Energy Entertainment Signs Launch Pad Alum Stephen Simpson (EXCLUSIVE)

〉 Simpson joins over 150 Launch Pad alums who have landed representation in just three years.

We are pleased to announce that 2016 Launch Pad Pilots Competition writer Stephen Simpson has signed with manager Brooklyn Weaver of Energy Entertainment shortly after his original drama pilot THE SERPENT UNDER’T placed in the Top 75 of the 2016 LPPC.

The supernatural drama, described as Game of Thrones meets House of Cards, plays out as a prequel to Shakespeare’s classic, centering on a young Scottish nobleman named Macbeth who is told that, through the dark arts of murder, treachery, and deceit, he will rise up to become king.

Our Launch Pad readers praised The Serpent Under’t as a gorgeously written and spellbinding story, introducing the greatest aspects of Shakespeare’s original but interweaving an easily accessible and exceedingly entertaining story. Complete with fully realized characters, old and new, it’s a captivating drama that’s brimming with plot.

As much a drama as it is a political thriller, and filled with elements of both the supernatural and philosophical, this story not only succeeds in creating a story that seamlessly bridges with the original work, but creates new and exciting angles and perspectives on the long established play. Visually stunning, filled with vibrant dialogue, and blooming with mesmerizing characters, this thought-provoking tale not only reintroduces the audience to a tale they know, but it gives them a chance to make it their own.

Trained as a physical therapist, Simpson currently works as a copywriter at an ethical advertising agency in Glasgow, Scotland, which he co-owns. He made a brief foray into TV, writing one-off sketches for a Gaelic language BBC Scotland comedy show. He enjoys reading historical fiction, watching movies and TV, and when he’s not testing his wife’s patience with yet another story idea, they can be found dragging their three children up hills and around lochs.

Weaver, whose clients include Rob Liefeld (Deadpool), Brad Ingelsby (Run All Night), and Mark Mallouk (Black Mass), has been a judge in every Launch Pad Competition, and has signed over 10 Launch Pad alums. Energy has also partnered with the Launch Pad Manuscript Competition and will be selecting at least one writer and project to represent.

Congratulations Stephen! We can’t wait to see what you do next!

To see the complete list of writers who made the TOP 75 of our 2016 Launch Pad Pilot Competition click here.

The submissions for the 2016 Launch Pad Manuscript and Features Competition are open! Learn more about the Launch Pad Competition!

Josh Lyons | Managing Editor