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Did you know that all entrants to the 2023 Script Competition receive registration discounts to the 30th Annual Austin Film Festival? In addition, writers who advance further in the competition are awarded more significant discounts on badges the higher they place.
Submit today here: https://bit.ly/3sfEZWC
Step foot into your screenplay writing career and enter the Austin Film Festival Script Competition TODAY! One of the great benefits of entering the competition is the ability to opt-in to receive FREE reader comments on their submissions. Check out Alyssa's 5 benefits of submitting to our Script Competition.
Submit Your Script Today: https://bit.ly/Script2023
Early bird submissions end March 23rd.
We are once again partnering with ColdTowne Theater for First Three Pages, Live! A talented troop of performers will be reading the opening of seven great scripts from some of Austin's best storytellers. Join us for this fantastic event THIS Thursday, January 26, at 7 PM. All the info plus to grab your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3QlVGtJe. Until then, we want to preview each story and the writer who created it. Today's feature is Everything Changes by .
Screenplay: Everything Changes
Tech sales star, Emily Letourneau, settles for her average life. A cancer diagnosis changes everything: forcing her to face the past, embrace the present and reimagine her future.
Writer: Victoria Brooks
Victoria Brooks is a poster child for bad choices, luckily escaping relatively unscathed, except for that one time. You’ll have to meet her to hear *that* story. She shares her legacy of bad decisions for entertainment and life lessons, hoping that women will relate. She hopes they’ll find strength in the tears and laughter of her characters’ journeys, remembering to get back up again and find a way when life hits hard. She’s won some writing awards and placed in several competitions, which is likely the least exciting thing about her. Since sharing her writer’s cred is customary, some of them include Stage 32 Screenwriting Fellowship (Semi-Finalist), Page Turner – First 15 (Quarter Finalist), ISA – 2018 Austin Writer, and several not highly recognized but still great ego boost competitions. You can find her at events in and around Austin, such as SXSW and Austin Film Festival.
"Our Script Competition for 2023 is open for entries! Here at the Austin Film Festival, we hope to give storytellers the opportunity to share their voices and have a chance at getting discovered in the industry. I look forward to seeing your stories in our 2023 competition! In the meantime, here are some of the perks I think are beneficial for emerging writers interested in submitting to our Competition."
— Alyssa Alvarado, Script Director
Read full blog here: http://bit.ly/3HnrPOM
We are once again partnering with ColdTowne Theater for First Three Pages, Live! A talented troop of performers will be reading the opening of seven great scripts from some of Austin's best storytellers. Join us for this fantastic event THIS Thursday, January 26, at 7 PM. All the info plus to grab your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3QlVGtJe. Until then, we want to preview each story and the writer who created it. Today's feature is Old School by Ally Cohen.
Screenplay: Old School
A free-spirited grandmother gets kicked out of her retirement community for partying, causing her to move into her uptight perfectionist granddaughter’s dorm room.
Writer: Ally Cohen
Ally Cohen is an Austin, Texas based screenwriter and comedian.
Austin Film Festival is excited to announce our returning Competiton Sponsorship with Rooster Teeth and Enderby Entertainment!
Find out more or submit to our returning Rooster Teeth Fellowships and Enderby Entertainment Award here: http://bit.ly/3GYRBYl
We are once again partnering with ColdTowne Theater for First Three Pages, Live! A talented troop of performers will be reading the opening of seven great scripts from some of Austin's best storytellers. Join us for this fantastic event THIS Thursday, January 26, at 7 PM. All the info plus to grab your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3QlVGtJe. Until then, we want to preview each story and the writer who created it. Today's feature is Bananaversary by Bryan Poyser.
Screenplay: Bananaversary
Their wedding night nearly shattered by an uncomfortable revelation, a newly married couple try to make the best of the morning after. 5 years later, they return to the same hotel to re-kindle their spark but discover the hotel has been keeping a secret that threatens much more than their marriage.
Writer: Bryan Poyser
A two-time Independent Spirit Award nominee, Bryan Poyser has directed 3 features, numerous shorts and made projects for Comedy Central, HBO and the USA Network. His work has screened at major film festivals like Sundance and SXSW and his most recent short film won the Texas Short Filmmaker Award at the 2022 Austin Film Festival.
We are once again partnering with ColdTowne Theater for First Three Pages, Live! A talented troop of performers will be reading the opening of seven great scripts from some of Austin's best storytellers. Join us for this fantastic event Thursday, January 26, at 7 PM. All the info plus to grab your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3QlVGtJe. Until then, we want to preview each story and the writer who created it. Today's feature is The Eagle in Spring by .
Screenplay: The Eagle in Spring
Her father’s untimely death thrusts a naive teenage girl into the cut-throat world of Medieval politics where she becomes a player in a deadly game. She struggles against princes and the pope to regain her freedom, her land, and her crown.
Writer: Leo Sopicki
Leo Sopicki has been writing all his life and started to work on screenplays about 10 years ago. He has written and produced several short films, one of which won an award at the 2022 Worldfest Houston.
We are once again partnering with ColdTowne Theater for First Three Pages, Live! A talented troop of performers will be reading the opening of seven great scripts from some of Austin's best storytellers. Join us for this fantastic event Thursday, January 26, at 7 PM. All the info plus to grab your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3QlVGtJe. Until then, we want to preview each story and the writer who created it. Today's feature is Mother’s Day by Lisa B. Thompson.
Short Film Script: Mother’s Day
The search for the perfect nanny sends a new mother into a world of robots that challenge her notions of racial progress and women’s liberation.
Writer: Lisa B. Thompson
Lisa B. Thompson’s satirical comedies, poignant dramas and Afro-futurist theatre shatter stereotypes about Black life in the US, particularly the experiences of the Black middle class. The writer, director is also professor of African and African Diaspora Studies at UT Austin and co-host of Black Austin Matters, a podcast and radio segment on K*T that explores Black life, culture, and politics in Central Texas.
Improve your sketch comedy writing skills by joining our partner ColdTowne Theater's Sketch Writing Classes starting this Wednesday. They offer two levels to cater to different skill sets. For more information, visit https://bit.ly/3iDaXtK.
We are once again partnering with ColdTowne Theater for First Three Pages, Live! A talented troop of performers will be reading the opening of seven great scripts from some of Austin's best storytellers. Join us for this fantastic event Thursday, January 26, at 7 PM. All the info plus to grab your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3QlVGtJe. Until then, we want to preview each story and the writer who created it. Today's feature is the podcast Henrietta Vs The VOID by Celia Tise.
Fiction Podcast Script: Henrietta Vs The VOID
Twenty years ago, in the places we view as strange, VOIDs mysteriously opened, warping the towns around them, and causing weird phenomenon to plague the lives of their citizens. Now, a young occultist sets out on a cross-country journey to close these inter-dimensional portals while hunting for clues connected to the disappearance of her mother.
Writer: Celia Tise
Celia Tise is an Influencer Manager by day and writer, improv-er, and comedy performer by night. After a long stint of only writing fan-fiction, she’s decided to return to her passion of writing (and hopefully one day finishing) scripts.
We are once again partnering with ColdTowne Theater for First Three Pages, Live! A talented troop of performers will be reading the opening of seven great scripts from some of Austin's best storytellers. Join us for this fantastic event Thursday, January 26, at 7 PM. All the info plus to grab your tickets, visit https://bit.ly/3QlVGtJe. Until then, we want to preview each of the stories and the writers who created them. Today's feature is Sister Jimena by Margarita Valle Santikos.
Screenplay: Sister Jimena
Jimena had accepted the fact she was going to be single forever. Her perspective of seeing men as friends unexpectedly sparked a relationship with an online backgammon opponent that turned into something more than what she was game for.
Writer: Margarita Valle Santikos
As a screenwriter, I draw inspiration from life events, particularly midlife crises that are awkward yet comedic. My artistic purpose is to motivate audiences to live and love by their own rules, disregarding social constructs. I’m a member of Women and Film and Television – WIFT Austin and a volunteer documentary film screener for the Austin Film Festival.
For 30 years, our Screenplay Competition has been one of the most acclaimed in the industry. It has nurtured and established the careers of many up-and-coming writers. Hear from one of our 2011 Austin Film Festival Script Competition winners!
"AFF carries a reputation - particularly for screenwriting - that surpasses every other festival. It's always hailed as a grand achievement when one's screenplay does well in competition there. The Austin Film Festival and Conference - where the writer is the story!"
- Dion Cook, 2011 Drama Screenplay Award Winner for Cutter
Submit your script today here: https://bit.ly/37wGNCs
Get excited to see Aleka Cooper’s new film M3GAN this weekend! Hear more from Aleka in her On Story Episode from Season 11, as she discusses the writing process in On Writing Horror.
Watch the full episode here: http://bit.ly/3X9MM4P
Ready to have your film be seen on the big screen? Submit to Austin Film Festival today! Hear what one of our past filmmakers has to say about their AFF experience.
"Thank you so much, AFF! The best thing about this festival is it really focuses on process and the work - It doesn't pander to the glitz and glam that sometimes makes this industry seductive. Wonderfully diverse industry conference and programming. You really do champion inclusivity in every way - there were no secret parties that excluded filmmakers who were not "on the scene" -Everyone had access to everything, and that really makes a difference when it comes to the kinds of connections you can make.
You really do champion the filmmakers programmed, and it means a lot. I left remembering my worth as a writer and artist because it really did feel like the festival was committed to reminding creatives of the process and their inherent value. Thanks so much. Can't wait to be back with a feature!"
— Aisha Evelyna,
writer/director ALEX,
Official Selection at 2022 Austin Film Festival
Submit your film today here: https://bit.ly/37wGNCs
First Three Pages, Live! Tickets are on sale now!
Get a sneak peek at the next big thing in film with First Three Pages, Live! Local screenwriters will share the first pages of their newest, unproduced works with the help of ColdTowne Theater's talented performers. Come support the local film community in a fun and supportive environment. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to see new works come to life and connect with local writers and filmmakers for potential future collaborations.
The event is happening Thursday, January 26, starting at 7 PM at ColdTowne’s brand new location, located at 1700 East 2nd Street. General admission tickets are just $10. This event is co-presented by Austin Film Festival and ColdTowne Theater.
Today is your LAST CHANCE to submit for First Three Pages, Live! Close tonight at 11:59 PM CT. (Austin Locals or nearing cities only please.)
You can submit and purchase tickets here: https://bit.ly/3uL1DXi
"As a direct result of winning the Scripted Digital Series category, I am now represented by Jacob Hayman at CSP Management. Numerous projects have also materialized since my October in Austin. 2023 will be busy!"
– Cassandra Rose
2022 Scripted Digital Series Winner
Walk into a Bar
Our Script Competition is open, and our first deadline is March 23. Submit at the lowest fee of the year! Big things happen when you win our bronze typewriter, but if you want to win, you must submit first!
Submit your script today here: https://bit.ly/37wGNCs
Submissions for First Three Pages. Live! Closes tomorrow, January 4, at 11:59 PM (Central Time). This exciting event will feature the first three pages of local writers’ work-in-progress scripts, performed by ColdTowne’s talented company of performers.
Learn more and submit here: https://bit.ly/3uL1DXi
Have BIG PLANS for New Year's Eve! Come celebrate with us. Grab your Badge or Film Pass to , Oct 26-Nov 2, by 11:50PM TONIGHT and SAVE! Prices increase on all Badges and Passes, so BUY NOW. You can get $75 off a Weekend Badge by visiting http://bit.ly/3FolWhT.
Today is your last chance to SAVE $25 on in-person sessions for the Austin Film Festival's Summer Film Camp. Visit https://bit.ly/3vMx9FO to register NOW for amazing screenwriting, filmmaking, and stop-motion animation classes. We have the perfect camp for students ages 9-18.
Tomorrow is the last day to grab your Badge or Film Pass at its current LOW price. Prices will increase tomorrow at 11:59PM CST. BUY NOW & SAVE. You can grab a Weekend Badge for just $200, the best price of the entire year! Visit https://bit.ly/3FolWhT and SAVE for !
We’re excited to announce the return of AFF and ColdTowne Theater’s First Three Pages, Live! Submit your screenplay for the chance to have the first three pages read aloud by ColdTowne’s company of talented performers. Receive feedback from supportive local creatives or attend and cheer on your fellow peers’ work. Submissions are free and open until Wednesday, January 4th, 11:59 P.M. Submit at https://bit.ly/3uL1DXi. Tickets for the event will go on sale at a later date; chosen writers attend for free!
Looking to save some money in 2023! Let us help your resolution a bit early with a great deal on a Weekend Badge. Save $75 on your Badge if you buy before 11:59PM on 12/31/22. This is the best price of the year! Visit http://bit.ly/3FolWhT to buy.
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The Weekend is Here for AFF29! Check out the #AFF29recap for Day 2!
This week on On Story, Miss Juneteenth writer/director Channing Godfrey Peoples discusses her feature directorial debut and her work as a multi-hyphenate independent filmmaker. Check your local listings for air dates on PBS or tune into onstory.tv on Saturday, August 20th to watch! . . . #aff29 #onstory #affonstory #affonstoryseason12 #austinfilmfestival #channinggodfreypeoples #cgpeoples #junteenthmovie #filmmaker #screenwriting #writing #writersofinstagram
This week on the On Story podcast, we’re joined by Shang-Chi and Wonder Woman 1984 writer Dave Callaham for a conversation on writing blockbusters intertwined with personal experiences. Dave Callaham is a screenwriter and producer. He co-wrote the screenplay for the highly praised Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, a superhero film adapted from the Marvel comic series. Want to be in the know on the latest On Story episode? Subscribe and listen to On Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, onstory.tv and other major platforms. Link in our bio. . . #aff29 #onstory #affonstory #austinfilmfestival #shangchi #WonderWomanFilm #JCVanJohnson #screenwriting #writing #writersofinstagram
This week on On Story, Stephen Karam, Tony Award winner and Pulitzer Prize finalist author of The Humans, Sons of the Prophet and Speech & Debate, discusses his directorial debut and highly anticipated adaptation to The Humans. Karam dissects the evolution of the Tony Award winning play and the difficulties in bringing his vision from stage to screen. Check your local listings for air dates on PBS or tune into onstory.tv on Saturday, August 13th to watch! . . . #aff29 #onstory #affonstory #affonstoryseason12 #austinfilmfestival #stephenkaram #thehumans #sonsofprophet #speechanddebate #screenwriting #writing #writersofinstagram
This week on On Story, writer/director of Pig, Michael Sarnoski, dissects writing, constructing, and managing the overall production scope of his directorial debut. Sarnoski speaks to how the film subverts conventional revenge themes and explores loss and overcoming grief. Check your local listings for air dates on PBS or tune into onstory.tv on Saturday, August 6th to watch! . . . #aff29 #onstory #affonstory #affonstoryseason12 #austinfilmfestival #michaelsarnoski #pigmovie #screenwriting #writing #writersofinstagram #nicolascage #alexwolff
This week on the On Story Podcast, we’re joined by award-winning television creator and showrunner Michael Schur as he talks about his role in creating and writing for some of the most loved comedies: The Office, Parks and Recreation, The Good Place and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Want to be in the know on the latest On Story episode? Subscribe and listen to On Story on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, onstory.tv and other major platforms. #aff29 #onstory #affonstory #austinfilmfestival #michaelschur #nbc #screenwriting #writing #writersofinstagram
This week on On Story, writer Derek Kolstad, creator of the John Wick franchise and Nobody reflects on his thrilling career, how he weaves emotion and humanity into action set pieces, as well as crafting characters you cannot help but root for. Check your local listings for air dates on PBS or tune into onstory.tv on Saturday, July 16th to watch! . . . John Wick Nobody Lionsgate Universal Pictures #aff29 #onstory #affonstory #affonstoryseason12 #austinfilmfestival #writer #derekkolstad #johnwickmovie #nobodymovie #summotentertainment #lionsgate #universalpictures #screenwriting #writing #writersofinstagram
This week on On Story, join Brad Ingelsby, creator of the HBO hit Mare of Easttown, for a conversation on writing the small-town thriller filled to the brim with writing that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Check your local listings for air dates on PBS or tune into onstory.tv on Saturday, July 9 to watch! . . . #aff29 #onstory #affonstory #affonstoryseason12 #austinfilmfestival #bradingelsby#hbo #screenwriting #writing #writersofinstagram
This week on On Story, writer/director Craig Brewer discusses the impetus, influences, and personal experiences behind his films Hustle & Flow and The Poor & Hungry and working with producer Stephanie Allain. Check your local listings for air dates on PBS or tune into onstory.tv on Saturday, July 2 to watch!
This week on On Story, join Jihan Crowther (The Underground Railroad) and Zach Baylin (King Richard) as they discuss tackling real life events and how they translate on screen. Check your local listings for air dates on PBS or tune into http://www.onstory.tv/ on Saturday, June 11th to watch!
This week on On Story, screenwriter Dave Callaham discusses his work on Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, Wonder Woman 1984, and Jean-Claude Van Johnson and the role of personal experience and self-exploration while developing and navigating big budget blockbusters. Check your local listings for air dates on PBS or tune into onstory.tv . . . click our link to watch here! https://bit.ly/3NYeGvU #aff29 #onstory #affonstory #affonstoryseason12 #austinfilmfestival #shangchi #WonderWomanFilm #JCVanJohnson #screenwriting #writing #writersofinstagram
Join us TOMORROW for a relaxing time at the beautiful hill country to visit Spark River Entertainment’s grand Spiderwood Studios! It's not too late to purchase your tickets and spend time writing and enjoying a nice summer day with other fellow writers! https://bit.ly/3Fip12O
THREE DAYS until Texas Writers Day Retreat! Join us this Saturday May 21, in the beautiful hill country to visit Spark River Entertainment’s grand Spiderwood Studios! Bring your favorite tools to write your great story and enjoy a summer day with fellow writers. Use this link to learn more and purchase tickets: https://bit.ly/3Fip12O
IT’S TIME! We want to see your films! Our Regular Deadline is TODAY May 16, 11:59 PM PDT Enderby Entertainment Award This award is available to all Narrative Short categories. Winners will be provided airfare and hotel accommodations for a week-long trip to Enderby's Los Angeles offices, guidance, and the opportunity to shadow executives and filmmakers on-site. Ghetto Film School Fellowship Award This award is available to entrants between the ages of 18-34 to all Short Film Competition categories (Narrative, Animated, Documentary, Student, and Digital Series), specifically filmmakers who belong to marginalized and underrepresented communities and racial groups. The winner will receive airfare and hotel accommodation reimbursements up to $1,000 and be placed in the Ghetto Film School Roster Program. Austin Movie Gear Texas Short Filmmaker Award This award is available to all Short categories (Narrative, Animated, Documentary, Student) written or directed in Texas or filmed on location in Texas. Winner will receive a $3,000 store credit good for any rental or purchase at Austin Movie Gear. Blackmagic Collective Emerging Filmmakers Initiative Award This award is available to all filmmakers who identify as BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, or Female-Identifying. The winner will receive a Blackmagic Design Pocket 6K Pro, a guaranteed screening slot at the BMC Film Festival in Los Angeles, and a guaranteed seat in the Emerging Filmmakers Initiative running from January 2023 to November 2023. Furthermore, finalists (the top 10 films within the category) will receive exclusive automatic first-look consideration for remaining Fellowship slots. SUBMIT HERE: https://bit.ly/3sGx4Bj
Get advance tickets today to see our 2021 Audience Awards winning Narrative feature film Unsilenced Thursday, May 12 at 7PM. Check out the trailer! Secure those seats here today: https://bit.ly/38Qt4au
Bob Newhart talks working with Father Ellwood “Bud” Kieser, a Catholic Clergyman and the Founder of Paulist Productions. TOMORROW Austin Film Festival will be Partnering with the St. Austin Catholic Parish to screen Hollywood Priest, the film will be shown at a Special Charity Screening Event. You can still RSVP for this special screening tomorrow here: https://bit.ly/3xWo12u
IN 2 DAYS: Australian UTA Agent Hope Watson has joined our second panel at #AFFinLA Purchase your ticket here to see what Watson has to say about navigating the competitive industry of film: https://bit.ly/3tR7QB4
IN 3 DAYS: Get to know Manal Hammad at #AFFinLA ! This talent agent works with diverse voices to put their stories out to the world. Hammad is an integral member of the television literary team at Verve, where she shapes the career of her clients and guides them on their path to the entertainment industry! Save your seat here for the panel with her & other film industry experts Raquelle David and Hope Watson. https://bit.ly/3tR7QB4
Here is a clip of Bob Newhart on Hollywood Priest: The Story of Father ‘Bud’ Kieser” which we will be screening THIS Tuesday, May 3 at 7PM. RSVP here for FREE: https://bit.ly/3xWo12u
"Making the Top 20 semifinalists in the Comedy Feature competition really helped get reads around Hollywood that led to general meetings." - Christian Sinclair Wolf Austin Film Festival 2020 Semi-Finalist Screenplay and Teleplay Regular Deadline is TONIGHT! Submit today before 11:59 PM PDT Submit Here: https://bit.ly/35Pohon
Grab your baskets! Austin Film Festival's annual egg hunt is just around the corner! Starting on Good Friday, search our website, www.austinfilmfestival.com, for the Easter eggs we've hidden and receive special discounts for the 2022 Festival and Conference. These discounts are limited, can only be used for the Badge level specified, and cannot be combined with other sales. Happy Hunting! #easter #eastersale #egghunt #AFF29
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