sarraei Academic Awards (ASAA) - AWARD WINNER (Sep 2022)
Aarhus International Film Festival - AWARD WINNER (Jan 2022)
International Comedy Film Festival - AWARD WINNER - BEST FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY (Dec 2021)
Show Low Film Festival - AWARD WINNER/BEST COMEDY SCRIPT (Oct 2021)
Wallachia International Film Festival (Romania) - AWARD WINNER (Sep 2021)
Richmond International Film Festival (RIFF) - GENRE AWARD WINNER - Best Original Comedy Screenplay (Sep 2021)
Austin After Dark Film Festival - AWARD WINNER - Best Comedy Feature Film Screenplay (Spring 2021)
Depth of Field International Film Festival - GOLD SCRIPT WRITING - AWARD WINNER (Mar 2021)
Redwood Shorts & Scripts - BEST COMEDY FEATURE SCRIPT (Jan 2021)
Gold Star Movie Awards - BEST COMEDY SCREENPLAY (Jan, 2021)
Flixze Film Festival - AWARD WINNER (Dec 2020)
FFTG Awards - JURY CHOICE AWARD WINNER - BEST (ENTERTAINING) FEATURE SCREENPLAY (Dec 2020)
After Hour Film Festival - BEST COMEDY SCRIPT (Nov 2020)
WRPNSC Screenplay Competition - GOLD SCRIPT WRITING - AWARD WINNER - FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY (Sep 2020)

HONORABLE MENTION:
San Diego Movie Awards - HONORABLE MENTION (Jan 2022)
2021 Art of Brooklyn Film Festival - HONORABLE MENTION (May 2021)

SPECIAL MENTION:
PixelsGARAGE Awards of Excellence - SPECIAL MENTION (Jan 2021)

FINALIST:
Sunvale Film Festival - FINALIST (August 2022)
International Screenwriting Competition - FINALIST (Dec 2021)
Visionfest2021 - Feature Film Screenplay FINALIST (Dec 2021)
Block Island Film Festival - FINALIST (Sep 2021)
Lit Laughs International Comedy Film Festival - SEMI-FINALIST (July 2021)
Reno Tahoe Screenplay Contest - FINALIST (July 2021)
Comox Valley International Screenwriting Festival - FINALIST (April 2021)
Marketable Filmmaker Screenwriters Collaborative - FINALIST (April 2021)
Houston Comedy Film Festival - FINALIST - Best Comedy Feature Film Screenplay (Spring 2021)
Circus Road Screenplay Contest - FINALIST (Apr 2021)
SoCal Film Awards - FINALIST (Mar 2021)
LA LIVE FILM FEST - FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY - FINALIST (Nov 2020)

SEMI-FINALIST:
Flickers' Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIIFF) - SEMI-FINALIST (July 2021)
South Shore Film Festival - SEMI-FINALIST (July 2021)
Hollywood Screenplay Festival - SEMI-FINALIST (May 2021)
Best Script Award - SEMI-FINALIST (Feb 2021)

QUARTERFINALIST:
Sunvale Screenplay Contest - QUARTERFINALIST (Oct 2021)
Scriptation Showcase - QUARTERFINALIST (Sep 2021)
Script to Motion Picture International Screenwriting Competition - QUARTERFINALIST (July 2021)
Portland Screenplay Awards - QUARTERFINALIST - Scored in the Top 30% of nearly 1,000 script entries! (May 2021)
Sedona International Film Festival - QUARTERFINALIST (May 2021)
BLASTOFF - QUARTERFINALIST (April 2021)
Plot Point International Screenwriting Awards - QUARTERFINALIST (April 2021) - listed #3 by Premium Beat for Top 7 Online Screenwriting Competitions - (May 21, 2020) article
SWN Screenplay Competition - QUARTERFINALIST (Mar 2021)
New York City International Screenplay Awards - FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY - QUARTERFINALIST (Mar 2021) - Top 30% Finish
Chicago Screenplay Awards - FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY - QUARTERFINALIST (Feb 2021) - Top 20% out of 1,298 screenplays
Miami Screenplay Awards - FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY - QUARTERFINALIST (Jan 2021)
Story Pros - FEATURE FILM SCREENPLAY - QUARTERFINALIST (Nov 2020)

OFFICIAL SELECTION(S):
Hollywood Comedy Shorts - OFFICIAL SELECTION (April 2022)
Silicon Beach Film Festival - OFFICIAL SELECTION (Sep 2021)
2021 Hollywood Jumbo Screenplay Festival - OFFICIAL SELECTION (Sep 2021)
SYS’s Six-Figure Screenplay Contest - OFFICIAL SELECTION (Sep 2021)
Atlanta Comedy Film Festival - OFFICIAL SELECTION (Sep 2021)
Austin Spotlight Film Festival - OFFICIAL SELECTION (Aug 2021)
American Screenwriting Conference - OFFICIAL SELECTION (May 2021)
Austin Comedy Film Festival - OFFICIAL SELECTION (March 2021)
Portland Comedy Film Festival - OFFICIAL SELECTION (August 2020)
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From: Mark Burley
Sent: Monday, August 8, 2022 11:14 AM
To: Joe Leone <info@writenowproductions.com>
Subject: Re: Mark Burley from Porpoise Productions

Joe,

There’s a lot of funny stuff in this script. Good dialogue and interactions between characters. It gets a little action comedy-ish at the end for me.

However, the emotional heart of this story to me in the relationship between Kyle and Mike.

Thank you for sending me this.

All the best

Mark
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Screenplay Awards Network (Analysis/Review)
Reno Tahoe Screenplay Contest
Date: 02/06/21
Title: Retirement Road Trip
Writer: Joe Leone
Format (Feature, TV, Short): Feature

What is one of the script’s most attractive qualities?

One of the most attractive features of the script is the very specific tone and style that the writer establishes through the action description from the beginning of the script. The very visual and specific language evokes clear images of what the audience would be seeing on screen for the reader and helps pull them into the narrative.

Can the core concept be discerned and summarized quickly? Does the concept contain novel elements (setting, goals, tone, etc.) that make the script stand out from others in the genre? Does it make a good pitch?

The core concept can be discerned and summarized quickly as a retiring pilot returns to a demolished home and decides to go on a road trip with his friends in a new RV while his home is rebuilt. The concept does contain novel elements, like the fact that Kyle’s home was demolished on accident, that make the script stand out from others in the genre. The concept does make a relatively good pitch in the current form.

Was the script formatted per industry standards? Did the action description add or detract from the reading experience? Was there a satisfying balance between action and dialogue?

The script is formatted according to industry standards and the writer employs the conventional font, margins, character introductions, etc. The action description, as mentioned previously, is very visually engaging and adds to the reading experience. There is a satisfying balance between action and dialogue.

Is dialogue nuanced? Do characters speak economically or is dialogue overwritten?

The script’s dialogue does contain nuance and characters do not simply say everything they are thinking or explain things as they happen. The characters generally sound real and appropriate for their location, time, and background and each have a distinct voice that sets them apart from other characters. The dialogue does not feel overwritten.

What was the overall ease of the read? Do scenes flow from one to the next within the scope of a logical action/reaction? Was the script easy to comprehend?

The script is easy to read overall given the language and formatting that the writer employs throughout the script. Scenes do flow smoothly from one to the next within the scope of logical action/reaction as Kyle learns new things about himself through his adventure with his old friends. The script is easy to comprehend and the reader does not find themselves needing to reread sections of the script for clarity.
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Virtual Pitch Fest response (04/17/21) - "Hi Joe, Thank you for pitching me your feature film, RETIREMENT ROAD TRIP. It sounds like a fun adventure and I trust writing it was equally as exciting for you. At this time, it is not a fit but I trust you will find the right and perfect producer to work with you and attach name talent. I look forward to future pitches from you."
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Virtual Pitch Fest response (04/07/2021) - "It is certainly a strong pitch and one that would certainly have some comical moments in it. With a strong cast it could be a really strong movie. However, my company chooses to specialize more into sci-fi/fantasy genres of films. Good luck for the future, I expect to see it on Netflix 2022!"
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Virtual Pitch Fest response (12/12/20): "This looks terrific and the type of script that could attach an A-List cast. It just isn't the right fit for me now. Best of luck with it!"
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Virtual Pitch Fest response (12/09/20):

Hi, Joe -

Thanks for thinking of me! I love the idea of this, but if you can believe it, I've already got another project in development that centers on an RV and feel that this might just be too close for comfort. Best of luck with it though, and apparently you're on the right track!

Tracey
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PixelsGarage Awards of Excellence Review (Dec, 2020) -

On the last day of his service, before he retires, commercial pilot Kyle is a contented man. Eagerly anticipating the joys of retired life; doing nothing so to speak, enjoying his paid-off home, tending his garden, mowing his lawn and walking a dog he does not yet own. While his co-pilot is willing to bet that Kyle will soon be back in the cockpit behind the controls, Kyle is confident that nothing on earth can bring him to visit another airport for the rest of his life. When his cab drops him home after his last flight, he is shocked to discover his house, razed to the ground. Thanks to a mix-up, the plot where his house once stood is now a flat piece of land. Kyle buys the latest RV so that he can live in it on his ground till the work on his new house is complete. During his retirement bash, his childhood friends Shane and Maggie talk him into taking a road trip; one good adventure worth stowing away in memory for the rest of your life.

‘Retirement Road Trip’ is a feature script from writer Joe Leone. Leone captures the spirit of a retired professional who though preparing for a life not dictated by the clock, has to make a list down in his planner to execute them off the to-do list and strike them away one by one. The writer paints the thorough professional in Kyle right away in the first scene that leaves no doubt about the shock he faces when he finds that his whole house has just disappeared from the ground. All the main characters are well fleshed out and they drive the story forward on an eerily relatable route. Even though a large part of the story plays out inside the RV, the writer does not, for even a moment, keep us oblivious to the landscape and the terrain we are passing through on the outside.

‘Retirement Road Trip’ is a story about self-discovery as much as it is the goofy road trip among childhood friends after life has knocked them around hard. The writer leaves us with the poetic idea that it is ‘only a few good minutes of open talk amongst friends’ that is needed to end the frictions that have been stopping life from being what it could have been. But quite often, those few minutes come a few decades too late, a few thousand miles away from home and in the middle of a life-threatening incident.
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On Mon, Aug 31, 2020 at 12:37 AM Mikel Fair wrote:
 
Hi Joe, 

Thanks for submitting to the Portland Comedy Film Festival Fall 2020. Your submission's average rating is in the 8.8 - 9.0 out of 10 range, which is really good and will easily be selected. The official notification date is on September 8. Great job!

Do you have a version of the poster with your name on it? Are you still submitting to festivals? If so, please consider our partner event, the Austin Comedy Film Festival.

Good luck and have a great week.

Mikel Fair, Festival Director
Author of the ebook Film Festival Submitter's Handbook

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