2023 Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference: Full Schedule

12:00pm CDT

Exhibit Hall

Sponsors

The University of Genetic Trash Press

Western Colorado University

Wednesday October 25, 2023 12:00pm - Saturday October 28, 2023 5:30pm CDT
Omni Trademark Room 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Exhibit Hall

7:00pm CDT

Film & Food Fundraising Party

Austin Film Festival is pleased to announce that our 20th Annual Film & Food Fundraising Party will take place on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 from 7-10pm. Filmmakers, producers, celebrities, and foodies from across the globe come together to celebrate the arts of filmmaking and screenwriting. Join us for flowing cocktails and inventive cuisine from Austin’s most notable chefs and restaurants. The event also includes live and silent auctions that showcase the best in luxury items, trips, and experiences.
All proceeds benefit Austin Film Festival’s Young Filmmakers Program (YFP), which aims to improve creativity, literacy, and communication skills through the arts of screenwriting and filmmaking. YFP collectively serves over 1,800 students annually, ages 9-18, in the Austin community through programs such as Digital Storytelling, Arts Education Outreach, and Summer Film Camp. Select programs are offered free, thanks in part to your generous support of this event, through AISD schools and partner organizations. Additionally, YFP grants more than 300 students and teachers scholarships to attend the annual Austin Film Festival & Writers Conference allowing the next generation of storytellers to experience the magic of our event first hand.

Wednesday October 25, 2023 7:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Fair Market 1100 E 5th St., Austin, TX 78702

Party

11:30am CDT

Opening Remarks

Austin Film Festival (AFF) welcomes you to its 30th annual celebration of storytelling through film, television, and new media. Bringing together industry icons, independent filmmakers, aspiring storytellers, and everyone in between, this year’s Festival features intimate discussions, workshops, film premieres, retrospectives, parties, and limitless networking opportunities. Join AFF staff and special guests for Opening Remarks to learn more about the week ahead, last-minute additions and changes, and new special guests.

Speakers

Wendy Calhoun

writer/producer - The Rookie: Feds, Prodigal Son, Station 19, Empire, Nashville, Revenge, Justified

Peabody-award-winning Wendy Calhoun's unique career spans one-hour dramas, unscripted series, VR, and gaming. She currently developing new scripted series for Starz, FX, and Universal UK. Her drama credits include writing/producing the historic blockbuster first season of Fox's Empire... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St Austin, TX 78701 United States

Conference

1:00pm CDT

Deconstructing The Action Movie

Creating exciting action out of a blank page is a daunting task. Come learn from the experts on writing action movies of all kinds: grounded, character-focused true stories like Patriots Day and Emancipation to massive IP event movies like Angel Has Fallen and Assassin’s Creed.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival; Moderator

Barbara Morgan serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Austin Film Festival. Since co-founding the organization in 1993, she has shepherded the festival from a weekend of films and panels into a week-long celebration of storytelling through film, television, and other emerging... Read More →

Speakers

Matt Cook

writer/co-producer Triple Nine, By Way of Helena; co-writer Patriots Day

Matt Cook is a screenwriter, director, and producer of various studio and independent films and television. His work includes The Duel, Triple Nine, Patriots Day, The Informer, Angel Has Fallen, Plane, and the Hulu true-crime docuseries Murders Before the Marathon. Both The Duel... Read More →

Bill Collage

screenwriter Emancipation, Divergent: Allegiant, Assassin’s Creed, Transporter: Refueled, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Tower Heist, Accepted; television writer Of Kings and Prophets

William (Bill) Collage is an award-winning screenwriter of more than 60 feature length films (all for major studios) and television shows. His global box office receipts top $1 billion.His produced credits include: Emancipation (2022), Divergent Series: Allegiant (2016), Assassin’s... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

1:00pm CDT

How to Work the Writers Conference

Find out how to make the most of everything AFF has to offer: from networking and mingling, and navigating the roundtables and pitch competition, to picking which panels to attend. Join these friends of the Festival for the official Writers Conference rundown.

Moderators

Matt Dy

Script Consultant; Former Literary Manager, Lit Entertainment Group; Former Director of Script Competitions, Austin Film Festival

With a deep passion for film and story, Matt Dy’s entire professional career has solely been dedicated to working with screenwriters. For over a decade, he worked at Austin Film Festival as the Director of Script Competitions where he facilitated the evaluation of thousands of annual... Read More →

Speakers

Alex Convery

writer Air

Alex Convery wrote AIR starring Ben Affleck, Matt Damon and Viola Davis. He's been featured on the annual Hollywood Blacklist three times and was named one of Variety's 10 Screenwriters to Watch in 2022. He's now working on another script for Skydance with Justin Lin attached to direct... Read More →

Sean Collins-Smith

Story Editor Chicago PD, Staff Writer Michael Shur’s Field of Dreams

Sean Collins-Smith (Story Editor, CHICAGO PD; Staff Writer, FIELD OF DREAMS) is a screenwriter and national award-winning journalist from Richmond, Virginia. A winner and 3-time finalist at the Austin Film Festival, Sean’s most recent pilot, WONDER DRUG: A LIMITED SERIES, reached... Read More →

Alisha Brophy

co-writer Inside Job, License to Drive, United States of Fuckin' Awesome

Alisha Brophy and Scott Miles won the Academy's Nicholl Fellowship with their comedy United States of Fuckin' Awesome. They followed this with features for Lionsgate, CBS Films, and License to Drive for FOX. Their DIY animated shorts have been featured on Funny or Die, IndieWire... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St Austin, TX 78701 United States

Conference

1:00pm CDT

Indie Film Track: Documentaries

In highlighting the lives and stories of real people, documentary filmmaking requires a multi-layered writing process. From adapting to unforeseen circumstances throughout production to working with subjects to accurately represent their accounts, hear from a panel of documentary filmmakers about the importance and techniques of the craft.

Moderators

Lovinder S. Gill

AFF Moderator

Lovinder Gill is an Award-Winning filmmaker and an International Best-Selling Author for his book “Scriptcake Secrets: The Top Ten Mistakes Novice Screenwriters Make and How to Fix Them.” His screenwriting podcast Scriptcake was chosen as one of “The 25 Best Screenwriting Podcasts... Read More →

Speakers

Brennan Robideaux

writer/filmmaker

Brennan Robideaux is a storyteller born and raised in the heart of cajun country Louisiana. He began his journey in filmmaking and writing as a child, making home movies on hi-8mm before purchasing his first camera with the money he made washing cars in the summer. His subsequent... Read More →

Laura Waters Hinson

co-director The Test (doc short screening at AFF 2023) director Street Reporter (winner, Audience Choice Award at AFF 2021)

An award-winning filmmaker and assistant professor of film at American University, Laura’s films have screened at the U.S. Congress, United Nations, Smithsonian National Gallery of Art and premiered at numerous global film festivals with broadcasts on PBS, WORLD, ShortsTV and Curiosity... Read More →

Liz Lachman

writer/director Susan Feniger. FORKED

LIZ LACHMAN is an EMMY Award winning musician, and a GOLDEN REEL Award winning music editor. She started life as a big band singer then morphed into a singer/songwriter.As a filmmaker, her short psychological thriller, PIN-UP, starring Angela Sarafyan (WESTWORLD) and Christina Chang... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference, Indie Film Track

1:00pm CDT

On True Detective: A Conversation with Nic Pizzolatto

Join us to hear from the mind behind True Detective and The Magnificent Seven. Learn how to write a compelling mystery, create memorable character arcs for an ensemble, and keep your audience invested in an anthology series.

Moderators

Matthew Odam

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Nic Pizzolatto

creator, writer, showrunner of HBO's True Detective, seasons 1-3. Author of 'Galveston' and 'Between Here and the Yellow Sea', screenwriter of 'The Guilty' and other films. Current projects include an Amazon TV series, a feature script for Skydance, and writing and directing "Easy's Waltz", starring Vince Vaughn and Al Pacino

Nic Pizzolatto is a writer, producer and director, most known for the first three seasons of HBO's "True Detective", which he created, wrote and served as showrunner for. He has also written two books, three films, and received numerous awards for his writing, including two WGA awards... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

1:00pm CDT

State of the Industry: Features

We’re bringing together a group of seasoned storytellers and entertainment executives to discuss the current state of the film industry. Get behind-the-scenes insight into current trends, popular releases, and future predictions of where the business is heading.

Moderators

Johnny McAllister

AFF Moderator

Johnny McAllister is an award-winning writer, director and producer from Donegal, Ireland via the Middle East and elsewhere. He has written on over a dozen film and TV projects for the likes of Warner Brothers and Starz and have played at festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, SXSW and... Read More →

Speakers

Rick Dugdale

producer The Intrigo Anthology, Recon, Zero Contact; President, Enderby Entertainment

Rick Dugdale is the President and CEO of Enderby Entertainment, a film finance and production company founded in 2006 by Dugdale and his filmmaking partner, Daniel Petrie, Jr. Dugdale oversees all aspects of Enderby Entertainment’s business, finance and production and spearheads... Read More →

Jodi Hildebrand

Producer of Scripted Film and Television, Conde Nast Entertainment

Jodi Hildebrand is a film and television producer and currently runs the Scripted Television and Film team at Conde Nast Entertainment, building film and television slates for global media brands such as The New Yorker, Vanity Fair and Wired.Previously she was partnered with writer/director... Read More →

Julio Quintana

writer-director The Vessel, Blue Miracle, The Long Game

Julio Quintana was born in Los Angeles, the oldest of five brothers. His parents both left Cuba after nearly a decade under Castro’s revolution, settling in California, where his father became the first in his family to earn a college degree.Shortly after his birth, Quintana’s... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

1:00pm CDT

The Myth of 3 Act Structure

In this groundbreaking seminar, WGA Paul Selvin Award Winner Jacob Krueger shows you why more and more successful writers are abandoning a 3-act structure for a more intuitive approach. Learn why writers get "lost in the second act" and how to make sure that it never happens to you again. Plus, discover a new way of thinking about structure that helps you transcend the tired old formulas, and grow your script organically by connecting to your characters and your instincts as a writer.

Speakers

Jacob Krueger

Writer The Matthew Shepard Story; WGA Paul Selvin Award Winner

The Founder of Jacob Krueger Studio and host of the popular Write Your Screenplay podcast, Jacob has worked with all kinds of writers, from Academy and Tony Award Winners, to new writers picking up the pen for the first time. His writing includes the screenplay for Emmy winning The... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

1:00pm CDT

Women in the Room

Back by popular demand, hear an authentic and unfiltered discussion about the experiences of women in the industry.

Speakers

Noelle Stehman

writer All I Didn’t Want For Christmas; co-creator/showrunner Astrid & Lilly Save the World

Betsy Van Stone and Noelle Stehman are the creators, showrunners, and executive producers of the 2022 Syfy original series “Astrid & Lilly Save the World.” Most recently, their holiday feature, “All I Didn’t Want for Christmas,” starring Gabourey Sidibe and Kel Mitchell... Read More →

Betsy Van Stone

writer All I Didn’t Want For Christmas; co-creator/showrunner Astrid & Lilly Save the World

Kara Lee Corthron

writer/co-executive producer You; writer/co-executive producer Servant

Kara Lee Corthron is a TV/screenwriter, YA novelist, and playwright based in Los Angeles. She’s currently co-executive producer for season 5 of the Netflix hit thriller YOU — her fourth season on the show. She served as supervising producer and co-executive producer for M. Night... Read More →

Jessica Esteves

Staff Writer Vida; Story Editor Work in Progress; Executive Story Editor Republic of Sarah

Jessica Esteves is currently a Supervising Producer on SAM JONES for Amazon. Prior to that, she was a Co-Producer on MADONNAS OF ECHO PARK for Starz and has staffed on a number of other shows including VIDA, WORK IN PROGRESS, and REPUBLIC OF SARAH. Jessica is a passionate leader... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Omni Pennybacker 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

1:00pm CDT

Writing Dark Comedy

Dark comedy is a tonal balancing act that can be intimidating to pull off, but the genre has undoubtedly become one of television’s most popular in recent years. Hear from the writers behind Yellowjackets and Made for Love on how to find humor in heavy subject matter.

Moderators

John Merriman

AFF Moderator

John Merriman starred in the New York Times Critic's Pick YOU HURT MY FEELINGS, the LA Film Fest winning feature GRETCHEN, and the indie comedies MUSTANG ISLAND, PICTURES OF SUPERHEROES, and CINEMA SIX. He also acted in the acclaimed Sundance films SISTER AIMEE and PIT STOP as well... Read More →

Speakers

Jovan Robinson

writer on For All Mankind, Marvel's Secret Invasion, Made For Love

Jovan Robinson is a writer-producer and Marine Corps veteran originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After serving as a Korean linguist in military intelligence, he graduated from UC Berkeley with dual degrees in Urban Planning and Film Studies. He received a screenwriting MFA from... Read More →

Ashley Lyle

co-creator/co-showrunner Yellowjackets; writer/producer Dispatches From Elsewhere, Narcos: Mexico, Narcos

Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson are the sensational creators, showrunners, and executive producers of the hit Showtime drama series, Yellowjackets.Yellowjackets season one was nominated for seven Emmy® Awards including “Outstanding Drama Series” and two separate nominations for... Read More →

Bart Nickerson

co-creator/co-showrunner Yellowjackets; writer/producer Dispatches From Elsewhere, Narcos: Mexico, Narcos

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
800 Congress

Conference

1:00pm CDT

Pitch #1

This unique event allows contestants 90 seconds to pitch their best ideas to a panel of judges made up of producers, managers, and screenwriters in a constructive and friendly environment. Give your best pitch in 90 seconds and secure your spot in the finals at the Pitch Finale Party on Saturday night.

Speakers

Evan Narcisse

writer Rise of the Black Panther, Marvel's Black Panther: Wakanda Atlas, The New Day: Power of Positivity; Narrative Designer Marvel's Spider-Man: Miles Morales, Redfall: Gotham Knights, Dot's Home; Story Producer Milestone Generations

Evan Narcisse is the Senior Writer at Brass Lion Entertainment. He's worked as a screenwriter, producer, and narrative design consultant in video games, comic books, film, and TV, often focusing on the intersection of blackness and pop culture. As a journalist and critic, he wrote... Read More →

Jill Chamberlain

Author The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting

Jill Chamberlain is the author of The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret to SuccessfulScreenwriting, one of the highest rated screenwriting books on Amazon, out of over 3,000books on the subject. Oscar-winning screenwriter Han Jin-won (Parasite) said “JillChamberlain sets a new... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

1:00pm CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft, and business of writing for film and television. This roundtable session offers registrants exclusive access to screenwriters, directors, producers, executives, and studio reps in an informal setting. Come prepared with questions that focus on the importance of both the creative and business sides of breaking into and writing for film.

*This Roundtable requires advance registration at the Roundtable Sign-up Table in the Trademark Room at the Omni Hotel; the Roundtable takes place in Crail B C at St. David's Episcopal Church. Only one roundtable sign-up slot per registrant. Registrants must have the day-appropriate badge.

Advance sign up required during registration.
Omni Downtown Austin Hotel – Trademark Room
700 San Jacinto, E. 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Paul Lopez

TV/Film Development Executive - Hola Papi, National Treasure, Promised Land, This Fool, Mexican Gothic

Paul Lopez is a Manager of Development at renowned entertainment brand and independent comedy studio Funny Or Die (FOD). A champion for diverse voices, Lopez is currently developing FOD’s first book option ¡Hola Papi! for television along with other projects in scripted and unscripted... Read More →

Kesila Childers

Independent Producer

Kesila Childers was most recently Head of Development for filmmaker Paul Feig’s Powderkeg, where she oversaw the development slate and served as executive producer on numerous scripted and unscripted formats for emerging and traditional platforms. Kesila’s development approach... Read More →

Dan Robert

creator Excessive (Audible); writer The Baby-sitters Club (Netflix)

Dan Robert is an Emmy Award-winning writer/director/actor who grew up in western Massachusetts. He is the creator and director of the Audible original scripted podcast Excessive,starring Chloe Fineman and Joshua Jackson. With his high school best friend and writing partner, Lisha... Read More →

Jason Neulander

writer/director Fugitive Dreams, The Intergalactic Nemesis

Jason Neulander is a theater and film director and writer living in Austin, TX. His debut feature Fugitive Dreams (writer/director), which received its US premiere at the Austin Film Festival, will be released in 2023.

John Zaozirny

President, Bellevue Productions

John Zaozirny oversees feature film production and Literary Management for Bellevue Productions.His clients’ writing and directing credits include INFINITE, PARALLEL, ELI, BAD MATCH, TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE (2022), HEAVY TRIP, OFFICE UPRISING, JOLT, and SPLINTER amongst others... Read More →

Jason Lubin

Literary Manager/Producer, First Story Entertainment

Jason Lubin is a manager-producer and the principal at First Story Entertainment, which he founded in 2018. The lit management company represents a diverse roster of talented writers and directors with fresh voices in all genres for Film and TV. The company’s clients have been... Read More →

Weiko Lin

Author Crazy Screenwriting Secrets: How to Capture a Global Audience; writer/producer 100 Days

Author Crazy Screenwriting Secrets: How to Capture a Global Audience; writer/producer 100 DaysNative fluent in Mandarin, Weiko recently developed two Chinese language Disney Plus Asia original series and a feature biopic about America’s first flying ace of World War II with Mad... Read More →

Brittany Worthington

showrunner's assistant Cruel Summer; script coordinator Power Book III & IV; Screencraft Fellowship Winner, Launch Pad Pilot Competition Top 10

After surviving a bank robbery & a mother who claimed her dad was Tom Cruise, Brittany now channels that chaos into dramedy scripts exploring women coming into their own power. Her journey can be traced by her footwear: snowboots (growing up in western Michigan), cowboy boots (earning... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable

1:00pm CDT

Script Library

The Script Library houses scripts by all semifinalists, finalists, and winners from the 2023 Screenplay Competition.

Thursday October 26, 2023 1:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
St. David's Crail A 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script Library

2:45pm CDT

A Conversation with Damon Lindelof

This year’s Outstanding Television Writer awardee, Damon Lindelof has created groundbreaking shows such as Lost, The Leftovers, and Watchmen. Join us to hear from this creator and showrunner about his creative process and impressive body of work.

Moderators

Greg Garrett

AFF Moderator

Greg Garrett has been a panelist and moderator at the Austin Film Festival for more than fifteen years. At the Festival, he has interviewed luminaries such as Lawrence Kasdan, James Hart, Peter Hedges, and Damon Lindelof, and led dozens of conversations on craft, genre, adaptation... Read More →

Speakers

Damon Lindelof

2023 Recipient of the Outstanding Television Writer Award

DAMON LINDELOF was born in New Jersey to a schoolteacher and a banker. He was also born a writer, although it would take over 25 years to figure that out. In 2004 he partnered with J.J. Abrams to create LOST. No, they were not dead the whole time. Since Damon left the island, he has... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

2:45pm CDT

A Conversation with Emerald Fennell

The Oscar-winning writer-director Emerald Fennell joins the Festival to discuss her creative process, the making of Promising Young Woman, and her highly anticipated new film Saltburn.

Moderators

Erin Hallagan

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Emerald Fennell

writer/director Saltburn

Emerald Fennell is an Academy Award®, Golden Globe®, Emmy®, DGA, PGA and WGA nominated writer, director, actress and author who has established herself as a prolific multihyphenate in film, television and theatre... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
800 Congress

Conference

2:45pm CDT

A Look Inside the TV Reboot

Join VJ Boyd and Chris Provenzano, writers on Justified: City Primeval as they share their insights working on the reboot of a beloved TV series. Learn about the creative process behind updating a show for a new era.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival; Moderator

Speakers

VJ Boyd

writer/producer Justified: City Primeval, S.W.A.T., Justified

VJ Boyd most recently worked on the upcoming JUSTIFIED spinoff, CITY PRIMEVAL, for FX/Hulu. He previously wrote for SWAT and JUSTIFIED and co-created LINCOLN RHYME: HUNT FOR THE BONE COLLECTOR. He is also the co-author of the IDW comic book series NIGHT MOVES.

Chris Provenzano

writer Justified: City Primeval, Justified, Silicon Valley, Archer, Mad Men, Get Low

Chris Provenzano recently wrote and produced episodes of FX/HULU’s Justified: City Primeval, a continuation of his work on five seasons of the original FX drama Justified. He has written for shows as varied as HBO’s Silicon Valley, FX’s Archer, and AMC’s Mad Men, the latter... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

2:45pm CDT

From Screen to Sound

What are the differences between writing a script for a TV show or movie and a podcast? What techniques are effective in creating moving character and story development for an audio medium? How can writing for audio make you a better writer overall? If someone has studied or worked in film/TV, how do those skills translate? Join this session for a look behind the curtain in podcast writing, and how to put your skills to the best use.

Moderators

Sarah Rhea Werner

AFF Moderator

Sarah Rhea Werner is a writer, speaker, and podcast producer who loves to help other creators find confidence and success. She is the creator of the Write Now with Sarah Werner podcast and the award-winning audio drama, Girl In Space, and is the executive producer of the fantasy audio... Read More →

Speakers

George Ducker

writer/executive producer Exeter

George Ducker is a former writer for the Los Angeles Times, and his work has also appeared in The Believer and Bookforum. Feature film credits as producer and writer include Lighter and Luke And Brie Are On A First Date. Most recently, he's written and produced audio dramas and... Read More →

Faith McQuinn

Founder and Director/Writer of Observer Pictures

Nashville native Faith McQuinn has been a writer and video editor since 2005, working in both Southern California and Nashville on all sorts of projects from film to music videos to documentaries. She also spent nine years teaching screenwriting and directing at The Art Institute... Read More →

Ronnie Gunter

writer/director Exeter, Lighter, Solid Country Gold

Born and raised in Dark Corner, South Carolina, Ronnie Gunter has established a strong reputation as a writer/director who captures and showcases the Appalachian South.His works include Solid Country Gold, Lighter, and Exeter.

Brian Siegele

writer/director Black Box

Brian Siegele is a Colorado and Los Angeles-based writer and producer for film, television and audio. A graduate of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, he is a former AFF Screenplay Winner (2013), Podcast Finalist (2019), and Screenwriter to Watch (2022). Though he began his career... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference, Podcasting Track

2:45pm CDT

Genre Bending Done Right

Learn from the award-winning writer behind Nice Guys and the Lethal Weapon saga about blending neo-noir, action, and comedy to defy character archetypes, audience expectations, and genre conventions to create compelling story arcs.

Moderators

Harrison Glaser

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Shane Black

writer/director The Predator, The Nice Guys, Iron Man 3, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; writer Lethal Weapon, Last Action Hero, The Last Boy Scout, The Long Kiss Goodnight

SHANE BLACK has been responsible for creating a number of box office blockbusters, including the first two installments of the Lethal Weapon series and 1991’s The Last Boy Scout. In 1990, Shane sold his espionage script The Long Kiss Goodnight for a record sum of money. His... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Central Presbyterian 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Conference

2:45pm CDT

On Adapting IP: An Executive Perspective

Hear from development executives on how why the industry is so obsessed with IP-based content, how to choose a writer they trust with valuable properties, and their perspective on successful adaptations.

Moderators

Matt Dy

Script Consultant; Former Literary Manager, Lit Entertainment Group; Former Director of Script Competitions, Austin Film Festival

Speakers

Matthew Gross

producer Across the Universe, Fired Up!, Joe Somebody; executive producer The InBetween, Taken, Sons of Liberty, DayBreak; showrunner/director Body of Proof; producer/director Dirty Sexy Money; producer Live Stage Musical The Sting

Matthew Gross is currently Senior Vice-President of Authentic Studios, a division of Authentic Brands Group where he oversees development and content generation from their vast library of IP including Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Muhammad Ali and Sports Illustrated.Matthew is an... Read More →

Jodi Hildebrand

Producer of Scripted Film and Television, Conde Nast Entertainment

Thomas Carter

Founder, Artillery Creative; Producer/Manager

Thomas Carter is a producer and literary manager in Los Angeles. He is the founder of Artillery Creative collective, a multimedia development, production, and literary management company, and co-founder of film fund, Oil & Cattle. Thomas began his entertainment career casting films... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Omni Pennybacker 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

2:45pm CDT

The HartChart: The Last of Us

HartChart returns to AFF! This renowned story mapping tool is the key to developing strong character arcs and a well-paced plot. Learn how to master structure in your writing from the mind behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula, August Rush, and Hook, using beloved series The Last of Us as a case study.

Speakers

James V. Hart

2023 Recipient of the Heart of Film Award

JAMES V. HART (J.V.) was born in Shreveport, Louisiana and grew up in Ft. Worth Texas on Drive-In Movies and Saturday Matinees.His writing/producing credits include; Hook, directed by Steven Spielberg based on an idea by Hart’s then 6 year old son, Jake, Bram Stoker’s Dracula... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

2:45pm CDT

The Script Doctor Is In

At a standstill with your script? Join Ed Solomon and Max Borenstein as they remedy writing roadblocks you may be facing. The pair will discuss revision steps and offer direct feedback on in-progress scripts.

Speakers

Ed Solomon

writer Men in Black, HBO’s Full Circle, Mosaic, No Sudden Move; co-writer Bill & Ted Face the Music, Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure, Bill & Ted’s Bogus Journey, Now You See Me 1 & 2, It's Garry Shandling's Show

Screenwriter Ed Solomon began his career in college as a joke writer and stand-up comedian. In college he got his first staff writer job on ABC TV's “Laverne & Shirley.” From that he went on to co-write the groundbreaking It’s Garry Shandling’s Show, as well as the cult hit... Read More →

Max Borenstein

creator/show-runner Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty; writer Worth, Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla vs Kong, Hypnotic; creator The Terror: Infamy.

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

2:45pm CDT

Pitch #2

Speakers

Bill True

AFF Moderator; writer Runaway; Head of Dramatic Writing, Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre

Bill True’s debut feature, Runaway, was hailed by critics as “Brilliant” and “Hitchcockian” as it premiered to universal accolades at Tribeca and Toronto. It went on to screen worldwide at Avignon, Woodstock, Vail, Palm Springs, and other top festivals. Bill took the top... Read More →

Karen Joseph Adcock

writer on FX's The Bear and Showtimes' Yellowjackets

Karen Joseph Adcock is a drama comedy writer who’s not like other Karens— she’s black! Karen grew up in a small town in Louisiana, has a BA in film studies from Columbia University and an MFA in TV Writing and Producing from Loyola Marymount University. Her most recent credits... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

2:45pm CDT

Roadmap Writers Pitch Prep Session

Join the Roadmap Writers team as they get you ready for the Pitch Competition. Roadmap Writers is a screenwriting education and training platform for people looking for a guided path to professional success writing for film and tv. Their programs are designed to empower writers with actionable tools and insights to elevate their craft and cultivate relationships with industry professionals. Founded in 2016, by Joey Tuccio and Dorian Connelley, Roadmap has helped over 300 writers (many from AFF) sign with representation, while countless others have gotten staffed on tv shows, had their scripts optioned, or sold their scripts. Join them as they prep you for the renowned Austin Pitch Competition.

Sponsors

Roadmap Writers

Roadmap Writers is a screenwriting education and training platform for people looking for a guided path to professional success writing for film and tv. Their programs are hosted by working industry executives and are designed to empower writers with actionable tools and insights... Read More →

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Central Presbyterian Smoot 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Pitch

2:45pm CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Glenn Cockburn

President/Literary Agent, Meridian Artists

Glenn Cockburn is the founder of Meridian Artists. Along with the rest of the Meridian Artists team, Glenn currently represents a select roster of showrunners, writers and directors. Glenn has also produced the films Young People Fucking (TIFFWorld Premiere) Ordinary Days, and Stay... Read More →

Sean Collins-Smith

Story Editor Chicago PD, Staff Writer Michael Shur’s Field of Dreams

Alison Flierl

writer/producer BoJack Horseman, School Of Rock, Random Tropical Paradise, Conan, Internet Comment Theater, TV Guide Letter Theater

After having to wear an incredibly awkward chin gear as a kid, Alison realized the only path for her was comedy. One of her first big hits was a book titled Mr. Kropp And The Hot Dog Attack. It got rave reviews from her fellow 3rd graders. After that giant success, Alison received... Read More →

Colby Day

writer Spaceman, In the Blink of an Eye

Colby Day is a Los Angeles based writer and director, whose films have screened at deadCenter Film Festival, Woodstock Film Festival, and now Austin. He is the writer of the upcoming Netflix film SPACEMAN, directed by Johan Renck (CHERNOBYL), and starring Adam Sandler and Cary Mulligan... Read More →

Jessica Esteves

Staff Writer Vida; Story Editor Work in Progress; Executive Story Editor Republic of Sarah

Zack Zucker

Literary Manager, Bellevue Productions

Zack Zucker is a Literary Manager at Bellevue Productions. Prior to joining Bellevue, Zack worked at Google, United Talent Agency, and Twentieth Century Fox. He also produced independently.On the feature side, his clients have placed #1 on the 2020 and 2021 Black Lists and had films... Read More →

Richard Dane Scott

writer Sparkle: A Unicorn Tale, Avengers of Justice, staff writer 5th Ward, A Tooth Fairy Tale

Richard Dane Scott is a previous AFF competition and pitch finalist and has been hired for three projects from networking opportunities during the fest. He is credited with eight features, including Avengers of Justice, starring Amy Smart, Simon Rex, and Shawn Michaels. He was also... Read More →

Carrye Glazar

Executive Producer ACCTV, Kings of Atlantis; Co-producer Game Change

As a native Texan who recently relocated back to Austin, Carrye has worked for over a decade in content development and production at various companies. After graduating from University of Texas at Austin with her Radio-TV-Film degree and a minor in Business Foundations, she worked... Read More →

Michael Fry

writer/co-creator Over The Hedge; writer/illustrator How To Be A Supervillain Series, Ghosted; co-writer/illustrator The Naughty List, Odd Squad Series

Michael Fry is an author/illustrator/screenwriter. He is the co-creator/writer of the syndicated comic strip Over the Hedge that inspired the 2006 DreamWorks Animation feature animated film (the most successful film ever made from a comic strip). He is also the creator of three additional... Read More →

Jill Chamberlain

Author The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting

Thursday October 26, 2023 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable

4:30pm CDT

Pitch #2B

Speakers

John Zaozirny

President, Bellevue Productions

Sean Collins-Smith

Story Editor Chicago PD, Staff Writer Michael Shur’s Field of Dreams

Thursday October 26, 2023 4:30pm - 5:45pm CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

5:00pm CDT

30th Anniversary Opening Night Reception

After one long year, Austin Film Festival is thrilled to welcome you back to its 30th annual celebration of storytelling through film, television, theatre, and new media. Join AFF staff and special guests for Opening Remarks to kick off the Conference, prepare for the week ahead, and get information about last-minute additions, schedule changes, and special announcements.

Must have an AFF Producers Badge for entry.

Sponsors

Bogle Family Vineyards

Hi Sign Brewing

Teremana Tequila

Thursday October 26, 2023 5:00pm - 7:00pm CDT
SKYBOX on 6th 501 W 6th St 4th Floor, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Party

7:00pm CDT

Saltburn

Saltburn

(USA/UK, 127 MIN)

Writer/Director: Emerald Fennell

Key Cast: Barry Keoghan, Jacob Elordi, Rosamund Pike, Richard E. Grant, Alison Oliver, Archie Madekwe

Academy Award® winning filmmaker Emerald Fennell (Promising Young Woman) brings us a wicked tale of privilege and desire. Struggling to find his place at Oxford University, student Oliver Quick (Barry Keoghan) finds himself drawn into the world of the charming and aristocratic Felix Catton (Jacob Elordi), who invites him to Saltburn, his eccentric family’s sprawling estate, for a summer never to be forgotten.

Closed Captions for this screening can be made available upon request at least 10 days in advance in accordance with AFF's accessibility policy. Please email accessibility@austinfilmfestival.com with all requests or questions regarding the policy.

Speakers

Emerald Fennell

writer/director Saltburn

Thursday October 26, 2023 7:00pm - 9:30pm CDT
Paramount Theatre 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

Film, Marquee; Opening Night

7:15pm CDT

Jonah

Jonah

(Canada, 88 MIN)

Writer: Trevor Vandelac, Ben Van Kleek
Director: Ben Van Kleek

Key Cast: Orsic Chau, Alaina Huffman, Ken Kirby, Tahmoh Penikett

A journalist’s repressed childhood trauma surfaces during an investigation into a mother who claims that her son was abducted by aliens.

Watch the trailer!

Sponsors

Whiteness at Work

(USA, 7 MIN)

Writer/Director: Peter Nelson

Key Cast: Bill Karnovsky, Valerie Johnson

Whiteness at Work follows a dough-faced character - an animated proxy for the filmmaker - as he uncovers critical moments that have shaped his limited understanding of race.

Thursday October 26, 2023 8:00pm - 9:52pm CDT
Rollins Theatre at the Long Center for Performing Arts - Presented by Too Far Media 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Animated Short

8:15pm CDT

The Philadelphia Eleven

The Philadelphia Eleven

(USA, 86 MIN)

Director: Margo Guernsey

In 1974, a group of women and their supporters organize their ordination as Episcopal priests in an act of civil disobedience and challenge the very essence of patriarchy within Christendom.

On-screen subtitles for this screening can be made available upon request at least 10 days in advance in accordance with AFF's accessibility policy. Please email accessibility@ austinfilmfestival.com with all requests or questions regarding the policy.

Sponsors

St. David's Episcopal Church

Community Partner

Thursday October 26, 2023 8:15pm - 9:41pm CDT
The Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

Film, Documentary Feature

9:45pm CDT

Egghead & Twinkie

Egghead & Twinkie

(USA, 87 MIN)

Writer/Director: Sarah Kambe Holland

Key Cast: Sabrina Jie-A-Fa, Louis Tomeo, Asahi Hirano, Ayden Lee

After coming out to her parents, an Asian American teenage girl takes off on a road trip to meet her online crush with the help of her nerdy best friend.

Sponsors

George

OutYouth

Community Partner

Thursday October 26, 2023 9:45pm - 11:32pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 5 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Comedy Vanguard

11:00pm CDT

Late Night Welcome Party Presented by WGA West

The Late Night Welcome Party celebrates the first full day of panels and is a great end to the day's packed schedule.This party sets the tone for the rest of the week as panelists, filmmakers, screenwriters and attendees discuss what the rest of the conference and festival have in store. Grab a drink and enjoy the first late night party-but pace yourself, you've got a lot more ahead!
Must have an AFF Conference, Producers or Press Badge for entry. All parties are 21 and up.

Sponsors

Bogle Family Vineyards

Hi Sign Brewing

Teremana Tequila

WGA West

Thursday October 26, 2023 11:00pm - Friday October 27, 2023 1:00am CDT
SKYBOX on 6th 501 W 6th St 4th Floor, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Party

9:00am CDT

All About Representation: Agents

An agent can be crucial to navigating the complicated world of Hollywood. Hear from literary agents on the importance of the agent-writer relationship.

Moderators

Ryan P. Hall

AFF Moderator

Ryan P. Hall is President of YMH Studios and is responsible for leading production and creative development, while also overseeing the company’s e-commerce and social media strategies . YMH Studios was founded by Tom Segura, which he runs with his wife, comedian Christina Pazsitzky... Read More →

Speakers

David Boxerbaum

Partner, Verve Talent & Literary Agency

David Boxerbaum is a prominent literary agent and partner at Verve, representing top tier writers, directors, and Showrunners across all genres. While he has earned his reputation as the very best at selling original material, specs, IP etc. David also champions a diverse roster of... Read More →

Adam Levine

Partner, Verve Talent and Literary Agency

Adam Levine is one of the founding partners of Verve, a premier full-service agency with offices in Los Angeles and New York. An energetic and relentless voice on behalf of his clients, Levine is constantly setting the bar and rising above it when it comes to all aspects of literary... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

9:00am CDT

Film to TV Adaptations: A Conversation with Noah Hawley

Adapting a beloved film into an award-winning television series is a formidable challenge. Hear from Noah Hawley as he walks us through his creative process ahead of the latest installment of Fargo launching in November.

Moderators

Barry Josephson

AFF Moderator; Josephson Entertainment; Film - producer Enchanted, Dirty Grandpa, The Last Boy Scout; TV - executive producer The Tick, TURN: Washington Spies, Bones

Speakers

Noah Hawley

Creator, showrunner, writer, director of Fargo, Legion; director Lucy in the Sky

Award-winning Noah Hawley is one of the most accomplished auteurs and versatile storytellers working in television, film and literature. Hawley balances the art of telling cinematic, unforgettable character-driven stories that linger long after you’ve been immersed in them.Over... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

9:00am CDT

How to Make Your Movie

A case study about how to accomplish the dream: making your movie and getting it distributed. Learn how AFF can help you put together the key players of your team and hear unfiltered advice on how to navigate the pitfalls, rewrites, and missteps that arise on the path to production.

Moderators

Steve Mims

AFF Moderator

Clio™ Award winning commercial director and independent filmmaker Steve Mims’ work has screened internationally in festivals, theatrically and on television. His 2016 New York Times “Critic’s Pick” STARVING THE BEAST documented the systematic defunding and radical refor... Read More →

Speakers

Paul Merryman

Producer, Merryman Media

Paul Merryman is an Austin-based film & television producer with a focus on amazing true stories along with all things genre. He holds an MFA in Producing from the American Film Institute and a BS in Radio, Television, and Film from the University of Texas at Austin. He started his... Read More →

Frank Reynolds

editor In The Bedroom, Match Me If You Can, Tromeo & Juliet, The Cat and the Moon

Frank Reynolds has been the editor of over thirty-five feature films, including Todd Field's IN THE BEDROOM (2002 Oscar nominee for Best Picture) and the Troma cult classic TROMEO & JULIET, written by James Gunn. His first feature was also M.Night Shyamalan's first feature, PRAYING... Read More →

Monica Lund

Partner, MY Productions; producer Match Me If You Can

Monica Lund is late to the game of filmmaking. Her love of writing and story started at a very early age, and watching old movies with her maternal grandma added the love of movies she’s enjoyed nearly her entire life. Reading thousands of scripts over 21 years of reading for Austin... Read More →

Marian Yeager

director/producer Match Me If You Can; writer/director The Conway Curve, The Good Samaritan

Betsy Morris

writer Match Me If You Can, Ten Inch Hero, Guiding Emily, Kismet Christmas; Member, The Left Door

Betsy Morris is a Philly girl now living and writing in the San Diego sun with her family and her unnecessarily judgmental cats. Betsy likes to write female-driven stories, and most of her scripts include comedy and romance—even when the project doesn’t really require either... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

9:00am CDT

Morning Improv

Back by popular demand, we're offering morning improv workshops during the Conference to help you loosen up before embarking on each day’s journey. Learn new techniques for pitching your story ideas and say "yes, and" to new skills that will help you market yourself and your script during the Festival.

Speakers

Dave Buckman

The Second City, Boom Chicago, American Crime

Dave Buckman has directed, taught and performed at some of the world’s leading improvisational comedy institutions. After several years studying and teaching improv in Chicago, Dave served as Artistic Director of 'Boom Chicago' in Amsterdam, where he was fortunate to work with... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

9:00am CDT

On Air: A Conversation with Alex Convery

Join Alex Convery as he provides a glimpse into the creative process behind the hit movie Air. Alex will discuss the challenges of adapting this true story, the responsibilities of developing characters out of real people, and the process of getting his first feature made.

Moderators

Greg Garrett

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Alex Convery

writer Air

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St Austin, TX 78701 United States

Conference

9:00am CDT

Tentpole Storytelling

Join Nicole Perlman and Christina Hodson as they discuss taking on iconic characters and IP to write landmark movies including Bumblebee, Guardians of the Galaxy, Birds of Prey, and Captain Marvel.

Moderators

Harrison Glaser

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Nicole Perlman

co-writer Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel, Detective Pikachu

Nicole Perlman is best known for her work on “Guardians of the Galaxy," “Captain Marvel,” and “Detective Pikachu." Nicole received her degree in Filmmaking from NYU Tisch in 2003, and has since gone on to win the Tribeca Film Festival's Sloan Foundation Grant for Science in... Read More →

Christina Hodson

writer The Flash, Bumblebee, Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey

Christina Hodson is a British born, Los Angeles based, writer and producer. She first transitioned from development executive to screenwriter in 2012. Since then, among various projects for studios, she wrote Bumblebee for Paramount (2018) and wrote and co-produced Harley Quinn: Birds... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Central Presbyterian 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Conference

9:00am CDT

The Political Thriller: A Conversation with Katrin Benedikt

Join Katrin Benedikt (Olympus Has Fallen, Expendables 3) as she reveals the secrets behind creating films that make hearts race. From writing dialogue that keeps your audience on the edge of their seats to plotting lightning fast action sequences, learn what it truly takes to craft the perfect political thriller.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival; Moderator

Speakers

Katrin Benedikt

co-writer Olympus Has Fallen, The Expendables 3, London Has Fallen, story credit Angel Has Fallen

Katrin Benedikt is a screenwriter whose movies have grossed over $700 million at the worldwide box office.Her first produced screenplay, OLYMPUS HAS FALLEN, was released in March, 2013. Starring Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman and Aaron Eckhart, the film grossed over $160 million at... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

9:00am CDT

The Showrunners

Though it's well-known that showrunners are true power players in the TV landscape, this coveted role is still shrouded in mystery for many. Learn from working showrunners what the title really means: what their responsibilities include and how they lead a writers’ room.

Moderators

Trey Selman

Born in Texas. Raised on Tex-Mex. Studied business at The University of Texas; now writes about Texas. Prefers stars over skyscrapers, cedar fever over traffic jams and pit masters over maitre d's. Thinks AFF, like his favorite song, is a neon sign flashin', "Welcome, come on in... Read More →

Speakers

Megan Amram

writer The Good Place, The Simpsons, Transparent, Silicon Valley, Parks and Rec; showrunner Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin

Megan Amram is a comedy showrunner, writer, performer, and author. She was a writer and producer on the NBC series THE GOOD PLACE for which she received an Emmy nomination, THE SIMPSONS, TRANSPARENT, SILICON VALLEY, and the final three seasons of the NBC comedy PARKS AND RECREATION... Read More →

John Strauss

writer/producer There's Something About Mary, Mozart in the Jungle, The Lizzie McGuire Movie

John Strauss has been writing and producing television series, feature Films, both live action and computer animated for over thirty years. John’s credits as a screenwriter include “There's Something About Mary”, “Santa Clause II”, Santa Clause III”, starring Tim Allen... Read More →

Anthony Sparks

writer/showrunner/executive producer Queen Sugar, Bel-Air, The Blacklist

Anthony Sparks hails from Chicago’s South Side and has worked in television as a showrunner,producer, and writer over the last 20 seasons. A strong advocate for diversity and inclusion intelevision, theatre and film, Anthony is an Executive Producer and writer for the 2nd season... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Omni Pennybacker 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

9:00am CDT

Walking the Tightrope: Entertainment versus Reality in Adaptations

Whether adapting a memoir, a novel, or any kind of source material, writers must walk a fine line between reality and entertainment. Attend this panel to learn how they decide which moments to embellish or invent, finding the balance between believability and excitement, and how the medium in question affects those decisions.

Moderators

Christian Bersani

Vice President of Film & TV, Josephson Entertainment

Christian Bersani joined Josephson Entertainment in 2018. He currently helps to identify, develop, and produce projects for Josephson’s scripted feature and TV slates. His recent work includes setting up an original comedy feature with Nickelodeon, an action thriller with Byron... Read More →

Speakers

Virgil Williams

writer Mudbound, A Journal for Jordan, The Piano Lesson

Virgil Williams is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter who most recently adapted August Wilson’s The Piano Lesson for Netflix. He co-wrote the script with Malcolm Washington, who will also direct. Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, Danielle Deadwyler, Corey Hawkins, and Ray Fisher... Read More →

Stacy Rukeyser

writer Standoff; producer/showrunner Sex/Life, UnReal; producer Twisted

Stacy Rukeyser is an award-winning Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer with a history of writing attention-grabbing shows for over 20 years.She is the Creator, Showrunner and Executive Producer of Netflix’s hit series, SEX/LIFE, which is currently streaming its second season... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
800 Congress

Conference

9:00am CDT

Pitch #3

Speakers

Isabella Mastrodicasa

Manager/Producer, Founder of Never Settle Media

Born and raised in Europe, Isabella Mastrodicasa is an LA-based manager and producer. After graduating in Criminal Law from Bocconi University in Milan and in Business & Management of Entertainment from UCLA, she started her career in Hollywood at Verve in the Motion Picture department... Read More →

Justin Boyd

Writer/Producer Fear the Walking Dead, Sweet Tooth, Reprisal, Channel Zero

Justin Boyd is a television writer and producer whose credits include FEAR THE WALKING DEAD (AMC), SWEET TOOTH (Netflix), REPRISAL (Hulu), and CHANNEL ZERO (Syfy). In a previous life, Justin studied and taught philosophy at DePaul University in Chicago.

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

9:00am CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Jonathan Lisco

writer and showrunner Yellowjackets, Animal Kingdom, Halt and Catch Fire, Southland, K-ville; writer Jack & Bobby, The District, NYPD Blue

Once a lawyer in New York City, Jonathan Lisco began his television career writing for the Emmy Awardwinning series NYPD Blue. He wrote and produced numerous episodes of The District, Jack & Bobby, and K-Ville, which he created and which was nominated for an NAACP Award. Lisco won... Read More →

Ashley Flores

Fiction Labs Associate  

Ashley N. Flores serves as the Fiction Labs Associate at Film Independent. She works across all fiction programs managing the application, interview and selection process for the Fiction Labs and Sloan Foundation Fellowships, including Producing Lab, Episodic Lab, Screenwriting Lab... Read More →

Meg LeFauve

writer My Father's Dragon, Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur; co-writer Captain Marvel; co-host The Screenwriting Life Podcast

Meg LeFauve and Joe Forte have been partners for over 30 years, both in life and in the film industry. They have worked for some of the biggest studios in Hollywood including Pixar, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Netflix, Fox and Sony — and with legendary stars as Jodie Foster and... Read More →

Jason Neulander

writer/director Fugitive Dreams, The Intergalactic Nemesis

Ameni Rozsa

writer/EP Showtime's YELLOWJACKETS, co-EP Netflix's THE SANDMAN

Ameni Rozsa is embarking on her third season as a Writer and Executive Producer (S2-3) forYELLOWJACKETS, Showtime’s irreverent and genre-bending psychological horror series. Prior tothis she wrote on Netflix/DC Comics’ TV adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s revered fantasy series, THESANDMAN... Read More →

Jono Matt

writer Captain Planet, Above the Line

Jono Matt (who’s totally writing this bio, but will still speak in the third person) is currently a WGA Strike Captain. Prior to picketing, he was writing a Shrek spin-off as well as upcoming action movies for WB, Netflix, and Imagine. In March of 2023, he co-wrote, EP'd, and wrapped... Read More →

Michael Fry

writer/co-creator Over The Hedge; writer/illustrator How To Be A Supervillain Series, Ghosted; co-writer/illustrator The Naughty List, Odd Squad Series

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable

9:00am CDT

Semifinalist and Above: Speed Dating General Meetings

These 15-minute, one on one sessions offer writers the opportunity to meet with managers and industry executives and find out how to put their best foot forward for future meetings. This event is organized like roundtables: each registrant will speak with a panelist for about 15 minutes before rotating on to the next.

This event will be open to Semifinalists and above only.

Speakers

Glenn Cockburn

President/Literary Agent, Meridian Artists

Lee Stobby

Producer, Literary Manager

Lee Stobby has over 15 years of management and producing experience, and focuses on championing strong independent voices and quality cinema and television. He is a literary manager, producer and principal of 2B CONT’D. His success can be attributed to his passion, extensive knowledge... Read More →

Bryan Brucks

Founder of 831 entertainment; producer/manager Scout’s Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse, Bodied, Blended, Kill For Me

Bryan Brucks is a literary manager, producer, and founder of 831 Entertainment. He began his career at Walt Disney Television Animation working alongside Chris Miller, Phil Lord, David Hemingson, and Natchnatka Khan. From there he worked in development at Gary Ross’s Larger Than... Read More →

Andrea Dimity

producer/literary manager

Andrea Dimity is a highly accomplished producer and literary manager renowned for her expertise in the film industry. She notably served as executive producer on "Kandahar," a groundbreaking high-budget US feature shot in Saudi Arabia and starring the esteemed Gerard Butler. Produced... Read More →

Mitchell Bendersky

Manager, Gramercy Park Ent.

Mitchell Bendersky is currently a Manager at Gramercy Park Entertainment, and worked at Marvel and WME prior to that. He recently moved to NY but was born and raised in Los Angeles to Belarussian immigrants and graduated from UCLA in 2016. In case anybody was wondering, Mitchell’s... Read More →

Jason Lubin

Literary Manager/Producer, First Story Entertainment

Jodi Hildebrand

Producer of Scripted Film and Television, Conde Nast Entertainment

Korin Williams

Co-Founder and CEO of Kronicle Media, Executive Producer Unthinkably Good Things, Single Black Female and Merry Liddle Christmas and Merry Liddle Wedding Franchise

Korin D. Williams is an award-winning producer and the Chief Executive Officer of Kronicle Media, the entertainment industry’s first Black female-led production & literary management company which she co-founded in 2017 with Monique Nash. Kronicle Media’s mission is to produce... Read More →

Liz Kelly

Creative Talent Development Executive, Disney

Liz Kelly is Senior Manager of Creative Talent Development & Inclusion at Disney Entertainment. Inthis role, she works with the network and studio to staff writers and directors across ABC, ABCSignature, Freeform, Disney Channel, 20th TV, FX, Nat Geo, Disney+ and Hulu’s scripted... Read More →

Jennifer DaRe

CEO/President, ATN Entertainment

Jennifer Aurianne DaRe is the founder and CEO of ATN Entertainment, a premiere talent management companyin Los Angeles that specializes in the representation of artists in entertainment from film, television, music, literatureand more. Since founding ATN in 2015, DaRe has grown the... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Sumners 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script/Film Competition Session

9:00am CDT

Script Library

The Script Library houses scripts by all semifinalists, finalists, and winners from the 2023 Screenplay Competition.

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00am - 4:30pm CDT
St. David's Crail A 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script Library

10:45am CDT

A Conversation with Joanna Calo

A key contributor behind some of the most popular TV series of the last decade, Joanna Calo has been involved with critical and commercial hits The Bear, BoJack Horseman, Beef, and Hacks. Join us to hear about her career path, how to balance comedy and drama, and her experience as a supervising producer helping new writers develop their voice.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival; Moderator

Speakers

Joanna Calo

writer/director The Bear; writer Beef, BoJack Horseman, The Babysitters Club, Hacks, Undone

Joanna Calo is a writer and mother who lives in Los Angeles, CA. Her writing credits include the Emmy®-nominated Beef, Golden Globe®-winning Hacks, The Baby-Sitters Club on Netflix, Amazon’s Undone, and six seasons on the Emmy®-nominated BoJack Horseman.Calo is also the co-showrunner... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

10:45am CDT

Animated Storytelling

Animation requires a mastery of visual language to write entire worlds into existence. Join Pamela Ribon (Moana and Nimona) and Jason Headley (Onward and Lightyear) to learn about the writing process for animation and how it differs from writing for live-action.

Moderators

Paul Alvarado-Dykstra

AFF Moderator

Producer/executive/writer Paul Alvarado-Dykstra co-created Fantastic Fest, the largest genre film festival in the US, and is a former assistant to Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, with whom he worked in creative development on several projects, including Hellboy. Currently... Read More →

Speakers

Pamela Ribon

writer My Year of Dicks, Moana, Nimona

Pamela Ribon is the Academy Award®-nominated creator and writer of MY YEAR OF DICKS, an adaptation of her critically-acclaimed comedic memoir NOTES TO BOYS (AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULDN’T SHARE IN PUBLIC), which was nominated for Best Animated Short Film for the 95th Academy Awards... Read More →

Jason Headley

writer Lightyear, Onward; writer/director A Bad Idea Gone Wrong

Jason Headley wrote Pixar's "Lightyear" and "Onward" and wrote and directed the SXSW Special Jury Prize-winning feature "A Bad Idea Gone Wrong." His short films—including the viral videos "It's Not About the Nail" and "F*ck That: An Honest Meditation"—have been featured at Banksy's... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
800 Congress

Conference

10:45am CDT

Developing Comedic Voices

Join independent producer Kesila Childers and development executives Christian Bersani and Paul Lopez as they discuss what they look for in a writer and how they work collaboratively to refine a comedy script.

Moderators

Ryan P. Hall

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Christian Bersani

Vice President of Film & TV, Josephson Entertainment

Paul Lopez

TV/Film Development Executive - Hola Papi, National Treasure, Promised Land, This Fool, Mexican Gothic

Kesila Childers

Independent Producer

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

10:45am CDT

Psychology of Storytelling

Back by popular demand, producer and “Script Whisperer” Lindsay Doran will tell us all secrets of creating a satisfying script.

Speakers

Lindsay Doran

executive in charge of production, This is Spinal Tap; producer Dead Again, Sense and Sensibility, Stranger Than Fiction, Nanny McPhee; executive producer The Firm, Sabrina; former President/COO, United Artists

Lindsay Doran has worked in the movie business for more than 30 years as a studio executive and as a producer. She has served as the President and COO of United Artists Pictures and as the President of Director Sydney Pollack’s Mirage Productions. She currently divides her time... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

10:45am CDT

What Makes A Great Period Piece

Join the creator of Ratched and producer of Bridgerton as they discuss the research that goes into creating a period piece, making decisions about accuracy versus creative liberties, and successfully marrying a modern audience with a bygone era.

Moderators

Fabienne Harford

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Alison Eakle

Shondaland Chief Content Officer; Co-EP Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Inventing Anna

Alison Eakle oversees all Netflix streaming content for Shondaland. She joined Shondaland in 2013, helping develop the ABC dramas “How to Get Away with Murder,” “Station 19,” “For the People,” and “The Catch.” Prior to her time at Shondaland, Eakle was at Ellen DeGeneres... Read More →

Evan Romansky

Co-Creator, Executive Producer RATCHED

Evan Romansky is the co-creator and executive producer of Netflix's Emmy and Golden-Globe nominated series RATCHED. A graduate of Ohio University and Loyola Marymount University, Evan has sold both film and TV projects to Amazon and MakeReady Studios and is currently developing with... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St Austin, TX 78701 United States

Conference

10:45am CDT

Writing Across Genres

Join Phil Hay and Oren Uziel as they explore their ability to write comedy, action movies, and dramas. Gain valuable insights, practical tips, and inspiration to navigate the diverse landscape of genre.

Moderators

Trey Selman

Speakers

Oren Uziel

writer/director Shimmer Lake; Writer The Lost City, 22 Jump Street, Freaks of Nature, The Cloverfield Paradox, Mortal Kombat, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions

Oren Uziel’s writing credits include THE LOST CITY, 22 JUMP STREET, MORTAL KOMBAT, THE CLOVERFIELD PARADOX, ESCAPE ROOM: TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS, FREAKS OF NATURE and SHIMMER LAKE, which he wrote and directed. He’s currently working on a number of projects, including the next... Read More →

Phil Hay

co-writer/producer Destroyer, The Invitation, The Mysterious Benedict Society; co-writer Ride Along

Phil Hay and Matt Manfredi most recently saw the release of the second season of their Emmy-winning and WGA Award-nominated television adaptation of Trenton Lee Stewart’s bestselling novel THE MYSTERIOUS BENEDICT SOCIETY for Disney+. Prior to that, Phil and Matt wrote DESTROYER... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

10:45am CDT

Writing Across Mediums

In today’s shifting landscape, there are so many kinds of storytelling and ways to make a living as a writer: from film to magazine articles to short stories to television to video games. Join us as we discuss the ways medium impacts craft and the many avenues for forging a creative career.

Moderators

Beth Serlin

AFF Moderator

Beth Serlin is a screenwriter, educator and firm believer in the universal nature of film language. Her career started with Beyond Silence (Jenseits der Stille), winning Best Screenplay at the Tokyo Film Festival and a nomination for Best Foreign Language film in the 1998 Academy... Read More →

Speakers

Evan Narcisse

Jim Burnstein

writer Renaissance Man, D3: The Mighty Ducks, Ruffian, Love and Honor; Professor and Director of Screenwriting University of Michigan

Jim Burnstein, Professor, founder and Director of the University of Michigan’s nationally acclaimed Screenwriting Program, managed to beat the odds and make it as a successful Hollywood screenwriter without moving from his home in Plymouth, Michigan. Burnstein’s screen credits... Read More →

Amelia Gray

writer/co-executive producer Gaslit, Mr Robot Immortality; author Threats, Gutshot

AMELIA GRAY is the author of five books, most recently Isadora (FSG). Her fiction and essays have appeared in The New Yorker, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Tin House, and VICE. She is a winner of the NYPL Young Lion and of FC2's Ronald Sukenick Innovative Fiction Prize... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference, Game Writing Track

10:45am CDT

Writing to Direct

Writers and directors often work together to bring a script to life. Hear from four filmmakers who do both! The multitalented writer-directors will talk about watching their scripts evolve and interpreting their own words while shooting.

Moderators

Johnny McAllister

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Greg Kwedar

Writer / Director / Producer

Greg Kwedar is a writer, director, and producer. He made his feature directorial debut with TRANSPECOS, which premiered in competition at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival where it won the Audience Award. He co-wrote and produced JOCKEY, which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival... Read More →

Whit Stillman

writer/director Metropolitan, Barcelona, The Last Days of Disco, Damsels in Distress, The Cosmopolitans, Love & Friendship

Whit Stillman's first film, the low budget indie Metropolitan, premiered at Sundance and wenton to win the NY Film Critics' Best New Director and the Indie Spirit's Best First Featureawards, as well as an Academy nomination for Best Original Screenplay. His last film, the JaneAusten... Read More →

So Young Shelly Yo

2023 Recipient of The New Voice Award

So Young Shelly Yo is an award-winning filmmaker whose work has been supported by HBO, CAAM, SFFILM, the Sloan Foundation and others. Shelly's feature film, SMOKING TIGERS, was the winner of Tribeca x AT&T’s Untold Stories and was awarded best screenplay, best performance and a... Read More →

Kristin Gore

writer The Beanie Bubble, Futurama, Foxcatcher, Her, Saturday Night Live

KRISTIN GORE (Director, Screenwriter) is a New York Times bestselling novelist, Emmy-nominated television writer (“Saturday Night Live,” “Futurama”) and past collaborator ofDavid O. Russell, Bennett Miller, Jay Roach, and Spike Jonze. She was a writer on“Her” (Oscar Winner... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Central Presbyterian 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Conference

10:45am CDT

Pitch #4

Speakers

Meg LeFauve

writer My Father's Dragon, Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur; co-writer Captain Marvel; co-host The Screenwriting Life Podcast

Agustine Calderon

Vice President of Features, 3pas Studios; Producer Tetris, Mysteries of the Rimet Trophy

Agustine Calderon is currently Vice President of Features at 3Pas Studios. He was previously at RatPac Entertainment, where he spent 11 years, starting as an intern and moving his way up to a Development Executive in TV/Film. He worked on several movies, including Horrible Bosses... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

10:45am CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Dan Erickson

creator Severance

Dan Erickson grew up in Olympia, Washington with his parents Mark and Lynn, brother Matt and sister Hayley. He began writing plays and making movies with his siblings and friends at a young age, and went on to get his BA in English and Creative Writing from Western Washington University... Read More →

Ray Utarnachitt

Writer/Producer - DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Supergirl, The Flash, Person of Interest

Ray Utarnachitt is a TV writer/producer. He is a Michigan native and like anygood Asian student, was pre-med at the University of Michigan for 3 years. Muchto his parents’ dismay, he switched tracks and graduated with a Film degree. Raybroke into the business working in production... Read More →

Maya Perez

writer/producer

A television producer and screenwriter, Maya Perez was most recently a co-producer on a romantic drama series starring Joshua Jackson and Lauren Ridloff for Starz. Prior to that, she was an executive story editor on Showtime’s American Rust S2 and an executive producer on the unscripted... Read More →

Megan Alderson

Creative Development Executive, Pixar Animation Studios

Megan Alderson, a Creative Development Executive at Pixar Animation Studios supports projects in early development, scouts screenwriters, collaborates with experts and spearheads research trips. She has worked on notable projects like Inside Out, Finding Dory, Coco, Soul, Turning... Read More →

Samantha Levenshus

writer Orphan (Hulu), Neon Future (iss.1-6); producer Elevate Entertainment

Writer and producer Samantha Levenshus grew up all over the country, but spent her formative years in San Antonio, TX where she developed a deep love for Tex-Mex. Most recently, Sam was staffed on Hulu's upcoming UNTITLED ORPHAN series (set to star Ellen Pompeo), and previously worked... Read More →

Alisha Brophy

co-writer Inside Job, License to Drive, United States of Fuckin' Awesome

Micah Cyrus

co-producer, All American

Micah is currently a Co-Producer on the Warner Bros' Television/CW drama All American where he has written on staff for the last three seasons. Prior to that, he served as a Writer's Assistant on the first two seasons of All American. Micah has also served as the Writers’ Assistant... Read More →

Benji Samit

writer Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, The Addams Family 2, Pokemon Detective Pikachu; showrunner Koala Man

Benji Samit is a writer-producer whose film credits include Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, which was the best reviewed movie of the summer, Pokémon Detective Pikachu, and the Addams Family 2. He is currently working on the Figment movie for Disney and features for multiple... Read More →

Elissa Friedman

manager, producer

Elissa Friedman is a manager, producer, and former development executive with over fifteen years of industry experience. Before becoming a literary manager at Zero Gravity Management, Elissa ran production and development at Covert Media and QED International, the company behind such... Read More →

Bryan Brucks

Founder of 831 entertainment; producer/manager Scout’s Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse, Bodied, Blended, Kill For Me

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable

10:45am CDT

Second Rounder Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Speakers

Amy Talkington

writer/co-executive producer Little Fires Everywhere; writer Valley Girl, writer/director The Night of the White Pants

Originally from Texas, Amy Talkington is an award-winning writer, director, producer and author currently living in Los Angeles.In the feature arena, Amy most recently wrote “Valley Girl” (MGM’s musical remake of the 80s cult film) and has written numerous other studio features... Read More →

Dan Goor

co-creator/executive producer Killing It, Brooklyn Nine-Nine; executive producer/writer/director Parks and Recreation

Dan Goor is a co-creator and executive producer on the Peacock comedy, "Killing It."Previously, Goor was an executive producer on the NBC comedy “Grand Crew.” and was co-creator and executive producer of NBC’s Golden Globe-winning comedy series “Brooklyn Nine-Nine.” In addition... Read More →

Bill Collage

screenwriter Emancipation, Divergent: Allegiant, Assassin’s Creed, Transporter: Refueled, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Tower Heist, Accepted; television writer Of Kings and Prophets

Justin Boyd

Writer/Producer Fear the Walking Dead, Sweet Tooth, Reprisal, Channel Zero

Dana Weissman

Director of Programs at the Writers Guild of America, East

Dana has served WGA members for 11 years, prior to which she was in the nonprofit/arts world. Dana directs all member events and programs for WGAE including elections, fellowships and incubators, seminars, workshops, panel discussions, social events, screenings, readings, film festival... Read More →

Wendy Calhoun

writer/producer - The Rookie: Feds, Prodigal Son, Station 19, Empire, Nashville, Revenge, Justified

Daniel Cohan

Literary Manager, Brillstein Entertainment Partners

Daniel Cohan is a literary manager at Brillstein Entertainment Partners. He started his professional career as a corporate attorney specializing in complex business litigation. Daniel then went on to work in the Motion Picture Department of WME, where he worked for 11 years before... Read More →

Matt Cook

writer/co-producer Triple Nine, By Way of Helena; co-writer Patriots Day

Larry Postel

writer The Main Event, 5000 Blankets, Flip Turn, High Holiday

A finalist at one of the first Austin Film Festivals, Larry is pleased to help and inspire other writers today at the Festival as a panelist. As a non-represented screenwriter living in Dallas, Larry’s story is unique in that he has managed to have four original spec screenplays... Read More →

Amy Louise Johnson

writer/co-EP Servant (seasons 3 and 4) and Orphan Black: Echoes

Amy Louise Johnson is a writer and producer in both scripted TV and film. In recent years Johnson served as Co-Executive Producer on the fourth (and final) season of M. Night Shyamalan’s SERVANT for Apple+. Following this, she then served as Co-EP on ORPHAN BLACK: ECHOES for AMC... Read More →

Michelle Amor Gillie

writer Saving Brandon, PG County, The Honorable, Playin' for Love, Of Boys & Men, Tupac Shakur: Before I Wake; LMU professor

After losing her beloved grandmother in 2009, Michelle decided life was way too short to be unhappy. So, in 2010, she quit her “good job” and convinced her husband to do the same and together they drove their two kids and all their worldly possessions 2000+ miles from Chicago... Read More →

Katie Cates

Manager, Artists First

Katie Cates has spent over a decade working in the talent management and agency business. She is currently a manager based in the Los Angeles office of Artists First, a premiere management/production company and partnership led by Peter Principato. Previously, Katie spent 12 years... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. David's Sumners 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script/Film Competition Session

10:45am CDT

Semifinalist and AFF Filmmaker Panel: Leveraging Competition Success

Placing in screenplay and film competitions can open the door to endless opportunities. Join a panel of working writers and filmmakers as they discuss the various ways they’ve leveraged their success to boost their careers post-Festival.

This session is open to Semifinalists and AFF Filmmakers only.

Moderators

Matt Dy

Script Consultant; Former Literary Manager, Lit Entertainment Group; Former Director of Script Competitions, Austin Film Festival

Speakers

Colby Day

writer Spaceman, In the Blink of an Eye

Betsy Van Stone

writer All I Didn’t Want For Christmas; co-creator/showrunner Astrid & Lilly Save the World

Noelle Stehman

writer All I Didn’t Want For Christmas; co-creator/showrunner Astrid & Lilly Save the World

Kevin Hamedani

writer Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Infidel; writer/producer/showrunner Tether; writer/showrunner Stephen King's N.; writer/director Saviors, Zombies of Mass Destruction, Junk

Hamedani (along with his co-writer, Travis Betz) became known when their script The Saviorswas selected to the 2018 Black List. The screenplay is being produced by Ben Stiller’s Red HourFilms and Amasia Films with Hamedani directing. Hamedani just finished adapting AdibKhorram’s... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Omni Pennybacker 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Script/Film Competition Session

11:00am CDT

Young Filmmakers Competition Showcase #1

Prayer of the Birds
(Documentary, 11 min)
writer/director: Yevgeniya Regent
A 9-year-old refugee from Ukraine rethinks the experience of her childhood, now overshadowed by war. This film is a poetic exploration of the human spirit, resilience, and the transformative power of art in the face of unimaginable trauma.

Monkey Man
(Narrative, 11 min)
writer/director: Andrew Smith
Life at the office isn't always as it seems.

One Tide
(Documentary, 8 min)
writer/director: Will Somerville
Through a surf cinematographer in Tasmania to a Sydney based couple that crafts sustainable one of a kind spearguns to a boat skipper in remote Indonesia, One Tide explores the transformative nature of the ocean.

Roadkill
(Narrative, 3 min)
writer/director: Ava Fumarolo
After two kids hit a man with their car, a series of events unfold causing them to question their part in the accident.

The External-Internal Monologue of an Interdependent Insomniac
(Narrative, 6 min)
writer/director: Julian Felix Aaronson
Fraught with insecurities over sexuality, self-acceptance, and gender, a sleep-deprived teenager explains various smells.

Ovaryacting
(Narrative, 4 min)
writer/director: Jordan Held
A young man must face his fears to make a personal purchase.

Kite
(Animated, 2 min)
writer/director: Alon Bezaleli
A story about a kid and his kite.

Dig Deeper
(Narrative, 9 min)
writer/director: Anthony Fazio
Mariah thinks her dad is having an affair, but will she discover more if she digs too deep?

The Tell-Tale Heart
(Animated, 8 min)
writer/director: Max Hendrickson
A stop motion re-telling of the classic Edgar Allen Poe short story, in which a man is driven to insanity by the presence of his older companion's pale blue eye.

Velas
(Narrative, 8 min)
writer/director: Pablo Iranzo Pineda
It's been two years since Tomás (7 y.o) last saw his father. But on his eighth birthday, Tomás will discover that his father has been cherishing something for him all these years.

Best Future Friend
(Narrative, 12 min)
writer/director: Samara Cohen
Two friends discover how tight their bond is even while separated by hundreds of years.

Sponsors

George

Friday October 27, 2023 11:00am - 12:30pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 6 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Young Filmmakers Program, Shorts Block

12:00pm CDT

Script Reading

Join us for a live reading of a Compeition script featuring local Austin actors bringing the story to life!

Friday October 27, 2023 12:00pm - 1:00pm CDT
Omni Guadalupe 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Script Reading

1:30pm CDT

A Conversation with Dan Goor

From working on iconic television shows including The Daily Show and Parks and Recreation, to creating beloved sitcoms such as Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Killing it, Dan Goor has a remarkable career in comedy. Join us to hear about his approach to creating characters we can fall for and sustaining audience investment for seasons to come.

Moderators

Barry Josephson

AFF Moderator; Josephson Entertainment; Film - producer Enchanted, Dirty Grandpa, The Last Boy Scout; TV - executive producer The Tick, TURN: Washington Spies, Bones

Speakers

Dan Goor

co-creator/executive producer Killing It, Brooklyn Nine-Nine; executive producer/writer/director Parks and Recreation

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

1:30pm CDT

Doing Your Research

Before pen meets paper on any script, research is essential. This panel will break down where to start, what materials to use, conversations to have, and how impactful research can be on a developing story.

Moderators

Trey Selman

Speakers

Kelsi Fleming

Director of Development at Josephson Entertainment

Kelsi Fleming is a Creative Executive at Josephson Entertainment. She works on both the Film and Television slates, identifying and developing projects. Recent work includes the new YA Franchise "Caster" set up at Paramount Pictures with Scholastic Entertainment and Weed Road Pictures... Read More →

Larry Postel

writer The Main Event, 5000 Blankets, Flip Turn, High Holiday

Lina Patel

writer Cherish the Day, Krypton, Frequency; Lecturer of Playwriting, Pomona College

Lina Patel is a writer whose work investigates structures of power and non-traditional relationships in a precarious world. Her near-future play, The Ragged Claws, about what happens when the adopted Indian son of a power couple questions his mother's politics, was nominated for Cherry... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

1:30pm CDT

Indie Film Track: Writing for a Cause: Social Impact Entertainment Financing and Assessment

Hosted by the SIE (Social Impact Entertainment) Society, this panel discusses the often-overwhelming task of tackling social issues through film. Join us to discuss innovative models to finance your film and raise money for a good cause, as well as ways to measure your film’s impact.

Moderators

William Nix

executive producer The Prophet, This Is Ragtime: The Birth of American Music, Power, Return to Afghanistan and An Accidental Cuban; Firedancer; producer Gibran

William Nix is the Chairman/CEO of Creative Projects Group® and a Producer with extensiveexperience in the entertainment, media, sports, and intellectual property fields. He is a founding memberand Co-Executive Director of the SIE Society, and a Partner in the social and environmental... Read More →

Speakers

Heath Davis

HEATH DAVIS is a multi award winning Australian filmmaker, writer and teacher.Davis wrote, directed and produced the acclaimed Australian feature films BROKE, BOOK WEEK and LOCUSTS, which have screened theatrically across the globe and are now available on VOD platforms including... Read More →

Lois Lipman

co-writer/director/producer First We Bombed New Mexico

Based in London for many years, Lois Lipman researched, developed, and line produced 24 CBS News 60 Minutes stories that were filmed worldwide —from India and Gaza to Paris and Saint Petersburg. Her films won numerous awards including an Emmy, Peabody, and Best Documentary of the... Read More →

Lenny Barszap

writer/producer HOME FREE, HOT TUB; Producer DEREK'S DEAD; co-founder/co-producer BEEN THERE Music & Arts Festival

Lenny Barszap is a writer and producer of films, events and creative expressions focused on developing uplifting entertainment as a vehicle to spark impact and empathy. His latest film HOME FREE, in collaboration with Onion Creek Productions, is a Trojan horse social impact film humanizing... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference, Indie Film Track

1:30pm CDT

Inside the Writers Room: The Bear

High intensity dramedy The Bear has earned rave reviews from critics and fans alike. Join writers Karen Joseph-Adcock and Sofya Levitsky-Weitz as they share their experiences in the writers’ room of one of this year’s biggest hits.

Moderators

Erin Hallagan

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Sofya Levitsky-Weitz

screenwriter/playwright; writer The Bear, The Dropout, Gaslit

Sofya Levitsky-Weitz is a playwright and TV/film writer who splits her time between Brooklyn and Los Angeles. She has an original series in development with Lionsgate and Peacock – an erotic thriller/stoner romcom. She earned three Writers Guild of America nominations in 2023 for... Read More →

Karen Joseph Adcock

writer on FX's The Bear and Showtimes' Yellowjackets

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Central Presbyterian 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Conference

1:30pm CDT

Making Your First Act Work

In this illuminating panel, Michael Arndt will delve into the art of crafting compelling beginnings that hook audiences from the first page. Gain invaluable insights on introducing characters, establishing conflict, and building a solid foundation for your story. Prepare to leave with the tools to kickstart your screenplay with impact and confidence.

Speakers

Michael Arndt

writer Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3

Michael Arndt wrote the screenplays for Little Miss Sunshine (2006) and Toy Story 3 (2010). He also received shared screenplay credit for Oblivion (2013), and The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (2013), and Star Wars: The Force Awakens(2015). He lives in New York.

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

1:30pm CDT

On Writing: Contact

Join our 2023 Heart of Film Awardee as he dissects the writing process behind this smart science fiction drama.

Moderators

Greg Garrett

AFF Moderator

Speakers

James V. Hart

2023 Recipient of the Heart of Film Award

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
800 Congress

Conference

1:30pm CDT

State of the Industry: TV

We’re bringing together a group of seasoned industry players to discuss the current state of television. Get behind-the-scenes insight into current trends, popular series, and future predictions of where the business is heading.

Moderators

Bill True

AFF Moderator; writer Runaway; Head of Dramatic Writing, Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre

Speakers

Matthew Gross

Aaliyah Williams

Partner & Manager, Adventure Media; producer Black Barbie: A Documentary, Gentefied, Really Love

Aaliyah Williams is a founding partner of Adventure Media where she manages emerging & established writers, directors, and multihyphenates in both scripted and unscripted television and film. She is a Peabody Award nominated television & film producer who most recently produced the... Read More →

Liz Kelly

Creative Talent Development Executive, Disney

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Omni Pennybacker 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

1:30pm CDT

The Creative Career: Practical Tips for Starting Out presented by Writers Guild of America West

A panel of working screenwriters will discuss what you need to know to achieve success in your career, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what the Writers Guild can do for you.

Moderators

Micah Fitzerman-Blue

writer/executive producer A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood, Transparent; creator/showrunner Painkiller, The USA vs. Vince McMahon; writer Bambi, Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, Beautiful Ruins; writer/director Bottomless Belly Button

Micah Fitzerman-Blue and Noah Harpster created the Netflix limited series PAINKILLER, starring Uzo Aduba and Matthew Broderick, with Pete Berg directing.Micah and Noah are also working on another limited series, based on RAZZLEKHAN: THE INFAMOUS CROCODILE OF WALL STREET for Searchlight... Read More →

Speakers

Wendy Calhoun

writer/producer - The Rookie: Feds, Prodigal Son, Station 19, Empire, Nashville, Revenge, Justified

Ed Solomon

Kara Lee Corthron

writer/co-executive producer You; writer/co-executive producer Servant

Noah Harpster

Benji Samit

writer Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, The Addams Family 2, Pokemon Detective Pikachu; showrunner Koala Man

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St Austin, TX 78701 United States

Conference

1:30pm CDT

Writing for a Procedural

Hear from writers on Chicago PD, S.W.A.T, and FBI International about the inner workings of writing for a procedural crime show. Procedurals offer a unique experience for writers who must adhere to strict structural guidelines. Learn how to balance self-contained episodic plot lines with long term seasonal character arcs.

Moderators

Scott Myers

host GoIntoTheStory.com; screenwriter K-9; author The Protagonist's Journey

Scott has written over thirty movie and TV projects at nearly every major Hollywood studio and broadcast network. His screenwriting credits include K-9, Alaska, and Trojan War. Since 2008, Scott has hosted GoIntoTheStory.com, the official screenwriting blog of the Black List and... Read More →

Speakers

Sean Collins-Smith

Story Editor Chicago PD, Staff Writer Michael Shur’s Field of Dreams

Niceole Levy

writer The Banker, The Recruit

After growing up near China Lake Naval Weapons Center in the middle of the Mojave Desert, Niceole escaped to the bright lights of Los Angeles. While studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, she realized her true love was writing stories, not playing them out. She... Read More →

Jill Goldsmith

writer/producer Law & Order, The Practice, Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, NYPD Blue

JILL GOLDSMITH is a writer and producer for television, with credits on many Emmy-winning series, including NYPD Blue, The Practice, Ally McBeal, Law & Order, Boston Legal, and also Rizzoli & Isles. She was previously the Showrunner and Executive Producer for a one-hour drama in development... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

1:30pm CDT

Pitch #5

Speakers

Megan Amram

writer The Good Place, The Simpsons, Transparent, Silicon Valley, Parks and Rec; showrunner Pitch Perfect: Bumper in Berlin

Paul Lopez

TV/Film Development Executive - Hola Papi, National Treasure, Promised Land, This Fool, Mexican Gothic

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

1:30pm CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Lee Stobby

Producer, Literary Manager

Alison Eakle

Shondaland Chief Content Officer; Co-EP Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Inventing Anna

Lindsay Doran

Matt Geller

President at Josephson Entertainment

In 2018, D. Matt Geller joined veteran producer Barry Josephson at Josephson Entertainment. He is the company’s President, overseeing the Film & Television divisions.Previously, Geller’s producing credits included the feature film REMEMBER. It starred Academy Award winners Christopher... Read More →

Erich Hoeber

writer RED, The Meg, My Spy, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Brothers Jon Hoeber and Eric Hoeber have worked in a diverse array of gernes during their 25-year stint in Hollywood, creating feature films, as well as television, and graphic novels. Highlights include the RED franchise starring Bruce Willis, Helen Mirren, and John Malkovich, THE... Read More →

VJ Boyd

writer/producer Justified: City Primeval, S.W.A.T., Justified

Dan Rosen

writer The Last Supper; Professor of Dramatic Writing, SCAD-Atlanta

Dan Rosen is a produced screenwriter, director, playwright, producer and since 2019, a Professor of Dramatic Writing at the Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta, Georgia.He and his new writing partner, Tess Gerritsen (Rizolli & Isles) recently set up a series of original two... Read More →

Kat Likkel

Writer, Pixar’s Elemental, Better Off Ted, Blackish, My Name is Earl; Galavant, Downward Dog; TV Animation: Rugrats, Aaaahh! Real Monsters

Married team Kat Likkel and John Hoberg have been professional screenwriters for 25 years. After a breakfast meeting with Pixar at the 2019 Austin Film Festival, they were hired to come on board to write “Elemental,” a project they worked on for nearly 3 years. Prior to that they... Read More →

John Hoberg

writer Pixar's Elemental, Better Off Ted, Galavant, Downward Dog, My Name is Earl, Black-ish

Chikodili Agwuna

writer Criminal Minds, Tuca & Bertie

Chikodili “Chik” Agwuna is a writer and comedian from Maryland. Between earning a BFA from Penn State and an MFA from Loyola Marymount University, she worked in home repair, literary publishing, and spent a year substitute teaching. She has worked in writers rooms as support... Read More →

Mitchell Bendersky

Manager, Gramercy Park Ent.

Tate Hanyok

writer/producer Sex APPeal, Love and Baseball

Tate Hanyok is a director-writer-producer focused on female-driven comedy and young adult stories. Tate’s AFF winning feature script Sex APPeal, which she produced alongside American High as a Hulu Original, premiered January 2022. The indie feature film Love and Baseball which... Read More →

Chayah Masters

Producer/Line Producer/Audio Producer

Executive Producer of the Sundance world premiere, AFTER THE WEDDING, Masters began her career in production working for Miramax and Dreamworks Animation in Los Angeles. She relocated to “Hollywood South” in Atlanta to work on films and television projects for major studios, independent... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable

1:30pm CDT

Semifinalist Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Speakers

Mike Blizzard

producer/director

Beth Serlin

AFF Moderator

Allie Watson

Direct of Development, Rooster Teeth

Allie Watson is a director of development at Rooster Teeth where she develops projects across animation and live-action television series, features and podcasts. At Rooster Teeth, she has developed HBO Max's genLOCK, Warner Brothers Home Entertainment recently announced RWBY/Justice... Read More →

Andrea Dimity

producer/literary manager

Jovan Robinson

writer on For All Mankind, Marvel's Secret Invasion, Made For Love

Jessica Esteves

Staff Writer Vida; Story Editor Work in Progress; Executive Story Editor Republic of Sarah

Jason Lubin

Literary Manager/Producer, First Story Entertainment

Stacy Rukeyser

writer Standoff; producer/showrunner Sex/Life, UnReal; producer Twisted

Weiko Lin

Author Crazy Screenwriting Secrets: How to Capture a Global Audience; writer/producer 100 Days

Glenn Cockburn

President/Literary Agent, Meridian Artists

John Strauss

writer/producer There's Something About Mary, Mozart in the Jungle, The Lizzie McGuire Movie

Anna Halberg

Writer / Producer / Director, Six Foot Turkey Productions

Anna Halberg has worked with many of the industry’s leading film and television studios including Walt Disney, Netflix, Paramount, Sony, Universal, Warner Brothers, Amblin and Lionsgate.This year, Anna was an executive producer on the feature film, “EXPEND4BLES” (Lionsgate... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 1:30pm - 2:45pm CDT
St. David's Sumners 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script/Film Competition Session

2:00pm CDT

Young Filmmakers Program Roundtable

The Young Filmmakers Program Roundtable Session provides an opportunity for students to expand their knowledge on the world of filmmaking from real filmmakers. Young creatives will network with short filmmakers in an intimate setting among a small group of peers while learning from their experiences. This is a unique chance for students to ask specific questions about the creative and business aspects of filmmaking, allowing them to develop a deeper understanding of the industry.

Friday October 27, 2023 2:00pm - 3:15pm CDT
Central Presbyterian Smoot 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Young Filmmakers Program

2:30pm CDT

Script Reading

Join us for a live reading of a Compeition script featuring local Austin actors bringing the story to life!

Friday October 27, 2023 2:30pm - 4:30pm CDT
Omni Guadalupe 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Script Reading

3:15pm CDT

A Conversation with Cord Jefferson

The inaugural Writer’s Writer Award goes to Cord Jefferson! An Emmy-winning writer who worked on visionary shows including Watchmen, Succession, The Good Place, and Master of None, Cord’s remarkably with funny, clever, and poignant debut feature American Fiction has cemented him as a singular talent of 2023. Join us to hear about Cord's career trajectory and transition from television writer to filmmaker.

Moderators

Casey Baron

AFF Moderator

Born and raised in the small island of Dominica located in the West Indies, Casey Baron movedto Austin after graduating from Florida State University with a degree in English – Editing,Writing, and Media. Casey was a part of the Austin Film Festival family for seven years running;starting... Read More →

Speakers

Cord Jefferson

2023 Recipient of the Writer's Writer Award

CORD JEFFERSON is an Emmy award-winning writer who has worked on some of the most complex and popular series of the past decade. With a motley list of projects under his belt, Jefferson has earned praise for being a multifaceted and versatile storyteller.Up next, Jefferson will make... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St Austin, TX 78701 United States

Conference

3:15pm CDT

A Conversation with Lena Headey

Hear from Lena Headey as she reflects on her career as a writer, director, and actress, including her iconic role as Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones, and adapting her BAFTA-nominated short film The Trap into a feature.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival; Moderator

Speakers

Lena Headey

writer/director The Trap; actress Game of Thrones, The White House Plumbers

LENA HEADEY is a tired parent and dillusioned actress who turned to film making in an attempt to keep her sanity and creative freedom.LENA HEADEY is set to start shooting her starring role in Kurt Sutter's return to dramatic television for the Western epic, "The Abandons" for Netflix... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
800 Congress

Conference

3:15pm CDT

Ask Your Representative

Literary managers will share their advice on how to find representation, what they look for in a new writer, and what an emerging writer should expect from the working relationship.

Speakers

Matt Dy

Script Consultant; Former Literary Manager, Lit Entertainment Group; Former Director of Script Competitions, Austin Film Festival

Jennifer DaRe

CEO/President, ATN Entertainment

David Boxerbaum

Partner, Verve Talent & Literary Agency

Ryan Cunningham

manager/producer, Anonymous Content

Ryan Cunningham is a literary manager, producer, and partner at Anonymous Content. He began his career in physical production as a PA on productions shooting in New Orleans while attending Tulane University. After graduating, Ryan moved to Los Angeles where he worked in the story... Read More →

Korin Williams

Co-Founder and CEO of Kronicle Media, Executive Producer Unthinkably Good Things, Single Black Female and Merry Liddle Christmas and Merry Liddle Wedding Franchise

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

3:15pm CDT

Comedic Dialogue: Ensembles vs One Man Show

Dialogue is the key to creating quick-witted comedy. In some cases, we laugh at the camaraderie of a cast playing off one another or from a main character navigating a funny premise. Join comedy writers Kristin Layne Tucker and Herschel Weingrod as they compare and contrast their approaches to dialogue.

Moderators

John Merriman

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Kristin Layne Tucker

Emmy-nominated writer; A Black Lady Sketch Show, The Flight Attendant, Dead Boy Detectives

Kristin Layne Tucker is an Emmy-nominated writer from Dallas, TX. Most recently, she was a Co-Producer on Amazon’s upcoming series ALL STARS, starring Reese Witherspoon and created by Aline Brosh-McKenna. She previously worked as Executive Story Editor on the upcoming Netflix series... Read More →

Herschel Weingrod

Writer Trading Places, Brewster's Millions, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Space Jam; Producer Falling Down

Herschel Weingrod is a graduate with Honors at the University of Wisconsin with a B.A in History and then attained an MFA from the London Film School. While in London, he was also employed as a film critic and reviewer at Time Out as well as The Monthly Film Bulletin, a publication... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
Central Presbyterian 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Conference

3:15pm CDT

Indie Film Track: Rewriting for Development

Rewriting never stops. Learn how to incorporate feedback, kill your darlings, and ultimately make to make your script stronger for its next stage of life.

Moderators

Scott Myers

host GoIntoTheStory.com; screenwriter K-9; author The Protagonist's Journey

Speakers

Seckeita Lewis

Co-Founder Lewis Taylor Productions; Co-Writer/Director/Producer ImPossible; Director/Producer Jerico

Seckeita is a writer, director and producer originally from Chicago, but now based in the Dallas Fort Worth area for over 20 years. A lover of story since childhood, Seckeita started her career in brand story in Corporate Marketing before branching out into entertainment, proving... Read More →

Matt Geller

President at Josephson Entertainment

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference, Indie Film Track

3:15pm CDT

Indie Film Track: The Filmmaker's Team

After completing your script, the next step is assembling a strong team of people who can help get your film off the page and into production — folks who can help with scheduling, casting, obtaining permits, and building a set from the ground up. Learn who and what you need in your corner to make the journey from pre-production to post as seamless as possible.

Moderators

Lovinder S. Gill

AFF Moderator

Speakers

António Sequeira

Writer/Director Autumn; Director Instaverse

ANTONIO SEQUEIRA is an award-winning director and writer whose films have participated in a number of high profile festivals. ‘Autumn’ is his debut feature based on a script that was developed with the aid of the Torino Film Lab. As a work-in-progress, it was selected to the “Goes... Read More →

Ward Roberts

writer/director Little Big Top, Dust Up, Invaders from Proxima B, Experiment: The Cole Porter Project; actor Westworld, Agents of SHIELD, The Nice Guys

Ward Roberts is an actor and filmmaker from Peru, Indiana. He graduated from Indiana University with a BA in Film Production & Drama, then moved to Los Angeles and studied acting under Jeff Goldblum at the Playhouse West Conservatory.Roberts critically-acclaimed debut as a writer... Read More →

Aimee Kuge

Director/Writer/Producer Cannibal Mukbang, Story Producer Teen Mom The Next Chapter, Producer Like/Subscribe, Viral, and The Sheep Remain

Aimee Kuge is a true lover of horror, storytelling, and creating art that explores the complexities of the human experience. She has a BFA in Filmmaking and a BA in Studio Art from The University of Colorado at Boulder. She's based in Brooklyn, NY.

Amanda Drexton

co-writer/director, producer and co-star of SOUR PARTY

Amanda Drexton received her BFA from Note Dame de Namur University in San Francisco. While at school she was involved with the Acting Conservatory Theater and after graduation moved to Los Angeles where she continued to study acting at the Stella Adler Studio of Acting. She starred... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference, Indie Film Track

3:15pm CDT

Started From the Bottom, Now We Here: Assistants Turned Showrunners presented by SuperSpecial

Countless household names in entertainment began their journeys as assistants! Hear from some former assistants on the way their early industry experiences prepared them to step into showrunner shoes.

Moderators

Karol Hoeffner

AFF Moderator

Hoeffner is a Hollywood screenwriter with credits and experience writing long-form television for ABC, NBC, CBS, MTV, and the Disney Channel. She has written original feature scripts for Paramount, Tri-Star and Disney. Among her produced credits are four Danielle Steel adaptations... Read More →

Speakers

Amy Aniobi

Founder of SuperSpecial; Writer/Executive Producer - Insecure; Director - Insecure, Rap Sh*t & Survival of the Thickest

Amy Aniobi is an award-winning writer/director/producer most known for her work on the Emmy-nominated HBO series, “insecure,” where she served as EP and as a writer for all five seasons. She recently directed episodes of both “Rap Shit (Max) and Survival of the Thickest (Netflix... Read More →

Joanna Calo

writer/director The Bear; writer Beef, BoJack Horseman, The Babysitters Club, Hacks, Undone

Dan Robert

creator Excessive (Audible); writer The Baby-sitters Club (Netflix)

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
Omni Pennybacker 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference, Podcasting Track

3:15pm CDT

The Writer Director Relationship

This panel brings together partners and collaborators Phil Hay and Karyn Kusama to delve into the working relationship between these two essential roles in filmmaking. Learn how the magic of their storytelling comes alive on the silver screen.

Moderators

Miguel Alvarez

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Phil Hay

co-writer/producer Destroyer, The Invitation, The Mysterious Benedict Society; co-writer Ride Along

Karyn Kusama

director Girlfight, Jennifer's Body, The Invitation, Destroyer; executive producer/director Yellowjackets

Karyn Kusama is currently an executive producer of Showtime’s coming-of-age survival drama, YELLOWJACKETS. The show has garnered seven Emmy nominations, including one for Karyn’s direction of the pilot episode. Prior to that, she helmed the Golden Globe-nominated film DESTROYER... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

3:15pm CDT

Pitch #6

Speakers

Alex Convery

writer Air

Aaliyah Williams

Partner & Manager, Adventure Media; producer Black Barbie: A Documentary, Gentefied, Really Love

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

3:15pm CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Playwrighting & Podcasting

Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft, and business of writing for plays and podcasts. This roundtable session offers registrants exclusive access to working writers in an informal setting. Come prepared with questions that focus on the importance of both the creative and business sides of breaking into and writing for both stage and audio mediums.

*This Roundtable requires advance registration at the Roundtable Sign-up Table in the Trademark Room at the Omni Hotel; the Roundtable takes place in Crail B C at St. David's Episcopal Church. Only one roundtable sign-up slot per registrant. Registrants must have the day-appropriate badge.

Advance sign up required during registration.
Omni Downtown Austin Hotel – Trademark Room
700 San Jacinto, E. 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Lisa B. Thompson

Playwright, Podcaster

Lisa B. Thompson is an award-winning artist/scholar whose satirical comedies, poignant dramas, and insightful criticism explode stereotypes about Black life in the US, particularly the experiences of the Black middle class. Her plays have been produced Off-Broadway, throughout the... Read More →

Sofya Levitsky-Weitz

screenwriter/playwright; writer The Bear, The Dropout, Gaslit

Lorien McKenna

co-host The Screenwriting Life; writer/showrunner

LORIEN MCKENNA is an Emmy-nominated and NAACP Image Award-winning Showrunner, Writer, Producer, and Playwright. Most recently, she was the Showrunner/EP of TAB TIME for YouTube Originals. She’s written and developed for Hulu, NBC, Disney, Netflix, and Comedy Central. A former Story... Read More →

Kara Lee Corthron

writer/co-executive producer You; writer/co-executive producer Servant

George Ducker

writer/executive producer Exeter

Faith McQuinn

Founder and Director/Writer of Observer Pictures

Ronnie Gunter

writer/director Exeter, Lighter, Solid Country Gold

Bob Raymonda

Co-Founder, Rogue Dialogue Productions; co-creator Forgive Me! & Windfall

Bob Raymonda is a writer and producer based out of New Rochelle, NY. Their company, Rogue Dialogue Productions, has released two fiction podcasts: the award-winning sci-fi epic Windfall and the confessional sitcom Forgive Me! He has also written for other critically acclaimed series... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable, Playwrighting Track

3:15pm CDT

Filmmakers Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Speakers

Jono Matt

writer Captain Planet, Above the Line

Sandra Avila

Partner/Manager, Inclusion Management

A 23 yr. veteran in the entertainment industry, Avila has an established track record as and executive, producer and literary manager. For the past five years, she has been a Partner and literary manager at Inclusion; a management company focused on elevating diverse storytellers... Read More →

Christian Bersani

Vice President of Film & TV, Josephson Entertainment

Ashley Lyle

co-creator/co-showrunner Yellowjackets; writer/producer Dispatches From Elsewhere, Narcos: Mexico, Narcos

Bart Nickerson

co-creator/co-showrunner Yellowjackets; writer/producer Dispatches From Elsewhere, Narcos: Mexico, Narcos

Joe Forte

writer Firewall; director The Man Who Saved Ben-Hur

Meg LeFauve and Joe Forte have been partners for over 30 years, both in life and in the filmindustry. They have worked for some of the biggest studios in Hollywood including Pixar,Warner Brothers, Paramount, Netflix, Fox and Sony — and with legendary stars as Jodie Fosterand Harrison... Read More →

Rick Dugdale

producer The Intrigo Anthology, Recon, Zero Contact; President, Enderby Entertainment

Agustine Calderon

Vice President of Features, 3pas Studios; Producer Tetris, Mysteries of the Rimet Trophy

Marian Yeager

director/producer Match Me If You Can; writer/director The Conway Curve, The Good Samaritan

Elissa Friedman

manager, producer

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 4:30pm CDT
St. David's Sumners 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script/Film Competition Session

3:15pm CDT

Word by Word Live: How to Get Through - and Out of - Your Second Act

Join us to hear how expert writers work through their second act slump. Drop in on Ed Solomon, Michael Arndt and Meg LeFauve for a craft workshop on how to write a solid second act: how to maintain forward momentum, hold your audience’s (and your own) attention, and how to just get through damn thing.

This is an extended panel.

Speakers

Michael Arndt

writer Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3

Ed Solomon

Meg LeFauve

writer My Father's Dragon, Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur; co-writer Captain Marvel; co-host The Screenwriting Life Podcast

Friday October 27, 2023 3:15pm - 5:15pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

3:30pm CDT

Young Filmmakers Pitch Competition

The Young Filmmakers Program Student Pitch Session is designed to provide high school students with a unique opportunity to showcase their best ideas to a panel of experienced industry professionals. During these sessions, students will receive valuable feedback and insights on their ideas in an encouraging setting, while learning more about the art of the pitch.

Speakers

James V. Hart

2023 Recipient of the Heart of Film Award

Cindy McCreery

The Honey Girls /Sony/Foundation Media (released Oct 2021), The Blondes AMC/Shudder, Fifty Universal TV, Haven Sy/Fy Channel, Free Willy WB, Disney Feature Writing Fellow, Associate Chair Production and Screenwriting Area Head and Associate Professor at UT Austin

Cindy McCreery is the Associate Chair and the Production and Screenwriting Area Head as well as an Associate Professor of Screenwriting in the Department of Radio-TV-Film at The University of Texas at Austin. She is a graduate of the Walt Disney/ABC Feature Writing Fellowship program... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 3:30pm - 4:45pm CDT
Central Presbyterian Smoot 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Young Filmmakers Program

3:30pm CDT

4:45pm CDT

Film Texas BBQ Supper Presented by Texas Association of Film Commissions

Producers Badges are invited to kick off the weekend, chat and chow down at one of the most highly anticipated events of the Festival each year. Join us at Pease Park and savor Green Mesquite BBQ, washed down with a cold beverage of choice.
Must have an AFF Producers Badge for entry. All parties are 21 and up.

Shuttle service will be provided to the BBQ. Shuttles run on a rotation from 4:30PM to 7PM. Pick up and drop off will be on 8th Street on the Northeast corner of 8th Street and San Jacinto.

Sponsors

Bogle Family Vineyards

Hi Sign Brewing

Teremana Tequila

TXAFC

Friday October 27, 2023 4:45pm - 6:45pm CDT
Pease Park 1100 Kingsbury St, Austin, TX 78703

Party

6:05pm CDT

First We Bombed New Mexico

First We Bombed New Mexico

(USA, 95 MIN)

Writers: Lois Lipman, Joel Marcus
Director: Lois Lipman

A formidable Hispanic cancer survivor bangs on the corridors of power to fight for compensation and an apology for Native and Hispanic communities in New Mexico whose land and water was radiated by the Trinity Bomb... The story that Oppenheimer leaves out.

Sponsors

George

Friday October 27, 2023 6:05pm - 8:00pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 9 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Documentary Feature

6:15pm CDT

Home Free

Home Free

(USA, 98 MIN)

Writer: Lenny Barszap
Director: Aaron Brown

Key Cast: Ryan Cownie, John Karna, Jashawn Lee Annie Fox, Chau Long, Joe Hart

In 1997, a group of college misfits invite an unhoused professor to crash on their porch.

Friday October 27, 2023 6:15pm - 8:13pm CDT
State Theatre 719 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

Film, Texas Independent Feature

6:30pm CDT

Midnight at the Paradise

Midnight at the Paradise

(Canada, 96 MIN)

Writer: Bill Robertson
Director: Vanessa Matsui

Key Cast: Liane Balaban, Allan Hawco, Emma Ferreira, Ryan Allen, Kenneth Welsh, Kate Trotter

Three couples are pulled into a collision course of sexual chemistry, delusion, and hope as they explore what love, death and the magic of movies mean to them.

Sponsors

George

Friday October 27, 2023 6:30pm - 8:28pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 5 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Narrative Feature

6:30pm CDT

What's Up, Doc? - Presented by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski

What's Up Doc - Presented by Scott Alexander & Larry Karaszewski

(USA, 94 MIN, 1972)

Writers: Buck Henry, David Newman, Robert Benton
Director: Peter Bogdanovich

Key Cast: Barbra Streisand, Ryan O'Neal, Madeline Kahn, Kenneth Mars, Austin Pendleton

On a trip to San Francisco to compete for a music grant, a young researcher meets a zany college dropout. Their unpredictable and wacky relationship adds to the antics of the film when four identical plaid bags go missing with valuable contents in them.

Speakers

Scott Alexander

2023 Recipient of The Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting

SCOTT ALEXANDER met his writing partner, Larry Karaszewski, when they were freshman roommates at USC’s School of Cinema. On a whim, they wrote a screenplay during their senior year, which sold a week after graduation. They are best known for writing very unusual biopics with larger-than-life... Read More →

Larry Karaszewski

2023 Recipient of The Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting

LARRY KARASZEWSKI met his writing partner, Scott Alexander, when they were freshman roommates at USC’s School of Cinema. On a whim, they wrote a screenplay during their senior year, which sold a week after graduation.They are best known for writing very unusual biopics with larger-than-life... Read More →

Friday October 27, 2023 6:30pm - 8:34pm CDT
The Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

Film, Retrospective

6:45pm CDT

The Highest Brasil

The Highest Brasil (Ireland, 112 MIN)

Writer/Director: Jeremy Curl

Key Cast: Ger Staunton, Jennifer Breslin, Stephen Doring, Tanja Karita, John Barrett, Keith Martin, Angelica Seleznova

Sea monsters, self help and sexual utopia. With his marriage crumbling, Seamus, a struggling fisherman, is unexpectedly offered the delicious pleasures of an unusual new life. But to turn his desperation into hope, Seamus will need to put his trust in a group of misfits whose project becomes more and more deranged. This absurdist dark comedy asks if there really is more out there for each of us or “IS THIS IT?”

Sponsors

Consulate General of Ireland Austin

Community Partner

George

Friday October 27, 2023 6:45pm - 8:57pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 6 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Narrative Feature

Cord Jefferson

2023 Recipient of the Writer's Writer Award

Friday October 27, 2023 7:00pm - 9:17pm CDT
Paramount Theatre 713 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

Film, Marquee

8:45pm CDT

Unfinished Business from Beyond

Unfinished Business from Beyond

(Mexico, 108 MIN)

Writer: Eduardo Espindola
Director: Ian Martin

Key Cast: Ricardo Fastlicht, Bella Castillon, Susana Zabaleta, Giusseppe Gambas

In a haunted apartment building, a once-successful investigator has to reunite with his daughter to solve a paranormal mystery and regain his credibility as a writer and a parent. All this, while they try to escape from the terrible creature that haunts the place, killing the tenants one by one...

Presented by Hyperreal Film Club

Sponsors

George

Friday October 27, 2023 8:45pm - 10:54pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 9 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Dark Matters

9:00pm CDT

UCLA Storybreak Live

Led by UCLA’s Jill Goldsmith, guest panelists will break a pilot in front of a live audience. They won't know the story idea beforehand and will toss back a drink or two and work together to come up with a ready-to-pitch story. One random Second Rounder in attendance will be chosen to participate.

Speakers

Katrin Benedikt

co-writer Olympus Has Fallen, The Expendables 3, London Has Fallen, story credit Angel Has Fallen

Shane Black

writer/director The Predator, The Nice Guys, Iron Man 3, Kiss Kiss Bang Bang; writer Lethal Weapon, Last Action Hero, The Last Boy Scout, The Long Kiss Goodnight

Noah Harpster

Micah Fitzerman-Blue

Jill Goldsmith

writer/producer Law & Order, The Practice, Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, NYPD Blue

Micah Cyrus

co-producer, All American

Amy Aniobi

Founder of SuperSpecial; Writer/Executive Producer - Insecure; Director - Insecure, Rap Sh*t & Survival of the Thickest

Friday October 27, 2023 9:00pm - 11:00pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

9:15pm CDT

Studio One Forever

Studio One Forever

(USA, 96 MIN)

Director: Marc Saltarelli

Key Cast: Bruce Vilanch, Chita Rivera, Felipe Rose, Roslyn Kind

STUDIO ONE FOREVER is the untold story of America’s first gay disco, a kaleidoscopic excursion into LGBTQ+ history through the lens of this groundbreaking club. Featuring interviews with Chita Rivera, Bruce Vilanch, Sam Harris, Felipe Rose, Charlo Crossley, Melissa Rivers, Roslyn Kind, Lance Bass, Thelma Houston, Julie Budd and many more. Narration by Bruce Vilanch and David Del Valle.

On-screen subtitles for this screening can be made available upon request at least 10 days in advance in accordance with AFF's accessibility policy. Please email accessibility@austinfilmfestival.com with all requests or questions regarding the policy.

Friday October 27, 2023 9:15pm - 11:09pm CDT
The Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701

Film, Documentary Feature

9:15pm CDT

Don't Tell Larry

Don't Tell Larry

(USA, 95 MIN)

Writer/Director: Greg Porper, John Schimke

Key Cast: Patty Guggenheim, Kiel Kennedy, Kenneth Mosley, with Dot Marie Jones and Ed Begley Jr.

After lying to her new eccentric coworker Larry about a company party, an ambitious corporate flunky must deal with the deadly consequences.

Sponsors

George

Friday October 27, 2023 9:15pm - 11:10pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 5 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Comedy Vanguard

9:15pm CDT

Shaft (1971) - Presented by Kevin Willmott

Shaft (1971) - Presented by Kevin Willmott

(USA, 98 MIN)

Writers: Ernest Tidyman, John D.F. Black
Director: Gordon Parks

Key Cast: Richard Roundtree, Moses Gunn, Christopher St. John, Gwenn Mitchell, Charles Cioffi

The mob wants Harlem back. But they're gonna get Shaft. Richard Roundtree stars as New York City private detective John Shaft. He's cool, tough and won't back down to anybody. But when the New York Mafia wants to take over the Harlem drug trade, they kidnap local crime lord Bumpy Jonas' (Moses Gunn) daughter. Now in the middle of a war between mobsters that's ready to ignite a racial tinderbox, Jonas hires the one man tough enough to get his daughter back--John Shaft.

Speakers

Kevin Willmott

11:00pm CDT

Filmmakers Happy Hour presented by Indie Rights

The Filmmakers Happy Hour is another one of the Festival's great late-night parties and provides filmmakers and registrants alike the opportunity to discuss another full day of panels and the Friday evening films. Swap your Saturday schedule while enjoying a bevy of beverages!
Must have an AFF Producers Badge for entry. All parties are 21 and up.

Sponsors

Bogle Family Vineyards

Hi Sign Brewing

Indie Rights

Teremana Tequila

Friday October 27, 2023 11:00pm - Saturday October 28, 2023 1:00am CDT
SKYBOX on 6th 501 W 6th St 4th Floor, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Party

9:00am CDT

A Conversation with Max Borenstein

Hear from Max Borenstein, the scribe behind Godzilla, Kong Skull Island, and Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty as he discusses the challenges of creating a cinematic universe on film and the realities of adding spectacle to a real-life story.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival; Moderator

Speakers

Max Borenstein

creator/show-runner Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty; writer Worth, Godzilla, Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla vs Kong, Hypnotic; creator The Terror: Infamy.

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
800 Congress

Conference

9:00am CDT

Beyond Badass: Investigating Female Characters in a Post-Barbie Universe

Discover the power of authentic and nuanced female characters in bolstering your film, challenging stereotypes, and connecting with your audience.

Speakers

Michael Arndt

writer Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3

Lindsay Doran

Phil Hay

co-writer/producer Destroyer, The Invitation, The Mysterious Benedict Society; co-writer Ride Along

Karyn Kusama

director Girlfight, Jennifer's Body, The Invitation, Destroyer; executive producer/director Yellowjackets

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

9:00am CDT

Breaking Into the Business

Join us for a chat about the writer’s journey into the industry. Discover tips and tricks for getting your foot in the door and standing out in an ever-growing business.

Moderators

Bill True

AFF Moderator; writer Runaway; Head of Dramatic Writing, Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre

Speakers

Jessica Esteves

Staff Writer Vida; Story Editor Work in Progress; Executive Story Editor Republic of Sarah

Michael Jones-Morales

writer/producer Punisher, S.W.A.T., Promised Land; writer Warehouse 13

Growing up, MICHAEL JONES-MORALES relied on his imagination to occupy hours of boredom roaming the endless mesas of northern New Mexico… He had no idea that, one day, the stories in his mind would earn him a living. Over the past dozen years, or so, he has written and produced shows... Read More →

Ameni Rozsa

writer/EP Showtime's YELLOWJACKETS, co-EP Netflix's THE SANDMAN

Saeed Crumpler

writer Flatbush Misdemeanors; AFF'S 2023 Screenwriters to Watch

Saeed Crumpler, an African American rapper turned Screenwriter, grew up in Oakland, CA in the Bay Area. He attended nearby San Francisco State University where he graduated with a degree in Screenwriting, and also had a successful independent hip-hop career. He's a 2021 Nickelodeon... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Omni Pennybacker 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

9:00am CDT

From Playwright to Screenwriter

Join these panelists who have successfully made the leap from stage to screen. This discussion will pull back the curtain on how exactly they did it and how their background as a playwright influences them as a screenwriter.

Moderators

Lisa B. Thompson

Playwright, Podcaster

Speakers

Ben Snyder

writer/director Allswell in New York, 11:55

Ben Snyder is a television producer, filmmaker, and playwright. He wrote for the Netflix series Grand Army and produced the HBO series Betty. Ben has developed television for BET, Channel 4, Lionsgate Entertainment, and Warner Bros. His most recent feature film, Allswell, with Bobby... Read More →

Lorien McKenna

co-host The Screenwriting Life; writer/showrunner

Lina Patel

writer Cherish the Day, Krypton, Frequency; Lecturer of Playwriting, Pomona College

Sofya Levitsky-Weitz

screenwriter/playwright; writer The Bear, The Dropout, Gaslit

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference, Playwrighting Track

9:00am CDT

On Podcasting: Physical Production

Sit down with fiction podcast producers Anna Halberg, Bob Raymonda, and Faith McQuinn to hear from the professionals about the nuts and bolts of writing and producing a compelling podcast.

Moderators

Sarah Rhea Werner

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Faith McQuinn

Founder and Director/Writer of Observer Pictures

Bob Raymonda

Co-Founder, Rogue Dialogue Productions; co-creator Forgive Me! & Windfall

Anna Halberg

Writer / Producer / Director, Six Foot Turkey Productions

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference, Podcasting Track

9:00am CDT

On World Building

Worldbuilding is an essential ingredient for any successful story. Learn from the minds behind Severance, Moon Knight, and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds on how they use worldbuilding to create a vivid environment for audiences to experience.

Moderators

Casey Baron

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Damon Lindelof

2023 Recipient of the Outstanding Television Writer Award

Dan Erickson

creator Severance

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Central Presbyterian 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Conference

9:00am CDT

Storytelling on Set: Pairing Improv and Scripted Comedy

Although a great script may lay a solid foundation for a film, what happens when a creative team breaks from traditional filmmaking methods to allow spontaneity and inspiration to strike at any moment? Hear from the creative team behind the partially improvised feature film Not an Artist on their filmmaking journey, the ability to craft well-rounded characters in an ever-changing environment, and how the comedic process benefits from opening space for improvisation.

Moderators

John Merriman

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Alexi Pappas

writer/director/actor Not an Artist

Alexi Pappas is an Olympic athlete, author, filmmaker, and actress. Alexi's memoir-in-essays, "Bravey," with a foreword by Maya Rudolph, was published in January 2021 and was the number 1 new release in both the sports and film categories. A young reader’s version of “Bravey... Read More →

Matt Walsh

co-writer/actor Not an Artist; actor Veep

Matt Walsh is a two-time Emmy-nominated actor from HBO’s award-winning comedy series “Veep.” Matt is a founding member of the iconic sketch/improv theater Upright Citizens Brigade and he recently appeared in Hulu’s “Unplugging” which he co-wrote, and starred alongside... Read More →

Jeremy Teicher

co-writer/director Not an Artist

Jeremy is a writer/director whose work blends fiction with reality. Jeremy's newest feature film, Not An Artist, featuring an all-star cast from shows like Veep and The Office, will be released by Utopia Distribution in 2024. His third film, Olympic Dreams, premiered to critical... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

9:00am CDT

Structure in Storytelling

Join Ed Solomon and Celine Song as they break down their approach to structuring a screenplay that fits their story.

Moderators

Barry Josephson

AFF Moderator; Josephson Entertainment; Film - producer Enchanted, Dirty Grandpa, The Last Boy Scout; TV - executive producer The Tick, TURN: Washington Spies, Bones

Speakers

Ed Solomon

Celine Song

writer/director Past Lives

Celine Song is a filmmaker and playwright. Her debut feature film PAST LIVES premiered at Sundance 2023. The film was released in the U.S. in June to critical and audience acclaim, and will be released globally throughout the year. Her play Endlings received its world premiere in... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

9:00am CDT

Pitch #7

Speakers

Amy Louise Johnson

writer/co-EP Servant (seasons 3 and 4) and Orphan Black: Echoes

VJ Boyd

writer/producer Justified: City Primeval, S.W.A.T., Justified

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

9:00am CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Melissa Blake

writer/producer

Melissa Blake is a television writer-producer who’s worked on one-hour dramas and half-hour single camera comedies for broadcast television and streaming platforms over the past twenty-five years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Screenwriting from Loyola Marymount University. In... Read More →

Kelsi Fleming

Director of Development at Josephson Entertainment

Ryan Cunningham

manager/producer, Anonymous Content

Larry Postel

writer The Main Event, 5000 Blankets, Flip Turn, High Holiday

Chikodili Agwuna

writer Criminal Minds, Tuca & Bertie

Samantha Levenshus

writer Orphan (Hulu), Neon Future (iss.1-6); producer Elevate Entertainment

Jacob Krueger

Writer The Matthew Shepard Story; WGA Paul Selvin Award Winner

Liz Kelly

Creative Talent Development Executive, Disney

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable

9:00am CDT

Filmmakers Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Speakers

Katie Lopez

Acquisitions, Bleecker Street

Katie is on the acquisitions team at Bleecker Street and is based in Los Angeles. She was part of the team that acquired THE STARLING GIRL directed by Laurel Parmet and JULES directed by Marc Turtletaub. When she isn’t at the movies, she loves exploring nature, running, and spending... Read More →

Danielle McCarthy-Boles

Vice President, Publicity Magnolia Pictures; producer, BIG STAR: NOTHING CAN HURT ME

Danielle McCarthy-Boles is the VP of Publicity at Magnolia Pictures. She has overseen publicity and promotion for independent film hits including Man On Wire (winner of the 2008 Academy Award for Best Documentary), Melancholia, Shoplifters, The Square, and the Oscar-nominated documentaries... Read More →

Carl Effenson

Producer Mudbound, Mending the Line, Hide Away, Burying the Ex, Bob Trevino Likes It

Carl Effenson is a native of Austin, TX y'all. He's an award-winning producer whose credits include Dee Rees’ Mudbound. The film was nominated for 4 history-making Academy Awards, was the recipient of the Humanitas Prize and a Robert Altman Award at the 2018 Independent Spirit... Read More →

Dan Kavanagh

TV Coordinator Vertigo Entertainment

Jakob Pollack

Coordinator, Film Vertigo Entertainment

Colby Day

writer Spaceman, In the Blink of an Eye

Kesila Childers

Independent Producer

Frank Reynolds

editor In The Bedroom, Match Me If You Can, Tromeo & Juliet, The Cat and the Moon

Chayah Masters

Producer/Line Producer/Audio Producer

Maurice Moore

The Color Purple, The Life of David Gale, The Place She Dwells, DejaVu

Maurice Moore is a “storyteller”, whom at an early age received a life changing opportunity when Steven Spielberg cast him in the Academy Award nominated classic “The Color Purple”. This fueled his passion to become an actor, then ultimately a producer and filmmaker. Maurice... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 10:15am CDT
St. David's Sumners 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script/Film Competition Session

9:00am CDT

Script Library

The Script Library houses scripts by all semifinalists, finalists, and winners from the 2023 Screenplay Competition.

Saturday October 28, 2023 9:00am - 6:00pm CDT
St. David's Crail A 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script Library

10:00am CDT

Launching a Screenwriting Career presented by The University of Texas Radio-Television-Film MFA in Screenwriting Program

Join this special morning session to learn about the educational and networking opportunities afforded to grad school students in University of Texas Austin's Radio-Television-Film Program. Hear from alumni on how living in Austin and studying media at UT gave their careers a boost.

Speakers

Maya Perez

writer/producer

Alison Eakle

Shondaland Chief Content Officer; Co-EP Bridgerton, Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, Inventing Anna

Davia Carter

writer Tulsa King, Snowfall, Queen of the South

Davia Carter discovered her passion for writing while growing up in a military town nestled in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks. Much of her writing pays homage to her small-town upbringing. Carter has an affinity for stories about people exploring their identity and coming of age... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:00am - 11:15am CDT
Omni Guadalupe 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

10:45am CDT

Behind the Scenes at Josephson Entertainment

What do production companies look for when taking on new projects in film and television, and how are scripts selected for development? The Josephson Entertainment team will take a behind-the-scenes look into the development and production process, and what executives look for in the writers they choose to support.

Moderators

Samantha Levine

AFF Moderator

Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Samantha Levine moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas at Austin. She graduated in 2009 with a BA in Theatre & Dance, concentration in Radio, Television and Film. Samantha started as an intern at Austin Film Festival in 2013 and... Read More →

Speakers

Kelsi Fleming

Director of Development at Josephson Entertainment

Christian Bersani

Vice President of Film & TV, Josephson Entertainment

Matt Geller

President at Josephson Entertainment

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

10:45am CDT

Creating Emotional Characters That Your Audience Will Care About

Join Oscar-nominated screenwriter Meg LeFauve (Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur, Captain Marvel) for an insight into her process for creating authentic, memorable, rich, and—dare we say—loveable characters.

Speakers

Meg LeFauve

writer My Father's Dragon, Inside Out, The Good Dinosaur; co-writer Captain Marvel; co-host The Screenwriting Life Podcast

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

10:45am CDT

Nailing Your Spec Script: TV versus Features

In this industry, spec scripts can refer to both an original feature or pilot idea and an episode of an existing TV show. Join Niceole Levy, Alex Convery, and Glenn Cockburn as they break down the differences between the two – and the importance of nailing them both. From crafting engaging dialogue to executing a captivating plot, this session provides invaluable insights and practical tips to help you create a standout script.

Moderators

Scott Myers

host GoIntoTheStory.com; screenwriter K-9; author The Protagonist's Journey

Speakers

Alex Convery

writer Air

Niceole Levy

writer The Banker, The Recruit

Glenn Cockburn

President/Literary Agent, Meridian Artists

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Omni Pennybacker 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

10:45am CDT

Script to Screen: Warrior

One of the most beloved sports action movies of all time, Warrior is a masterclass in character development and redemption arcs. Join writer-director Gavin O’Connor as he explores its journey from concept to completion, complete with clips from the film.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival; Moderator

Speakers

Gavin O'Connor

co-writer/director/producer Warrior, Pride and Glory, Tumbleweeds; director Miracle, The Way Back; executive producer Mare of Easttown

GAVIN O’CONNOR is a native New Yorker who began writing while studying at the University of Pennsylvania. After graduation, he returned to New York, where he began his career writing short films and plays. O’Connor made his screenwriting debut with the award- winning short film... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
800 Congress

Conference

10:45am CDT

Script to Screen: Watchmen

Hear from creator Damon Lindelof and writer Cord Jefferson as they break down their Emmy-winning episode of the masterful miniseries Watchmen.

Moderators

Harrison Glaser

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Cord Jefferson

2023 Recipient of the Writer's Writer Award

Damon Lindelof

2023 Recipient of the Outstanding Television Writer Award

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

10:45am CDT

Tales from Texas Film Offices presented by TXAFC

Join members of the Texas Association of Film Commissions to learn how a film office (often known as a film commission) can be a filmmaker's best friend. Writers, directors, production designers, cinematographers, producers and location managers rely on film offices throughout Texas to get the resources and locations they need for their film and television projects. Join us for this informative discussion of how the Texas Association of Film Commission's members work with production teams on projects large and small across the entire Lone Star State.

Moderators

Drew Mayer-Oaks

Film and creative industries commissioner at the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission

Drew currently serves as film and creative industries commissioner at the El Paso Film & Creative Industries Commission, after eleven years as director at the San Antonio Film Commission. Under his leadership, the City of San Antonio established one of the country’s first local... Read More →

Speakers

Alfred Cervantes

Executive Director of the Houston Film Commission

Alfred Cervantes, Executive Director of the Houston Film Commission and a native Houstonian, has worked in the film industry in various capacities since 1992. As freelance crew, some of the movies he has worked on are Reality Bites, The Chase, Jason's Lyric, Powder, Apollo 13, and... Read More →

Brian Gannon

Director of the Austin Film Commission

The Austin Film Commission works to bring film, television, and commercial production to Austin area as well as advocating and assisting with productions filming in the region with a goal of creating jobs and local spending. Brian Gannon has been with Visit Austin for eleven years... Read More →

Kimberly LeBlanc

City of San Antonio’s Film & Music Commissioner

Kimberly LeBlanc is proud to serve as the City of San Antonio’s Film & Music Commissioner, where she works closely with creative industry professionals and community leaders to foster growth in San Antonio’s local film community and promote San Antonio as a competitive destination... Read More →

Stephanie Whallon

Director of the Texas Film Commission since 2018

Stephanie Whallon received her MFA in film production from the Columbia University School of the Arts Graduate Film Program with a concentration in screenwriting. After graduating, she worked in film production finance for companies located in New York, Los Angeles, and all over the... Read More →

Sponsors

TXAFC

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

10:45am CDT

Writing for Production: A Conversation with So Young Shelly Yo

The 2023 New Voice award goes to filmmaker So Young Shelly Yo! Shelly will discuss transitioning from writing and directing short films to her debut feature, the visually stunning and emotionally rich multi-language film Smoking Tigers. Learn how Shelly capitalized on her short films’ success and wrote a contained coming-of-age script to match her production budget.

Moderators

Casey Baron

AFF Moderator

Speakers

So Young Shelly Yo

2023 Recipient of The New Voice Award

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

10:45am CDT

Writing for Your Audience

There are many audiences to consider when writing your script: creating a part that an actor would be drawn to, cultivating entertainment value that a studio can get behind, and putting out a premise that intrigues theatergoers. Hear from these action movie aficionados on how to make movies that their audience loves, while making money at the box office!

Moderators

Greg Garrett

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Erich Hoeber

writer RED, The Meg, My Spy, Transformers: Rise of the Beasts

Katrin Benedikt

co-writer Olympus Has Fallen, The Expendables 3, London Has Fallen, story credit Angel Has Fallen

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
Central Presbyterian 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Conference

10:45am CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Tate Hanyok

writer/producer Sex APPeal, Love and Baseball

Justin Boyd

Writer/Producer Fear the Walking Dead, Sweet Tooth, Reprisal, Channel Zero

Ashley Lyle

co-creator/co-showrunner Yellowjackets; writer/producer Dispatches From Elsewhere, Narcos: Mexico, Narcos

Bart Nickerson

co-creator/co-showrunner Yellowjackets; writer/producer Dispatches From Elsewhere, Narcos: Mexico, Narcos

Carrye Glazar

Executive Producer ACCTV, Kings of Atlantis; Co-producer Game Change

Michael Fry

writer/co-creator Over The Hedge; writer/illustrator How To Be A Supervillain Series, Ghosted; co-writer/illustrator The Naughty List, Odd Squad Series

Greg Carter

AFF Moderator, writer/director/producer Hip-Hop Family Christmas Wedding MTV/Paramount Global; showrunner 5th Ward: The SeriesAMC/AllBlk; writer/director/producer My BFF eOne/Amazon; Professor University of Houston

Filmmaker Greg Carter is a native of Houston, Texas, a graduate of Texas A&M University and has produced over thirty feature films. Greg’s corporate commercial clients include Lexus, Toyota and Infiniti. He also is a visiting Scholar and Professor of media at the University of Houston... Read More →

Bill True

AFF Moderator; writer Runaway; Head of Dramatic Writing, Scottsdale School of Film+Theatre

Michelle Amor Gillie

writer Saving Brandon, PG County, The Honorable, Playin' for Love, Of Boys & Men, Tupac Shakur: Before I Wake; LMU professor

Katie Cates

Manager, Artists First

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable

10:45am CDT

Second Rounder Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Speakers

Agustine Calderon

Vice President of Features, 3pas Studios; Producer Tetris, Mysteries of the Rimet Trophy

Beth Serlin

AFF Moderator

Korin Williams

Co-Founder and CEO of Kronicle Media, Executive Producer Unthinkably Good Things, Single Black Female and Merry Liddle Christmas and Merry Liddle Wedding Franchise

Evan Romansky

Co-Creator, Executive Producer RATCHED

Jim Burnstein

writer Renaissance Man, D3: The Mighty Ducks, Ruffian, Love and Honor; Professor and Director of Screenwriting University of Michigan

Jodi Hildebrand

Producer of Scripted Film and Television, Conde Nast Entertainment

Betsy Van Stone

writer All I Didn’t Want For Christmas; co-creator/showrunner Astrid & Lilly Save the World

Noelle Stehman

writer All I Didn’t Want For Christmas; co-creator/showrunner Astrid & Lilly Save the World

Richard Dane Scott

writer Sparkle: A Unicorn Tale, Avengers of Justice, staff writer 5th Ward, A Tooth Fairy Tale

Alex Ferrari

host Indie Film Hustle, Bulletproof Screenwriting

Alex Ferrari is an author, blogger, speaker, consultant, the host of the #1 filmmaking podcast on iTunes Indie Film Hustle Podcast, and an award-winning writer/director with 25 years of experience in the film industry. As a director his films have screened in over 500 international... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 10:45am - 12:00pm CDT
St. David's Sumners 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script/Film Competition Session

10:45am CDT

Pitch #8

Speakers

Noah Harpster

While attending the Festival, don't miss the opportunity to attend AFF's Awards Luncheon, where you can dine with panelists, awardees, and hear inspiring speeches from this year's honorees and winners. A must attend event to make the most of your AFF experience.

ADDITIONAL TICKET PURCHASE REQUIRED! PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY. AFF reserves the right not to seat late parties. This ticket in non-transferable.

Speakers

Dan Erickson

creator Severance

Larry Karaszewski

2023 Recipient of The Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting

Scott Alexander

2023 Recipient of The Bill Wittliff Award for Screenwriting

Craig Brewer

writer/director Hustle & Flow, Black Snake Moan, Footloose; director Coming 2 America, Dolemite Is My Name;

CRAIG BREWER (Director/Producer) began his career as a filmmaker in Memphis, Tennessee. While working at Barnes & Noble, he learned camera and editing techniques from books he purchased with his employee discount. In 2000, he made his first feature film, THE POOR & HUNGRY, which won... Read More →

So Young Shelly Yo

2023 Recipient of The New Voice Award

Lauren Shuler Donner

2023 Recipient of the Polly Platt Award for Producing

Lauren Shuler Donner is a renowned and prolific film, TV, and theater producer, boasting an impressive array of many credits, including the X-Men franchise, Pretty in Pink, Free Willy, You’ve Got Mail, She’s The Man, and The Secret Life of Bees, She has also been EP on five tv... Read More →

Cord Jefferson

2023 Recipient of the Writer's Writer Award

Gary Ross

writer/director Pleasantville, Seabiscuit, The Hunger Games, The Free State of Jones; writer Big, Dave, The Tale of Despereaux; Presenting the 2023 Polly Platt Award for Producing

Gary Ross has been a writer director for over three decades. His films include Big, Dave, Pleasantville, Seabiscuit, The Hunger Games, The Free State of Jones and Ocean’s 8. Ross has received four Oscar nominations and various other awards. His films have grossed over 1 billion... Read More →

Damon Lindelof

2023 Recipient of the Outstanding Television Writer Award

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:15pm - 2:15pm CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St Austin, TX 78701 United States

Party

12:30pm CDT

A Conversation with Paul Reiser

Legendary actor Paul Reiser will walk us through his experience writing and acting on his own show, taking his new script The Problem with People to Ireland, and finding his voice through decades of working with some of Hollywood's best.

Moderators

John Merriman

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Paul Reiser

co-writer/actor Problem with People

2023 is a busy year for Reiser. In Hulu’s new critically-acclaimed comedy series “Reboot” from Modern Family creator Steve Levitan, Reiser plays Gordon, the original creator of the old sitcom being rebooted. Awards Daily says “Reiser truly excels, giving one of his very best... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

12:30pm CDT

On Writing: Yellowjackets

Hear the showrunners of Yellowjackets talk about the writing process behind this critically acclaimed series. Explore the challenges of juggling two timelines at once, a large ensemble cast, and depictions of trauma on the small screen.

Moderators

Erin Hallagan

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Ashley Lyle

co-creator/co-showrunner Yellowjackets; writer/producer Dispatches From Elsewhere, Narcos: Mexico, Narcos

Bart Nickerson

co-creator/co-showrunner Yellowjackets; writer/producer Dispatches From Elsewhere, Narcos: Mexico, Narcos

Jonathan Lisco

writer and showrunner Yellowjackets, Animal Kingdom, Halt and Catch Fire, Southland, K-ville; writer Jack & Bobby, The District, NYPD Blue

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Ballroom 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference

12:30pm CDT

Producing Your Episode on Set

Taking your script from the writer's room to an actual set can be endlessly intimidating, but also endlessly exciting. Hear about the realities of the production process and get some advice on how to manage a set.

Moderators

Ryan P. Hall

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Sean Collins-Smith

Story Editor Chicago PD, Staff Writer Michael Shur’s Field of Dreams

Ameni Rozsa

writer/EP Showtime's YELLOWJACKETS, co-EP Netflix's THE SANDMAN

Amy Talkington

writer/co-executive producer Little Fires Everywhere; writer Valley Girl, writer/director The Night of the White Pants

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

12:30pm CDT

Soliciting Feedback — My Adventures In Masochism

Learn from veteran writer Michael Arndt, the mind behind Little Miss Sunshine and Toy Story 3, on how to solicit and interpret notes on your working drafts.

Speakers

Michael Arndt

writer Little Miss Sunshine, Toy Story 3

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

12:30pm CDT

The Craft of Game Writing: Single Player versus Multi Player

The differences between single and multi-player video games are obvious – but how does this affect the writing process? How do the writers tackle origin stories and arcs when focusing on a single player, and how does it change for a multi-player game? Join us for an in-depth discussion on the craft of game writing.

Moderators

Casey Baron

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Ellys Tan

Senior Quest Designer on Fallout 76; Narrative Writer on Paragon, Battle Breakers

Ellys is a senior quest designer at Bethesda Game Studios, where for the past five years she has bolstered the success of the popular online roleplaying game Fallout 76. With an education in computer science and a lifelong practice in storytelling, Ellys utilizes both skillsets to... Read More →

Susan O'Connor

Lead Writer Star Wars 1313, Far Cry 2; Writer Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider, BioShock; Story Consultant Batman: The Telltale Series, Dishonored 2, BioShock 2; Interactive Story Consultant Netflix

Susan’s first job as a game writer was for “a slumber party game - for girls!” She’s gone on to work on over 25 projects, including award-winning titles in the BioShock, Far Cry and Tomb Raider franchises. Titles in her portfolio have sold over 30 million copies and generated... Read More →

Joshua Rubin

Writer/Narrative Director: Assassin’s Creed 2, Destiny, Outriders, Telltale’s Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, Groundhog Day VR: Like Father Like Son

Joshua Rubin is an Interactive Emmy-winning veteran of the game industry, best know for his writing on Ubisoft's ASSASSIN'S CREED 2, Bungie's DESTINY, Telltale's GAME OF THRONES and WALKING DEAD, and pioneering Mixed Reality projects including GROUNDHOG DAY VR: LIKE FATHER LIKE SON... Read More →

Westin Lee

writer, Unannounced Techland Project; Narrative Designer, Just Cause Mobile

Westin Lee is a games writer currently at Polish developer Techland. He's worked as a screenwriter, narrative designer and consultant in film and games, and is the author of Tellermoon and Wicked City. His latest novel, Paranormal School 13, is a transmedia anthology set at a public... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Conference, Game Writing Track

12:30pm CDT

Pitch #9

Speakers

Katrin Benedikt

co-writer Olympus Has Fallen, The Expendables 3, London Has Fallen, story credit Angel Has Fallen

Benji Samit

writer Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, The Addams Family 2, Pokemon Detective Pikachu; showrunner Koala Man

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

12:30pm CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Nadia Abass-Madden

Writer/executive story editor 9-1-1. Former 911 Dispatcher

Nadia Abass-Madden, a first-generation Lebanese-American, is an inaugural member of the WGA WEST’s Middle Eastern Writer’s Committee. She was most recently an Executive Story Editor on FOX’s 9-1-1 where she drew from her expertise as a former 911 dispatcher, putting the... Read More →

Ben Snyder

writer/director Allswell in New York, 11:55

Sandra Avila

Partner/Manager, Inclusion Management

Daniel Cohan

Literary Manager, Brillstein Entertainment Partners

Paul Merryman

Producer, Merryman Media

Zack Zucker

Literary Manager, Bellevue Productions

Kevin Hamedani

writer Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Infidel; writer/producer/showrunner Tether; writer/showrunner Stephen King's N.; writer/director Saviors, Zombies of Mass Destruction, Junk

Davia Carter

writer Tulsa King, Snowfall, Queen of the South

Jill Chamberlain

Author The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable

12:30pm CDT

Second Rounder and Above Panel: The First 10 Pages

Hear from Oscar nominee, industry veteran, and “Script Whisperer” Lindsay Doran on the importance of a script’s first 10 pages. Learn the tips and tricks on how to get your audience to invest in your characters and story from the very beginning.

This panel is for Second Rounders and Above only.

Speakers

Lindsay Doran

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
Omni Pennybacker 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Script/Film Competition Session

12:30pm CDT

Second Rounder Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Speakers

Melissa Blake

writer/producer

Niceole Levy

writer The Banker, The Recruit

Jennifer DaRe

CEO/President, ATN Entertainment

Anthony Sparks

writer/showrunner/executive producer Queen Sugar, Bel-Air, The Blacklist

Carl Effenson

Producer Mudbound, Mending the Line, Hide Away, Burying the Ex, Bob Trevino Likes It

Alison Flierl

writer/producer BoJack Horseman, School Of Rock, Random Tropical Paradise, Conan, Internet Comment Theater, TV Guide Letter Theater

Megan Alderson

Creative Development Executive, Pixar Animation Studios

Virgil Williams

writer Mudbound, A Journal for Jordan, The Piano Lesson

Michael Jones-Morales

writer/producer Punisher, S.W.A.T., Promised Land; writer Warehouse 13

John Zaozirny

President, Bellevue Productions

Jono Matt

writer Captain Planet, Above the Line

Monica Lund

Partner, MY Productions; producer Match Me If You Can

John Strauss

writer/producer There's Something About Mary, Mozart in the Jungle, The Lizzie McGuire Movie

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 1:45pm CDT
St. David's Sumners 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script/Film Competition Session

12:30pm CDT

Aitamaako'tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun

Aitamaako'tamisskapi Natosi: Before the Sun

(Canada, 89 MIN)

Writer: Banchi Hanuse, Tanya Maryniak
Director: Banchi Hanuse

An intimate and thrilling portrait of a young Siksika woman and her family in the golden plains of Blackfoot Territory as she prepares for one of the most dangerous horse races in the world… the Indian Relay.

Sponsors

George

Saturday October 28, 2023 12:30pm - 2:19pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 9 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Documentary Feature

1:00pm CDT

The Stars at Night

The Stars at Night

(USA, 55 MIN)

Writer/Director: Elizabeth Buckley

Key Cast: Amy Jackson, John Bucher, Tyler Nordgren, Babak Tafreshi

The Stars at Night is a feature documentary that explores the connection between astronomy, mythology, and original storytelling. Through expert interviews and an expedition to one of North America’s last truly dark skies we try to discover what impact light pollution is having on our culture, and what stories may have never been told, had the storytellers never seen the stars.

Sponsors

George

Texas Film Commission

Saturday October 28, 2023 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 5 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Texas Independent Feature

1:15pm CDT

Scab Vendor:The Life and Times of Jonathan Shaw

Scab Vendor

(USA, 87 MIN)

Writer: Jonathan Shaw
Director: Mariana Thome, Lucas de Barros

Scab Vendor is a feature film documentary about the life and adventures of Jonathan Shaw. A legend in the tattoo industry and underground arts community, the film delves deeply into Shaw’s psyche and his major career shift to reinvent himself as an iconic underground novelist.

In Attendance: Jonathan Shaw, Mariana Thome, Lucas de Barros

Sponsors

George

Saturday October 28, 2023 1:15pm - 3:17pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 6 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Marquee

1:50pm CDT

Villains Inc.

Villains Inc.

(USA, 102 MIN)

Writers: Matt Moen, Jason Gray, and Jeremy Warner
Director: Jeremy Warner

Key Cast: Mallory Everton, Colin Mochrie, Jason Gray, Billy Mann, Jeff Davis

After the death of their villainous boss, low-level henchpeople Beatrix, Cain, and Harold are left destitute living in an abandoned grocery store. Not content with the situation they find themselves in, Beatrix is determined for them to strike out on their own and take over the world by any means necessary.

Sponsors

Coldtowne Theater

Saturday October 28, 2023 1:50pm - 3:52pm CDT
Rollins Theatre at the Long Center for Performing Arts - Presented by Too Far Media 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Comedy Vanguard

3:00pm CDT

Six Square Industry Roundtables: The Art, Craft, and Business of Wriitng as a Career

As part of AFF’s Uplifting Storytellers Initiative, AFF will host free Writers Conference programming within Six Square, Austin’s Black Cultural District. This event will be open to both Festival Badge holders and the general public to connect, cultivate, and celebrate BIPOC artists.

The event will consist of an Industry Roundtable session and a live reading of the First 3 Pages for selected scripts.
At the Roundtables, writers, managers, producers, and/or executives will speak openly about their experiences in the industry. Attendees will have the opportunity to personally interact with the panelists and ask directed questions about the art, craft, and business of working in film, television, and new media.

This project is supported in part by the Texas Commission on the Arts.

Speakers

Nicki Micheaux

writer/director Summer of Violence

Nicki Micheaux is an award-winning actress, who’s an up-and-coming director with a fresh take on storytelling. Micheaux has a passion for creating emotionally powerful stories that explore themes of identity, family, and the power of love. Born and raised in Houston, Nicki was exposed... Read More →

Faith McQuinn

Founder and Director/Writer of Observer Pictures

Kevin Willmott

co-writer Da 5 Bloods, BlacKkKlansman; co-writer/director The 24th; director/co-writer No Place Like Home: The Struggle Against Hate in Kansas

Julio Quintana

writer-director The Vessel, Blue Miracle, The Long Game

Amy Aniobi

Founder of SuperSpecial; Writer/Executive Producer - Insecure; Director - Insecure, Rap Sh*t & Survival of the Thickest

Aanch Khaneja

Head Of Film + TV SuperSpecial

Aanch Khaneja is an executive and producer who has primarily worked with filmmaker-driven pods to build their development slate. She got her start at UTA, then joined Noah Hawley’s 26 Keys, and then went on to run development for Alma Har’el before joining Amy Aniobi and SuperSpecial... Read More →

Sponsors

Texas Commission on the Arts

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:00pm CDT
Huston–Tillotson University 900 Chicon St, Austin, TX 78702

Conference, Uplifting Storytellers Initiative

3:00pm CDT

All About Representation: Managers

Join this panel to discuss the manager’s role as an important partner for writers, their impact on a writer’s career, and what they look for in prospective clients.

Moderators

Ryan P. Hall

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Isabella Mastrodicasa

Manager/Producer, Founder of Never Settle Media

Korin Williams

Co-Founder and CEO of Kronicle Media, Executive Producer Unthinkably Good Things, Single Black Female and Merry Liddle Christmas and Merry Liddle Wedding Franchise

Lee Stobby

Producer, Literary Manager

Bryan Brucks

Founder of 831 entertainment; producer/manager Scout’s Guide To The Zombie Apocalypse, Bodied, Blended, Kill For Me

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
St. David's Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

3:00pm CDT

Inside the Writers Room presented by Loyola Marymount University

Learn from four writers working in television about the realities of being inside the room where the magic happens.

Moderators

Karol Hoeffner

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Evan Romansky

Co-Creator, Executive Producer RATCHED

Chikodili Agwuna

writer Criminal Minds, Tuca & Bertie

Jessica Esteves

Join Benji Samit, the mind behind Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem and The Addams Family 2 as he explains the complexities behind the modern rise of IP-based animated storytelling, including acquainting yourself with massive mythologies and servicing the fans while creating a compelling new narrative.

Moderators

Trey Selman

Speakers

Benji Samit

writer Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, The Addams Family 2, Pokemon Detective Pikachu; showrunner Koala Man

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Omni Mansfield 700 San Jacinto Blvd Austin, TX 78701

Conference

3:00pm CDT

What It Takes (And What It Takes)

Join the four friends who brought you the Failure, Inner Critic, and Mistakes panels of years past for an honest, off-the record conversation about what it takes to work in this business... and what the business takes from you in return. A frank discussion of what they thought it would be, what it is, and how they reconcile those differences.

Speakers

Christina Hodson

writer The Flash, Bumblebee, Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey

Pamela Ribon

writer My Year of Dicks, Moana, Nimona

Jason Headley

writer Lightyear, Onward; writer/director A Bad Idea Gone Wrong

Oren Uziel

writer/director Shimmer Lake; Writer The Lost City, 22 Jump Street, Freaks of Nature, The Cloverfield Paradox, Mortal Kombat, Escape Room: Tournament of Champions

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Central Presbyterian 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Conference

3:00pm CDT

Writing Scary for the Small Screen

Horror and thrillers used to be reserved for the theaters, but today they’ve jumped onto the small screen with huge success. Learn from writers on Servant, You, Fear The Walking Dead, and The Flight Attendant to learn about thrilling an audience from their living room.

Moderators

Casey Baron

AFF Moderator

Speakers

Kara Lee Corthron

writer/co-executive producer You; writer/co-executive producer Servant

Amy Louise Johnson

writer/co-EP Servant (seasons 3 and 4) and Orphan Black: Echoes

Justin Boyd

Writer/Producer Fear the Walking Dead, Sweet Tooth, Reprisal, Channel Zero

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
St. David's Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Conference

3:00pm CDT

Pitch #10

Speakers

Sofya Levitsky-Weitz

screenwriter/playwright; writer The Bear, The Dropout, Gaslit

Kevin Hamedani

writer Darius the Great Is Not Okay, Infidel; writer/producer/showrunner Tether; writer/showrunner Stephen King's N.; writer/director Saviors, Zombies of Mass Destruction, Junk

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
St. David's Vestry 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Pitch

3:00pm CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film & Television

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Nadia Abass-Madden

Writer/executive story editor 9-1-1. Former 911 Dispatcher

Dan Rosen

writer The Last Supper; Professor of Dramatic Writing, SCAD-Atlanta

Scott Myers

host GoIntoTheStory.com; screenwriter K-9; author The Protagonist's Journey

Kristin Layne Tucker

Emmy-nominated writer; A Black Lady Sketch Show, The Flight Attendant, Dead Boy Detectives

Kesila Childers

Independent Producer

Chris Provenzano

writer Justified: City Primeval, Justified, Silicon Valley, Archer, Mad Men, Get Low

Micah Cyrus

co-producer, All American

Weiko Lin

Author Crazy Screenwriting Secrets: How to Capture a Global Audience; writer/producer 100 Days

Jennifer DaRe

CEO/President, ATN Entertainment

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
St. David's Crail B C 301 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701

Roundtable

3:00pm CDT

Industry Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Writing for Video Games

Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft, and business of writing for video games. This roundtable session offers registrants exclusive access to working writers in an informal setting. Come prepared with questions that focus on the importance of both the creative and business sides of breaking into and writing for video games.

*This Roundtable requires advance registration at the Roundtable Sign-up Table in the Trademark Room at the Omni Hotel; the Roundtable takes place in Sumners Room at St. David's Episcopal Church. Only one roundtable sign-up slot per registrant. Registrants must have the day-appropriate badge.

Advance sign up required during registration.
Omni Downtown Austin Hotel – Trademark Room
700 San Jacinto, E. 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

Wednesday, October 25: 12:00PM – 5:00PM
Thursday, October 26: 8:30AM – 5:00PM
Friday, October 27: 8:50AM – 5:00PM
Saturday, October 28: 8:30AM – 3:00PM

Speakers

Justin Sloan

writer Cypher, Game of Thrones (game), narrative lead PlanetQuest

Justin Sloan is a screenwriter and game writer. Having recently written on Roku's CYPHER season 2, Justin currently serves as the narrative lead for Galactic Entertainment's PLANETQUEST. His creative journey started with writing at Telltale Games on such narrative-driven titles as... Read More →

Joshua Rubin

Writer/Narrative Director: Assassin’s Creed 2, Destiny, Outriders, Telltale’s Walking Dead and Game of Thrones, Groundhog Day VR: Like Father Like Son

Stephan Bugaj

Stephan Bugaj Chief Creative Officer of Genvid Entertainment; formerly of DJ2 Entertainment, Hanson Robotics, Telltale Games, and Pixar

As Genvid’s chief creative officer Stephan Bugaj brings a wealth of past creative andtechnical direction experience, including as CCO of DJ2 Entertainment, the Hollywoodcompany behind the Sonic the Hedgehog movie, forthcoming Tomb Raider anime, andmore. Stephan has held senior creative... Read More →

Ashley Poprik

game writer; Modern Warfare III, Marvel's Spider-Man 2, Marvel Mayhem, Clue: Disney Villains

Ashley Poprik is a video game writer at Activision's High Moon Studios. Ashley focuses on creating interesting characters that educate and support different life experiences to make her audience feel seen and heard. Ashley has previously worked at Insomniac Games and Hasbro, writing... Read More →

Evan Narcisse

Jon Paquette

Narrative Director, Insomniac Games

Jon Paquette has written, designed, produced, and/or directed over 20 games, including Marvel’s Spider-Man, Sunset Overdrive, Resistance 3, and several iterations of the Medal of Honor series. His latest is Marvel’s Spider-Man 2.Marvel’s Spider-Man was nominated for the Writer’s... Read More →

Susan O'Connor

Lead Writer Star Wars 1313, Far Cry 2; Writer Crystal Dynamics' Tomb Raider, BioShock; Story Consultant Batman: The Telltale Series, Dishonored 2, BioShock 2; Interactive Story Consultant Netflix

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
St. David's Sumners 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Roundtable, Game Writing Track

3:00pm CDT

Semifinalist Panel: What the Guild Does for Writers

In this presentation, Dana Weissman, Director of Programs at the Writers Guild of America, East will discuss the work of the WGA, including how the labor movement has guaranteed members minimum compensation; pension, health, and paid parental leave benefits; credit for their work; residuals; legal services; awards; professional development; and a strong community.

This panel is presented by The Writers Guild of America, East.

This panel is for Semifinalists and Above.

Speakers

Dana Weissman

Director of Programs at the Writers Guild of America, East

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Stephen F. Austin Assembly 701 Congress Ave, Austin, 78701

Script/Film Competition Session

3:00pm CDT

What’s Up, Doc: A Young Filmmakers Program Panel Uncovering the Truth of Documentaries

From Tiger King: The Doc Antle Story (2021) to Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets (2023), it's undeniable that documentary series have grown in popularity within the past few years. Has the current cultural climate created this increased desire for documentaries? Does a documentary need a cultural message, or is it enough to entertain its audience? What even is the difference between a docuseries, reality television, and true crime? In this panel, we will explore Gen-Z's influence on the documentary industry, and students will also leave with insight into how to structure non-fictional stories for today's modern audience.

Speakers

Dean Alioto

writer/director The McPherson Tape, Portal, Alien Abduction: Incident in Lake County

Dean Alioto got his start dropping out of two film schools to work on movies for Steven Spielberg, Clint Eastwood, and Oliver Stone. Dean went on to write and direct several independent films including the supernatural thriller Portal for Vertical Entertainment, as well as create... Read More →

Courtney Cook

Education Manager, POV on PBS

Courtney B. Cook, PhD is researcher, writer, and producer. In her current role at POV on PBS, she works to support independent non-fiction filmmakers through impact strategy and engagement. As a former literature and writing teacher her career has always been rooted in storytelling.She... Read More →

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:15pm CDT
Central Presbyterian Smoot 200 E 8th St Austin, TX 78701-3210

Young Filmmakers Program

3:00pm CDT

Invaders from Proxima B

Invaders From Proxima B

(USA, 94 MIN)

Writer/Director: Ward Roberts

Key Cast: Ward Roberts, Samantha Sloyan, Bo Roberts, Mike C. Nelson, Richard Riehle, Jeremiah Birkett, Sarah Lassez

When a wise-cracking alien crashes in the backyard, a family teams up with their fuzzy new friend to battle a dangerous array of weirdos that show up in hot pursuit.

Sponsors

George

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:00pm - 4:54pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 5 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Narrative Feature

3:00pm CDT

Not an Artist

Not an Artist

(USA, 97 MIN)

Writer/Director: Alexi Pappas, Jeremy Teicher, Matt Walsh

Key Cast: Ciara Bravo, Cleopatra Coleman, Haley Joel Osment, Alexi Pappas, Matt Walsh, RZA

In an exclusive artist-in-residency program overseen by an enigmatic patron (RZA), artists in turmoil face a make-or-break ultimatum: unlock their full creative potential or abandon art forever. Yet, the unexpected intrusion of an outsider (Matt Walsh) jeopardizes the program's delicate balance.

Community Partner

Saturday October 28, 2023 3:30pm - 5:24pm CDT
Galaxy Theatre 6 presented by George, liveatthegeorgeatx.com 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752