2018 Austin Film Festival and Conference Schedule: Full Schedule

7:00pm

16th Annual Film and Food Fundraising Party

BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Austin Film Festival is pleased to announce their 16th annual Film & Food Fundraising Party, an evening dedicated to celebrating Austin's thriving film industry and famous culinary talent. Held in the glamorous and historic Driskill Hotel, the event brings Austinites and visitors together to celebrate the film arts and enjoy flowing cocktails and inventive cuisine from some of Austin’s most notable chefs. Live and silent auctions showcase the very best in luxury items, trips, and experiences. Click Here for more information! Proceeds from the event benefit AFF’s Young Filmmakers Program. YFP was founded to encourage youth to explore their creativity and improve their literacy skills through the arts of screenwriting and filmmaking. Click Here for more information!

Sponsors

Brophy Edmundson Shelton & Weiss PLLC

Celebrity Cruises

Crown Royal

HK Stages

KMFA

Lincoln Motor Company

Mutual Trust Corporate Real Estate

Shweiki Media

Stella Artois

Twin Liquors

Wednesday October 24, 2018 7:00pm - 10:00pm
The Driskill Hotel Mezzanine

Party, Party

11:30am

Opening Remarks

Austin Film Festival welcomes you to its 25th annual celebration of storytelling through film, television, theater, narrative fiction podcasting, and new media. Bringing together industry icons, independent filmmakers, aspiring storytellers, and everyone in between, this year features intimate discussions, workshops, 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.

*Sign Language Interpretation provided by Communication by Hand

Panelists

Ed Solomon

writer HBO’s Mosaic, Men in Black; co-writer Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, Now You See Me, It's Garry Shandling's Show.

Ed Solomon became a professional writer at age 19 when he sold some jokes in the back room of The Comedy Store to comedian Jimmie Walker. He did it to impress a girl. By the time he was 21, while he was still a student at UCLA, he was a staff writer on the ABC sitcom Laverne and Shirley... Read More →

Thursday October 25, 2018 11:30am - 12:30pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

1:00pm

First Three Pages, Live!

Join AFF for an afternoon of live readings featuring the first three pages of works-in-progress, forgotten screenplays, and a few other surprises.

This panel is presented by ColdTowne Theater.

Panelists

Dave Buckman

The Second City, Boom Chicago, American Crime, Machete

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 and... Read More →

Sponsors

Coldtowne Theater

Thursday October 25, 2018 1:00pm - 2:15pm
The Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony

Conference, Panel

1:00pm

How to Work the Conference

The AFF Conference is a great place to mingle and learn – that person sitting next to you could be a life changing contact. Although the schedule can be intimidating, this panel featuring seasoned Festival attendees is here to help. Join the discussion on everything from networking to pitching to where the closest restroom can be found. Find out how to maximize your Badge and your time here at the Conference!

Moderators

Matt Dy

Director of Script Competitions, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Kelly Jo Brick

writer Pause, The Jewel in the Woods; contributing writer for Final Draft

Kelly Jo Brick is a television and documentary writer. She wrote the Telly Award-winning film PAUSE and the Frank Lloyd Wright documentary The Jewel In The Woods. Her short film script, Wreckage, is currently in pre-production. Kelly Jo is a contributing writer for Final Draft where... Read More →

Kevin Hamedani

co-writer/director ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction, Junk, In Her Place, The Saviors, Film Juror-Student Short

Kevin Hamedani began his filmmaking career with the feature ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction. Produced by Academy Award nominee John Sinno (Iraq in Fragments) the film went on to receive critical acclaim showing in film festivals worldwide. ZMD was acquired by Lionsgate and premiered... Read More →

Julie Howe

writer/executive producer Cupid's Proxy, The Adventures of Catty Wompus; co-producer Miracle on 42nd Street; 2010 AFF Comedy Screenplay Competition Winner

Thursday October 25, 2018 1:00pm - 2:15pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

1:00pm

Indie Film Track: The Filmmaker's Team

The making of a feature film is no small feat. As the saying goes, it takes a village. Learn who and what you need in your corner in order to make the journey from pre-production to post as seamless as possible.

Moderators

Ashland Viscosi

moderator; Founder, Creatives Meet Business

Ashland founded Creatives Meet Business (CMB), an event and podcast series in Austin for creatives of all disciplines to define themselves as “artists” and “creatives” AND “small business owners” and “entrepreneurs.” The event series helps creatives – filmmakers, dancers, graphic designers, photographers... Read More →

Panelists

Brian Hanson

co-writer/director, The Black String

Brian Hanson is a writer/director who co-wrote and directed indie thriller, THE BLACK STRING, starring Frankie Muniz. Brian was a member of the US Army's 75th Ranger Regiment where he jumped out of airplanes and deployed to Afghanistan several times. After serving, Brian earned an... Read More →

Sarah Kolb

producer Major Arcana; co-producer Little Woods

Sarah Brennan Kolb is a producer and director who splits her time between Brooklyn, New York and various haunts around Texas.Her producing credits include Major Arcana (Raindance International Film Festival, Austin Film Festival), co-producing Little Woods (Tribeca, Los Angeles Film... Read More →

Jean Lee

writer/director Original Sin; creator Strong (2019); director Killer Sex Doll (2020)

JEAN LEE is a writer/director who loves world cinema. She made her first film at the University of Pennsylvania called WE DO NOT EXIST, an investigative documentary on Philadelphia's sex trafficking industry which later became an educational tool at the District Attorney's office... Read More →

Jason Noto

writer Beyond the Night

Noto is an alumni of the Berlinale Talent Campus. His short films have screened and been nominated at numerous festivals including Sitges International Film Festival (Butchers Hill) and Fantasia International Film Festival (La Ricetta). He won two short film Awards and the Audience... Read More →

Thursday October 25, 2018 1:00pm - 2:15pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room

Conference, Panel

Tracks Indie Film Track

1:00pm

Universal Cable Productions Presents - My First Pitch

Join Universal Cable Productions’ Senior Vice President of Development, Elise Henderson, and some of the studio’s top producers, Patrick Macmanus, Liz Sarnoff, and Andrew Miller, as they share stories about their first pitches and offer tips on what to do when you get in front of decision makers.

This panel is presented by Universal Cable Productions.

Moderators

Elise Henderson

Senior Vice President of Development, Universal Cable Productions

Senior Vice President of Development at Universal Cable Productions where she developed such projects as USA Network’s Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated MR. ROBOT, SYFY’s HAPPY!, and Amazon’s upcoming HOMECOMING starring Julia Roberts.

Panelists

Patrick Macmanus

showrunner/executive producer SYFY’s HAPPY!

Patrick Macmanus has an overall deal with Universal Cable Productions to develop premium scripted programming for the studio. He is currently the showrunner and executive producer of SYFY’s HAPPY! based on New York Times best-selling author Grant Morrison and Darick Robertson’s... Read More →

Andrew Miller

creator/executive producer CW’s The Secret Circle; co-executive producer FOX’s Backstrom; writer Boys and Girls, Nothing

Andrew Miller created and executive produced CW’s “The Secret Circle” and was co-executive producer on the FOX series “Backstrom,” starring Rainn Wilson. Additionally Miller has developed and written pilots for NBC, ABC, Showtime, Amazon and SYFY. He has also written or... Read More →

Liz Sarnoff

writer Barry, Deadwood, Lost; co-creator FOX’s Alcatraz; executive producer Netflix’s Marco Polo

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Thursday October 25, 2018 1:00pm - 2:15pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Bethell Hall

Conference, Panel

1:00pm

Writing Mosaic: A Conversation with Ed Solomon

Join writer Ed Solomon for a discussion on writing the murder mystery Mosaic. Initially released as a mobile app, Mosaic was a groundbreaking ‘branching narrative’ that allowed viewers the ability to choose the way they experienced the story. Solomon will discuss the massive undertaking of writing a story from multiple perspectives and the future of storytelling.

Panelists

Greg Garrett

moderator; author; Professor, Baylor University

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, and Damon Lindelof, and led conversations on craft, genre, adaptation, and narrative. Himself... Read More →

Ed Solomon

writer HBO’s Mosaic, Men in Black; co-writer Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, Now You See Me, It's Garry Shandling's Show.

Thursday October 25, 2018 1:00pm - 2:15pm
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

1:00pm

Austin Pitch #1

It’s the 16th Annual Austin Film Festival Pitch Competition! This unique event allows contestants 90 seconds to pitch their best ideas to a panel of judges made of up agents, 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.

All Pitch Sessions require an advance sign-up and are held at St. David’s Episcopal Church in the Vestry Conference Room, located at 301 E 8th Street.

Panelists

Peter Mattei

creator/showrunner Outsiders; novelist, playwright, director

Peter Mattei is a screenwriter, novelist, director and cable series creator/showrunner. His critically-acclaimed one-hour series OUTSIDERS ran for two seasons on WGN and Hulu and was rated among the top 20 cable series in 2016/17, with up to 4 million viewers per episode. He also... Read More →

Cindy McCreery

The Blondes AMC/Shudder, Fifty Universal TV, Something in the Water Effenson Entertainment, Haven Sy/Fy Channel, Missy Piggle Wiggle Freckle Films, Free Willy WB, Disney Feature Fellow, Associate Professor and Screenwriting Area Head, UT Austin

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Thursday October 25, 2018 1:00pm - 2:15pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Vestry Conference Room

Pitch, Pitch Competition

Tracks Pitch Track

1:00pm

*Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film

*Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft and business of writing for film. 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 Driskill Mezzanine; the Roundtable takes place at St. David’s Episcopal Church’s Crail Hall, located at 301 E 8th Street. Only one roundtable sign-up slot per registrant. Registrants must have the day-appropriate badge.

ROUNDTABLE SIGN UP HOURS:
Registrants must sign up for Roundtable Sessions in the Mezzanine of the Driskill Hotel!
Wednesday, October 24 | 12:00PM-5:00PM
Thursday, October 25 | 8:30AM-5:00PM
Friday, October 26 | 8:30AM-5:00PM
Saturday, October 27 | 8:30AM-3:00PM

Panelists

Alisha Brophy

co-writer License to Drive (2017), White Girl Problems, Swiped, United States of Fuckin' Awesome

Alisha Brophy is a small town girl who always ends up in big cities. She lives in Los Angeles, but you wouldn’t know it from her cowboy boots and New York accent. She is a recent Moth GrandSLAM champion, and you can hear her storytelling broadcast nationally on “The Moth” radio... Read More →

Jeffrey Brown

producer Punk in Africa, No No: A Dockumentary,Through The Repellent Fence, Every Night’s A Saturday Night, Vinyl Generation, Yallah! Underground, Pirating Pirates, Mamas & Papas, Kooky

Jeffrey Brown has produced a number of award-winning narrative features and feature documentaries in Europe, Africa and the USA, playing international festivals such as Sundance, IDFA, Tribeca, SXSW, Full Frame, Rotterdam, New York FF, Edinburgh, Durban and being released in cinemas... Read More →

Kat Candler

writer/director/producer Hellion, Queen Sugar; director 13 Reasons Why, 12 Monkeys

Kat Candler’s award-winning feature Hellion starring Aaron Paul and Juliette Lewis, played in competition at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and was released theatrically through IFC Films. Candler was a 2015 Sundance Institute Women’s Initiative Fellow and two-time San Francisco... Read More →

C. Robert Cargill

C. Robert Cargill is a novelist, former film critic, and a screenwriter on Marvel’s Doctor Strange and both of the Sinister films. His recent novel Sea of Rust was shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award. He lives and works here in Austin, TX.

Peter Craig

writer The Town, Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts I & II, 12 Strong, Top Gun: Maverick (2019); writer/producer Blood Father; novelist

Peter Craig is a screenwriter and novelist whose credits include The Town (2010), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part I (2014), The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part II (2015), Blood Father (2016), and 12 Strong (2018). His novels include Blood Father, Hot Plastic, and The Martini Shot... Read More →

Ryan Cunningham

Literary Manager, Madhouse Entertainment; producer Slender Man (2018)

Ryan Cunningham is a literary manager and producer at Madhouse Entertainment. Ryan began his career in physical production as a PA on several films and TV shows shooting in New Orleans while he attended Tulane University. After graduating, Ryan moved to Los Angeles where he worked... Read More →

Michael Fry

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

Michael Fry is an author/illustrator/screenwriter. He is the co-creator/writer of the syndicated comic Over the Hedge that inspired the DreamWorks Animation feature animated film. He is also the author/illustrator of several middle grade children’s book series, including the bestselling... Read More →

Lindy Goldstein

producer The Nutcracker and The Four Realms

Lindy Goldstein is the President of her eponymous company (LGP). Founded in 2013, LGP’s mission is to produce timeless commercial content, based on established IP or original stories in both film and television.Goldstein has over a decade of experience in the entertainment industry... Read More →

Jason Headley

writer/director A Bad Idea Gone Wrong, It's Not About the Nail, At the Bar, F*ck That: A Guided Meditation

Jason Headley's feature film, "A Bad Idea Gone Wrong," won a Special Jury Prize at the 2017 SXSW Film Festival and the Grand Jury Award at the deadCenter Film Festival. Called "a talent to watch" by the Hollywood Reporter, Jason is currently writing an upcoming feature film for Pixar... Read More →

Scott Miles

co-writer License to Drive (2017), White Girl Problems, Swiped, United States of Fuckin' Awesome

Scott Miles lives for BBQ and cinema in equal measure. With degrees in both film production and screenwriting, he's quite comfortable switching hats between writer and director, so long as one of those is a fancy stovepipe hat like Lincoln wore. He thinks he’d look good in that... Read More →

Bill True

writer Runaway

Bill’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 also took the top prize at... Read More →

Thursday October 25, 2018 1:00pm - 2:15pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Crail Hall

Roundtable, Roundtable

2:30pm

Script Reading Workshop: Madrigal

A stubborn IRS agent uncovers a nasty conspiracy when he tries to collect taxes from an unusual client in a post-apocalyptic wasteland.

Written by: Chance Muehleck

Seven scripts have been chosen from this year’s group of Semifinalists and Finalists in the Screenplay, Playwriting, and Fiction Podcast Competitions to be read aloud in our Script Reading Workshops. These selected scripts will be performed by a group of actors in an intimate setting. The read-throughs will be bare-bones. With only actors and the words on the page, it is the ultimate testament to the quality of the written word.

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:30pm - 4:30pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, State Board Room 701 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script Reading

2:45pm

A Conversation with Brady Corbet: Writer/Director of AFF's Opening Night Film Vox Lux

Join Vox Lux writer/director Brady Corbet for a discussion on his breakout feature and his journey behind the camera. With a career that began in acting, Corbet has transitioned into writing/directing and established himself in the independent film world. After the panel join Corbet at the Paramount Theatre for an advance screening of Vox Lux.

Moderators

Fabienne Harford

moderator

Panelists

Brady Corbet

writer/director Vox Lux

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Bethell Hall

Conference, Panel

2:45pm

A Conversation with Scott Rosenberg

Scott Rosenberg has a career that has spanned two decades, multiple genres, and the jump from the big screen to television. His writing has ranged from the romantic drama Beautiful Girls to big budget action and comedies like Con Air, Gone in Sixty Seconds, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle. For fans of the writer’s journey, join Rosenberg for a discussion on his long career in Hollywood and the inspiration for his diverse catalogue of scripts.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Scott Rosenberg

writer Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, Venom, Con Air, Beautiful Girls

Scott Rosenberg has written the screenplays “THINGS TO IN DENVER WHEN YOU’RE DEAD”, “BEAUTIFUL GIRLS”, “CON AIR”, “DISTURBING BEHAVIOR”, “GONE IN 60 SECONDS”, and “HIGHWAY”.He co-wrote “HIGH FIDELITY” and “KANGAROO JACK”. As well as created and produced... Read More →

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

2:45pm

Austin Pitch Prep

Are you ready to give your best pitch? Get prepped to sell your script—and yourself!—and ensure your first pitch won’t be your last. Will you be in the select group that makes it through to the Pitch Competition Finale?

Panelists

Pamela Ribon

writer Moana, Smurfs: The Lost Village, Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, Bears, Samantha Who?; comic book writer Rick and Morty, SLAM!, Film Juror-Animated Short

Pamela Ribon is a screenwriter (Ralph Breaks the Internet, Moana), TV writer (Samantha Who?), comic book writer (SLAM!, Rick and Morty), and best-selling novelist. She was named one of Variety’s 10 Screenwriters to Watch and is a 2017 Film Independent Directing Lab Fellow. She is... Read More →

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room

Conference, Panel

2:45pm

Indie Film Track: Documentary Storytelling

Documentaries, like fiction, begin with a blank page and an idea that will eventually serve as a blueprint for the film. A compelling narrative is equally as essential when writing non-fiction. Take part in this discussion on how to create strong, character-driven stories documenting the real world, plus the research and preparation that go into crafting strong documentary films.

Moderators

Greg Curtis

moderator

Gregory Curtis was the Editor of Texas Monthly from 1981-2000. During his editorship, the magazine won many prizes including five National Magazine Awards. In 2000, he was selected by the Columbia Journalism Review as one of the ten best magazine editors in the country. Curtis has... Read More →

Panelists

Stuart Harmon

director/producer OZY, VICE, NYT, A&E

Stuart Harmon is NYC-based director and producer with an expansive body of work, ranging from documentaries to non-fiction TV to digital to commercials. He's produced Emmy-nominated shows and documentaries for several networks including New York Times, VICE, A&E, Animal Planet, FYI... Read More →

Keith Maitland

director/producer TOWER, A Song For You: The Austin City Limits Story

Richard Miron

director/producer/editor For the Birds

While shooting his first feature documentary, FOR THE BIRDS, Richard assistant-edited Academy Award-nominated LIFE, ANIMATED, as well as ART AND CRAFT (Academy Award shortlist). He was the lead editor for the recent feature documentary THE SURROUNDING GAME. He received his B.A. in... Read More →

Anne-Frédérique Widmann

Director FreeMen, documentary filmmaker & investigative journalist

Anne-Frédérique Widmann is the director of the documentary film FREE MEN, making its U.S. premiere in Austin. Told through the charismatic voice of inmate Kenneth Reams, FREE MEN is a story of human resilience : how can we find a sense of purpose in life when all signs of hope seem... Read More →

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony

Conference, Panel

Tracks Indie Film Track

2:45pm

Notes & Revisions

The revision process is tricky and can become endless if you’re not careful. Join panelists for an honest conversation on how to make criticism constructive, what to make of your notes, and how to keep moving forward.

Moderators

Tim Albaugh

moderator; Professor, UCLA; Director, Hollins University Graduate Screenwriting Program

Tim Albaugh is a writer/producer, and a graduate of the UCLA MFA screenwriting program. Albaugh has taught screenwriting at UCLA, UC Irvine, Hollins University, Pixar Animation Studios, and Walt Disney Feature Animation. His students have sold features to all the major studios and... Read More →

Panelists

Max Borenstein

creator The Terror (Season 2), Untitled Game of Thrones Spinoff, Minority Report (television series); writer Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla 2

Max Borenstein is a screenwriter and director who captures the soul and complexity of richly developed characters. His films push the boundaries while maintaining an authenticity regardless of genre. Borenstein wrote the script for 2014’s blockbuster Godzilla, an epic, contemporary... Read More →

Ashley Miller

writer Thor, X-MEN: First Class, Big Trouble in Little China; writer/producer Fringe, Black Sails, Film Juror-Narrative Feature

Ashley Edward Miller is a graduate of The College of William and Mary. A writer of both film and television, he began his career as a staff writer on Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda and MGM’s Agent Cody Banks. Most recently in television, Ashley wrote and produced for the second... Read More →

Ed Solomon

writer HBO’s Mosaic, Men in Black; co-writer Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, Now You See Me, It's Garry Shandling's Show.

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Assembly Room

Conference, Panel

2:45pm

Writing For Hollywood Outside of Hollywood

Join this panel of writers for a discussion on ways to build and maintain your writing career outside of LA.

Moderators

Courtenay Hameister

moderator; host/head writer PRI's Live Wire Radio 2003-2015; co-writer of The Benefits of Gusbandry (web series)

For nine years, Courtenay Hameister was the host and head writer for Live Wire, a nationally-syndicated live public radio variety show distributed by Public Radio International.She's interviewed over 500 filmmakers, screenwriters, comics and other creative makers including Bob Odenkirk... Read More →

Panelists

Macon Blair

writer/director I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore; actor Blue Ruin, Green Room, Hold The Dark, Film Juror-Student Short

Macon Blair is a screenwriter, actor, and director who lives in Austin, Texas. His directorial debut, I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore won the 2017 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Award. He wrote the screenplay adaptation for Jeremy Saulnier's new film, Hold the Dark... Read More →

C. Robert Cargill

Andrew Logan

writer/executive producer Chappaquiddick

Andrew Logan is a writer and producer based in Austin, TX. As a writer, Andrew was listed on the 2015 Black List for the screenplay he co-wrote called Chappaquiddick, a political thriller that chronicles the true story of what is described as the seven most dramatic days of Senator... Read More →

Sponsors

Roadmap Writers

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room presented by Roadmap Writers

Conference, Panel

2:45pm

Austin Pitch #2

Panelists

Jill Chamberlain

author The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting

Jill Chamberlain is the founder of The Screenplay Workshop (www.thescreenplayworkshop.org) where she has helped thousands of writers with their screenplays. Her book, The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret to Successful Screenwriting (University of Texas Press), is one of the highest rated screenwriting books on Amazon, out of over 3,000 books on the subject. It's considered the go-to manual many professionals swear by and is on the syllabus for film schools across the U.S. including the acclaimed screenwriting program... Read More →

Luis Dantas

writer/director If God Comes Let Him Bring A Gun; The Performance; producer Washington Heights

Luis started his professional career as a news photographer, having worked for years as staff for VEJA, Brazil’s largest weekly news magazine. He moved on to film and received a grant to study at Columbia University in NY for his MFA in writing/directing in the film program. His... Read More →

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Vestry Conference Room

Pitch, Pitch Competition

2:45pm

*Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Television

Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft, and business of writing for television. This roundtable session offers registrants exclusive access to TV writers, producers, showrunners, and executives 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 television.

Panelists

Stephen Clark

Partner, Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler & Feldman

Stephen Clark is a partner in the West Hollywood, CA entertainment law firm, Lichter, Grossman, et al. For over 17 years, he has represented a diverse group of writers, directors, actors and producers in film and television. His extensive experience includes a wide variety of individual... Read More →

Rick Dugdale

President, Enderby Entertainment; producer Intrigo Anthology, An Ordinary Man, Blackway

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 →

Alison Flierl

writer BoJack Horseman, School of Rock (television series); writer/producer/performer Internet Comment Theater, TV Guide Letter Theater; producer Random Tropical Paradise

ALISON FLIERL is a Writer/Producer/Performer. She co-created and co-starred in the comedy digital series “Internet Comment Theater" for Mashable. Alison wrote for “BoJack Horseman”on Netflix and “School Of Rock” on Nickelodeon. She also served as an Executive Producer o... Read More →

Carrye Glazar

Head of Original Content/Producer/Partner, Mighty Coconut

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 →

Ryan P. Hall

Head of Development, Rooster Teeth; Executive Producer Blood Fest, Lazer Team 2

As Head of Development, Ryan P. Hall oversees Rooster Teeth’s slate of development while also leading the initiative of identifying up-and-coming projects and talent. Before coming to Rooster Teeth, Hall most recently served as Head of Development at Espen Sandberg and Joachim Rønning’s... Read More →

David Iserson

writer/producer The Spy Who Dumped Me, Mad Men, New Girl, Mr. Robot

David Iserson is a screen and television writer/producer originally from Freehold, New Jersey and a graduate of Northwestern University. He is the co-writer and executive producer of the 2018 film, THE SPY WHO DUMPED ME. His TV credits include MAD MEN, MR. ROBOT, GRAVES, MOZART IN... Read More →

Lucas Martell

writer/director Pigeon: Impossible, The OceanMaker

Lucas is an animation writer/director whose award-winning short films PIGEON: IMPOSSIBLE and THE OCEANMAKER have been seen more than 15-million times online and screened at over 350 festivals in 57 different countries. PIGEON: IMPOSSIBLE was bought by Fox Animation / Blue Sky for... Read More →

Jono Matt

co-writer Captain Planet

Jono Matt was featured on our 2017 AFF 25 Screenwriters To Watch list with his writing partner and Austin native, Glen Powell. Jono is currently writing the live-action Captain Planet movie for Paramount and Leonardo DiCaprio. He also has action-comedies in development with Imagine... Read More →

Alvaro Rodriguez

writer From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series; co-creator/executive producer Seis Manos

Born and raised along the Texas-Mexico border, Alvaro Rodriguez is executive producer/co-creator of Seis Manos, a Netflix original adult-animated series, currently in production in cooperation with Powerhouse Animation and Viz Media for release in 2019. A coming-of-age feature set... Read More →

Conrad Sun

TV Literary Manager, Meridian Artists

Conrad Sun joined Meridian Artists in 2014 to head their Los Angeles Division. Conrad devotes his efforts toward building the Los Angeles roster, and supporting all of Meridian's LA based clients for both staffing and development. Additionally Conrad works with the Toronto office... Read More →

Rebecca Windsor

Director, Warner Bros. Television Workshop

Rebecca Windsor is the Director of the Warner Bros. Television Workshop, the premier writing and directing program for professionals looking to start and/or further their careers in television. As an extension of her role developing new talent, Rebecca was recruited to help launch... Read More →

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Crail Hall

Roundtable, Roundtable

2:45pm

Conference Q&A Session: Peter Craig

*For Producers Badges only, sit down for intimate, informal, and in-depth conversations with select panelists on the art, craft, and business of storytelling through film, television, and new media.

*This Conference Q&A Session requires advance registration at the Roundtable Sign-up Table in the Driskill Mezzanine; the Roundtable takes place at The Driskill Hotel's Citadel Club. Only one roundtable sign-up slot per registrant. Registrants must have the day-appropriate badge.

ROUNDTABLE SIGN UP HOURS:
Registrants must sign up for Roundtable Sessions in the Mezzanine of the Driskill Hotel!
Wednesday, October 24 | 12:00PM-5:00PM
Thursday, October 25 | 8:30AM-5:00PM
Friday, October 26 | 8:30AM-5:00PM
Saturday, October 27 | 8:30AM-3:00PM

Panelists

Peter Craig

writer The Town, Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts I & II, 12 Strong, Top Gun: Maverick (2019); writer/producer Blood Father; novelist

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club

Roundtable, Conference Q&A

2:45pm

Second Rounders and Above Panel: Selling a Spec

Join writer, Tripper Clancy, and his manager, Jake Wagner, for an inside look at the process of selling a spec script. The two will share key insights about the manager/writer relationship and what it takes to get your script sold.

Moderators

Matt Dy

Director of Script Competitions, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Tripper Clancy

writer Stuber, Four Facing the Bank

After working in the Fox Writers Studio in 2011, Tripper has gone on to write comedies and dramas of all shapes and sizes for Columbia Pictures, 20th Century Fox, Fox Animation, Paramount Animation, Hasbro and even studios abroad. His original spec script, Stuber, produced by Fox... Read More →

Jake Wagner

Jake Wagner began studying screenwriting and film while a student at the University of Michigan. After graduation, he came straight out to Los Angeles, and has been working in entertainment ever since. He began his career as a manager at Energy Entertainment, then FilmEngine, Benderspink... Read More →

Thursday October 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Historic Sanctuary

Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Panel

2:45pm

The HartChart: Get Out

Come experience the famous “HartChart” first-hand. James V. Hart (Hook, Contact, Bram Stoker’s Dracula) will explore how to develop characters and stories by getting to the “heart” of the script. Using Jordan Peele’s award-winning Get Out as a case study, join this breakdown of establishing main character desires, charting the progress toward their goals, and creating a successful resolution while keeping the script full of thrills. Using the HartChart’s guidelines for implementing craft, learn how to embrace structure as a friend, rather than an enemy, and how to flesh out ideas for the screen.

THIS IS AN EXTENDED PANEL THAT WILL END AT 4:15PM

Panelists

James V. Hart

writer Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Contact, Tuck Everlasting, Muppet Treasure Island, August Rush, Epic, Crossbones; Creator, HartChart

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 25, 2018 2:45pm - 4:15pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

5:00pm

Austin Film Commission Opening Night Reception

This year's Opening Night Reception, hosted by Austin Film Commission, is the perfect place to reconnect with AFF friends, compare notes on which movies you can't miss, and fall back into the Austin vibe.

Must have an AFF Producers Badge or be on the ACVB/Austin Film Commission Guest List for entry. All parties are 21 and up.

Sponsors

Austin Film Commission

Chloe Wine Collection

Stella Artois

Tito's Handmade Vodka

Thursday October 25, 2018 5:00pm - 7:00pm
The Market & Tap Room 319 Colorado Street

Party, Party

7:00pm

*Vox Lux-OPENING NIGHT FILM Presented by Hiscox Insurance

(USA, 110 min)
Writer/Director: Brady Corbet (in attendance)
Cast: Natalie Portman (in attendance), Raffey Cassidy, Stacy Martin, Jude Law

Vox Lux begins in 1999 when teenage sisters Celeste and Eleanor survive a seismic, violent tragedy. The sisters compose and perform a song about their experience, making something lovely and cathartic out of catastrophe — while also catapulting Celeste to stardom. By 2017, the now 31-year-old Celeste is mother to a teenage daughter of her own and struggling to navigate a career fraught with scandals when another act of terrifying violence demands her attention.

*Please be aware that this film contains graphic violence. Viewer discretion advised. Not appropriate for children under the age of 18.

Please note large bags will not be allowed into the Paramount or State Theatres. For more information about the bag policy please view link below for details:
http://www.austintheatre.org/events-tickets/box-office/

Sponsors

Hiscox Insurance

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:00pm - 9:30pm
Paramount Theatre 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Marquee Feature

7:10pm

Simple Wedding

(USA, 88 min)
Writers:Sara Zandieh, Stephanie Wu
Director:Sara Zandieh
Cast: Tara Grammy, Christopher O’Shea, Shohreh Aghdashlo, Rita Wilson, Maz Jobrani

Though her Iranian parents long for their daughter to have the perfect Persian wedding, Nousha can’t seem to hold a relationship together long enough to ever see that through. That is, until she meets Alex, an eccentric bisexual artist who might just be the one. However when Nousha’s parents find out about the blossoming relationship, she’s pressured into tying the knot before either of them are already. The thrust-upon wedding becomes a runaway train as cultures clash and families collide.

Check out this filmmaker's On Story interview

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 8:38pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village 2700 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Film, Comedy Vanguard

7:10pm

A Snake Gone Through the House

Trailer

(USA, 12 min)
Writers: Strack Azar, Michael Stevantoni
Director: Strack Azar

Following the death of their only son, a middle-aged couple embarks on a hunt inside their home for his escaped pet snake.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 1: A Lingering Presence

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 8:40pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Student Short

7:10pm

Funeral

(USA, 10 min)
Writers: Leah Shore, Jonathan Federico
Director: Leah Shore

After delivering a convoluted eulogy to a gathering of family and close friends, a bereaved woman retreats to a waiting room and makes a surprising discovery by the water cooler.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 1: A Lingering Presence

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 8:40pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

7:10pm

Holy Moses

(USA, 15 min)
Writer/Director: Eli Powers

A peculiar miracle somehow binds together a pregnant nun in 1960s Ireland and a West Texas gas station attendant 25 years later.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 1: A Lingering Presence

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 8:40pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

7:10pm

Max & the Monster

Trailer

(USA, 13 min)
Writer/Director: Jenna Kanell

Maxine struggles to regain normalcy after acquiring the company of a persistent monster who no one else can see.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 1: A Lingering Presence

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 8:40pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

7:10pm

Minor Key

Trailer

(Spain, 11 min)
Writer/Director: Iván Sáinz-Pardo
Upon coming home for dinner with his dad, a young man realizes that his father's grief over a tragic loss may be evolving into something more complex.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 1: A Lingering Presence

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 8:40pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

7:10pm

Naan & Balsamic Vinaigrette

(USA, 6 min)
Writer/Director: Urvashi Pathania

A story about love, loss, and those ephemeral salad days.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 1: A Lingering Presence

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 8:40pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Student Short

7:10pm

Standby

(USA, 6 min)
Writer/Director: Pamela Ribon

On what would have been her 12th anniversary with her husband Tom, Maret has an unexpected visit from Jim, who offers to act as a stand-in for their yearly traditions.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 1: A Lingering Presence

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 8:40pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

7:10pm

The Last Letter

(UK, 12 min)
Writer: Kevin Fitzpatrick
Director: Terry Loane

A battle-weary soldier must deliver to his dead friend’s fiancée a farewell letter that was never written.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 1: A Lingering Presence

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 8:40pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

7:10pm

Shorts Program 1: A Lingering Presence

(TRT: 85 min)

Holy Moses
(USA, 15 min)
Writer/Director: Eli Powers
A peculiar miracle somehow binds together a pregnant nun in 1960s Ireland and a West Texas gas station attendant 25 years later.

A Snake Gone Through the House
(USA, 12 min)
Writers: Strack Azar, Michael Stevantoni
Director: Strack Azar
Following the death of their only son, a middle-aged couple embarks on a hunt inside their home for his escaped pet snake.

Max & the Monster
(USA, 13 min)
Writer/Director: Jenna Kanell
Maxine struggles to regain normalcy after acquiring the company of a persistent monster who no one else can see.

The Last Letter
(UK, 12 min)
Writer: Kevin Fitzpatrick
Director: Terry Loane
A battle-weary soldier must deliver to his dead friend’s fiancée a farewell letter that was never written.

Funeral
(USA, 10 min)
Writers: Leah Shore, Jonathan Federico
Director: Leah Shore
After delivering a convoluted eulogy to a gathering of family and close friends, a bereaved woman retreats to a waiting room and makes a surprising discovery by the water cooler.

Naan & Balsamic Vinaigrette
(USA, 6 min)
Writer/Director: Urvashi Pathania
A story about love, loss, and those ephemeral salad days.

Minor Key
(Spain, 11 min)
Writer/Director: Iván Sáinz-Pardo
Upon coming home for dinner with his dad, a young man realizes that his father's grief over a tragic loss may be evolving into something more complex.

Standby
(USA, 6 min)
Writer/Director: Pamela Ribon
On what would have been her 12th anniversary with her husband Tom, Maret has an unexpected visit from Jim, who offers to act as a stand-in for their yearly traditions.

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:10pm - 9:10pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

7:15pm

Long Time Coming: A 1955 Baseball Story

Trailer

(USA, 97 min)
Writers: Jon Strong, Ted Haddock, John King, Mike Quinn Jr.
Director: Jon Strong

In 1955 when racial segregation defined the South, two groups of 12-year-old boys stepped onto a baseball field for one of the first integrated Little League games in the South. The all-Black Pensacola Jaycees and the all-White Orlando Kiwanis moved beyond fears, threats, and the unknown to break with tradition and show the world what was possible. Now, more than 60 years later, team captains Will Preyer (Pensacola) and Stewart Hall (Orlando) embark on personal journeys back to the 1955 game and find that the forgotten event can become a bridge to embracing the turbulence of today’s social landscape.

Sponsors

South Austin Baseball Texas' First Little League

St Edwards Rhetoric and Writing

YWCA

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:15pm - 8:52pm
Bethell Hall-St. David's Episcopal Church 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Documentary Feature

7:15pm

Beyond the Night

Trailer

(USA, 94 min)
Writer/Director: Jason Noto
Cast: Zane Holtz, Tammy Blanchard, Azhy Robertson, Chance Kelly

Soldier Ray Marrow is suddenly called back stateside when his wife, Maisie and their 5 year-old son, Lawrence, are involved in a car accident, tragically killing Maisie. After years of serving as a soldier in Syria, Ray is now faced with burying the love of his life while also becoming a single parent. However when Lawrence begins to reveal secrets about the town and its residents, Ray believes the accident triggered something in Lawrence, giving him knowledge of things he had no way of knowing. Now Ray is faced with a new battle, this time in his own hometown.

Check out this filmmaker's On Story interview

Please note large bags will not be allowed into the Paramount or State Theatres. For more information about the bag policy please view link below for details:
http://www.austintheatre.org/events-tickets/box-office/

Sponsors

Dallas Screenwriters Association

Thursday October 25, 2018 7:15pm - 8:53pm
State Theatre 719 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Dark Matters

8:00pm

Major Arcana

Trailer

(USA, 81 min)
Writer/Director: Josh Melrod
Cast: Ujon Tokarski, Tara Summers, Lane Bradbury

Set in the backwoods of Vermont, an itinerant carpenter faces a quixotic struggle to end a legacy of alcoholism and poverty as he attempts to build a log cabin by hand. His plans are complicated when he reunites with Sierra, a woman with whom he shares a troubled past, and he is forced to reconcile his old life with his new one.

Check out this filmmaker's On Story interview

Thursday October 25, 2018 8:00pm - 9:21pm
Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Narrative Feature

9:45pm

Original Sin (Pecado Original)

Trailer

(USA/Paraguay, 75 min)
Writers: Jean Lee, Maia Nikiphoroff
Director: Jean Lee
Cast: Maia Nikiphoroff, Cesar Di Bello, Alejandro Torres Menchaca

After moving to Spain for her husband, Eva, a Paraguayan woman of class and elegance who always behaves in an appropriate way, finds herself bored, unhappy, and sexually frustrated. After Eva compulsively buys a provocative and offensive piece of art the painter shows up to hand-deliver his work. Their sexual tension grows until they inevitably end up in bed. When Eva’s husband returns home early, an absurd battle of strengths and weaknesses among the three characters ensues.

Check out this filmmaker's On Story interview

Sponsors

Cine Las Americas

Ten Thousand Villages

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:00pm
Bethell Hall-St. David's Episcopal Church 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Comedy Vanguard

9:45pm

Jules of Light and Dark

(USA, 90 min)
Writer/Director:Daniel Laabs
Cast:Betsy Holt, Robert Longstreet, Tallie Medel

Set against the backdrop of a vibrant Texas Rave Culture, two young lovers, Maya and Jules, are found wrecked on the side of the road after a party by a loner roughneck, Freddy. During the rehabilitation, their relationship falls apart. Maya rebounds by rethinking her life and forms an unlikely friendship with Freddy, whose past mistakes and experiences offer her insights on her next steps

Sponsors

aGLIFF

Texas Archive of the Moving Image

Texas Film Commission

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:15pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village 2700 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Film, Texas Independent

9:45pm

Christmas Green

(Canada, 12 min)
Writer/Director: Clara Altimas

A disgruntled woman pays an unwanted visit to her lonely neighbor, but both end up finding unexpected joy in each other's company.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 2: Crossing Paths

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:15pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

9:45pm

Connections

(USA, 6 min)
Writer/Director: Kevin P. Alexander

Some meetings in life are meant as a show of support. Unfortunately for this writer, this isn't one of them.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 2: Crossing Paths

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:15pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

9:45pm

King of the Wind Demons

(France, 16 min)
Writers: Clémence Poésy, Eric Forestier
Director: Clémence Poésy

On New Year’s Eve, Sophie, a quasi-burnt-out intern at the psych emergency room, admits Marie, a troubled patient brought in by the police following a crisis. Sophie finds herself oddly affected by Marie and soon finds out that, after tonight, nothing will ever be the same.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 2: Crossing Paths

Sponsors

Ciné-Club Alliance Française d'Austin

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:15pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

9:45pm

Noise

(USA, 11 min)
Writer/Director: Michael Aloyan

When a young, deaf woman forms a bond with an unlikely stranger, the two are forced to communicate in the absence of language.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 2: Crossing Paths

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:15pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Student Short

9:45pm

The First of Many

(USA, 13 min)
Writer: Pamela Guest
Directors: Elizabeth Guest, Pamela Guest

In 1971, a young actress goes on her first audition with surprising, life changing results.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 2: Crossing Paths

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:15pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

9:45pm

The Give and Take

Trailer

(Canada, 10 min)
Writer/Director: Anna Hopkins

Eleven-year-old Amy finds an old 80s video game magazine and, upon dialing the number on the back, gets connected with Caesar Spinone, a call center employee from the year 1989.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 2: Crossing Paths

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:15pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

9:45pm

Tourist

Trailer

(USA, 14 min)
Writer/Director: Paavo Hanninen

Distracting herself from troubles back home, a woman visits New Orleans and takes on a new identity.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 2: Crossing Paths

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:15pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

9:45pm

Woman in Stall

(Canada, 10 min)
Writer: Josh Boles

Directors: Madeleine Sims-Fewer, Dusty Mancinelli
A woman finds herself trapped in a bathroom stall by a man whose intentions are not entirely clear.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 2: Crossing Paths

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:15pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Student Short

9:45pm

Shorts Program 2: Crossing Paths

(TRT: 89 min)

King of the Wind Demons
(France, 16 min)
Writers: Clémence Poésy, Eric Forestier
Director: Clémence Poésy
On New Year’s Eve, Sophie, a quasi-burnt-out intern at the psych emergency room, admits Marie, a troubled patient brought in by the police following a crisis. Sophie finds herself oddly affected by Marie and soon finds out that, after tonight, nothing will ever be the same.

Connections
(USA, 6 min)
Writer/Director: Kevin P. Alexander
Some meetings in life are meant as a show of support. Unfortunately for this writer, this isn't one of them.

Woman in Stall
(Canada, 10 min)
Writer: Josh Boles
Directors: Madeleine Sims-Fewer, Dusty Mancinelli
A woman finds herself trapped in a bathroom stall by a man whose intentions are not entirely clear.

Christmas Green
(Canada, 12 min)
Writer/Director: Clara Altimas
A disgruntled woman pays an unwanted visit to her lonely neighbor, but both end up finding unexpected joy in each other's company.

Noise
(USA, 11 min)
Writer/Director: Michael Aloyan
When a young, deaf woman forms a bond with an unlikely stranger, the two are forced to communicate in the absence of language.

The First of Many
(USA, 13 min)
Writer: Pamela Guest
Directors: Elizabeth Guest, Pamela Guest
In 1971, a young actress goes on her first audition with surprising, life changing results.

The Give and Take
(Canada, 10 min)
Writer/Director: Anna Hopkins
Eleven-year-old Amy finds an old 80s video game magazine and, upon dialing the number on the back, gets connected with Caesar Spinone, a call center employee from the year 1989.

Tourist
(USA, 14 min)
Writer/Director: Paavo Hanninen
Distracting herself from troubles back home, a woman visits New Orleans and takes on a new identity.

Thursday October 25, 2018 9:45pm - 11:35pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

10:00pm

The Black String

Trailer

(USA, 90 min)
Writers: Brian Hanson, Richard Handley
Director: Brian Hanson
Cast: Frankie Muniz, Blake Webb, Chelsea Edmundson, Cullen Douglas

Jonathan is a lonely twenty-something, stuck in his home town working nightshifts at the local convenience store. When an unexpected encounter with a mysterious woman turns his life upside down, Jonathan is stricken by illness and nightmarish visions. Paranoid and desperate, he launches on a quest across the suburbs to find the seductress who started it all. Friends and family believe he’s losing his mind, but Jonathan is convinced he’s the target of something far more sinister.

Check out this filmmaker's On Story interview

Please note large bags will not be allowed into the Paramount or State Theatres. For more information about the bag policy please view link below for details:
http://www.austintheatre.org/events-tickets/box-office/

Thursday October 25, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
State Theatre 719 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Dark Matters

11:00pm

WGA West Late Night Welcome Party

The WGA West Late Night Welcome Party celebrates the first full day of panels and is a great end to the day's packed schedule. Hosts include Jason Fuchs, Christina Hodson, Tess Morris, and Nicole Perlman, who also appear on Friday’s WGAW “The Creative Career” panel, moderated by John August. 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 beer or a glass of wine and enjoy the first late night party-but pace yourself, you've got a lot more ahead!

All WGA members gain access to the party 30-minutes early. Bring your membership card, come early, and stay late!

Must have an AFF Conference, Producers or Press Badge or be on the WGA West Guest List for entry. All parties are 21 and up.

Panelists

Jason Fuchs

co-writer Wonder Woman, Ice Age: Continental Drift; writer I Still See You, Pan

Jason, a screenwriter, actor and producer, is best known as the co-writer of Wonder Woman (2017) and Ice Ace: Continental Drift (2012). Jason is also the writer of Joe Wright's Pan (2015) and Lionsgate's upcoming thriller I Still See You (in theaters Oct. 12th), which he executive... Read More →

Christina Hodson

writer Transformers: Bumblebee (2018); Birds of Prey (2020)

Christina Hodson transitioned from development executive to screenwriter in 2012. Her first three spec scripts featured on the Black List three years in a row. One of these was the female-driven sci-fi action script, The Eden Project, which sold in a bidding war to Sony. In 2015... Read More →

Tess Morris

writer Man Up, Casual

Born and bred Londoner, Tess has been writing since she could walk (not 100% true) and her first words were ‘Elvis is the King!’ (100% true). Her first screenplay, the romantic comedy Man Up, made the 2011 Brit List, was picked up by Big Talk Pictures, co-produced by Studio Canal... Read More →

Nicole Perlman

writer Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel (2019), Detective Pikachu (2019)

Nicole Perlman is best known for having co-written Marvel Studios’ 2014 blockbuster “Guardians of the Galaxy” as well as the upcoming “Captain Marvel” and "Detective Pikachu" (both of which will release in 2019). Nicole received her BFA in filmmaking from NYU in 2003. Since... Read More →

Sponsors

Chloe Wine Collection

Stella Artois

Writers Guild of America West

Thursday October 25, 2018 11:00pm - Friday October 26, 2018 1:00am
SPiN Austin 213 W 5th Street

Party, Party

9:00am

Heroes and Villains

Batman and the Joker. Harry Potter and Lord Voldemort. Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader. What makes these pairings so unforgettable? Beyond functioning as perfect opposites, the best protagonists and antagonists serve as two conflicting sides of the same coin. This panel will explore how to develop dynamic characters who act on more than simply "good and bad” and strengthen the relationship between the protagonist and antagonist until they couldn’t exist without one another.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Peter Craig

writer The Town, Hunger Games: Mockingjay Parts I & II, 12 Strong, Top Gun: Maverick (2019); writer/producer Blood Father; novelist

Stephany Folsom

writer Toy Story 4 (2019), Film Juror-Animated Short

Stephany Folsom traveled the world producing short-form docs before her script 1969 A Space Odyssey: Or How Kubrick Learned to Stop Worrying and Land on the Moon made the 2013 Black List and Hit List. Since then, she has written for F/X, Disney, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox... Read More →

Jason Fuchs

co-writer Wonder Woman, Ice Age: Continental Drift; writer I Still See You, Pan

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

9:00am

Indie Film Track: Short Film Storytelling

Composing an engaging story with clear characterization, dialogue, and structure is challenging enough when creating a feature film—imagine successfully placing these nuanced elements into a half-hour or less! To learn tips, tricks, and strategies for brewing the right storytelling potion, come hear from our panel of experienced short-film filmmakers.

Moderators

Ashland Viscosi

moderator; Founder, Creatives Meet Business

Panelists

Laura Adkin

writer/director The Ride Home, The Goodnight Kiss

Laura is a Writer, Producer, Actor and Director. Laura began her professional career in the Film and TV industry almost 15 years ago as an actor and has appeared in numerous TV Shows including Eureka, Almost Human and Arrow as well as films including the indie smash hit It’s A Disaster... Read More →

Clara Altimas

writer/director Christmas Green; writer/producer Jeremy and Margot Make a Baby; writer Kim’s Convenience

Clara Altimas is a writer, director and actor originally from Montreal, now based in Toronto. Her short film Jeremy and Margot Make a Baby, which she wrote, produced, and acted in premiered at the Austin Film Festival (October 2016) and was released online as part of the NSI’s film... Read More →

Leon Cheo

writer/director, SIN-SFO, creator People Like Us webseries

Leon Cheo is an award-winning director whose webseries “People Like Us” won ‘Best Short TV Drama’ at the 2016 Independent Television Festival (ITVFest). The series has been picked up for distribution in the US by premium LGBT cable channel HereTV as well as over-the-top platform... Read More →

Paavo Hanninen

writer/director, Tourist

Paavo Hanninen is a New Orleans-based writer, director and cinematographer.Originally from Alabama, Paavo moved to New Orleans after finishing his MFA at UT-Austin in 2012. As a director, Paavo's short films have played at Austin Film Festival, Curitiba International Film Festival... Read More →

Sponsors

Simplecast

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Crystal Room presented by Simplecast

Conference, Panel

Tracks Indie Film Track

9:00am

Morning Improv

Back by popular demand, we're offering morning improv workshops during the Conference to help you "rise and shine" throughout the day. Learn techniques that you can utilize at the Conference to pitch your script or approach your screenwriting idol with confidence.

This workshop is presented by ColdTowne Theater.

Panelists

Dave Buckman

The Second City, Boom Chicago, American Crime, Machete

Rachel Madorsky

Second City Theatricals, Ultimate Guide To Flight, The Bank Manager, Find Love at Whole Foods, My 600LB Life

Rachel Madorsky has taught and performed in improv comedy festivals around the country including; The Del Close Marathon, Ladies Are Funny Festival, North Carolina Comedy Arts Festival, Duofest, Frontera Fest and the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival. A graduate of The Eugene O'Neill... Read More →

Sponsors

Coldtowne Theater

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony

Conference, Workshop

9:00am

Research as Development

Creating and developing authentic storylines, convincing characters, or realistic worlds can be quite the challenge. Whether you are simply looking for inspiration or taking on the task of tackling real truths within your writing, research is key. Learn how to best approach the process of research, and how to use raw data to develop more believable, interesting, and all around better crafted stories

Moderators

Fabienne Harford

moderator

Panelists

Andrew Logan

writer/executive producer Chappaquiddick

Pamela Ribon

writer Moana, Smurfs: The Lost Village, Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, Bears, Samantha Who?; comic book writer Rick and Morty, SLAM!, Film Juror-Animated Short

Carly Wray

writer/producer Westworld, The Leftovers, Mindhunter, Mad Men

Carly Wray is an award-winning television writer, producer, and screenwriter. A graduate of Reed College and USC's School of Cinematic Arts, Wray got her start on Mad Men, where she began as the writers’ assistant and ultimately won a Writers Guild Award for the show's final season... Read More →

Sponsors

Roadmap Writers

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room presented by Roadmap Writers

Conference, Panel

9:00am

Science Fiction vs. Science Fact

Science fiction is the ultimate creative canvas—any world you can imagine is possible. But there’s also a part where audiences can’t help but wonder—could this really happen? Join this discussion with writers and scientists alike on balancing fiction with fact and what’s required for viewers to truly suspend their disbelief so the appearance of truth is always within arm’s reach. After all, the science fiction of today could very well be the science fact of tomorrow.

This panel is presented by The Science and Entertainment Exchange.

Moderators

Nicole Perlman

writer Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel (2019), Detective Pikachu (2019)

Panelists

Zach Adelman

Professor, Department of Entomology - Texas A&M University

Zach N. Adelman is a professor in the Department of Entomology at Texas A&M University. Following earlier work on the generation of mosquitoes resistant to viral pathogens, Dr. Adelman's research has more recently focused on the development of novel gene editing and gene replacement... Read More →

Rita Blaik

Manager of Education at the California NanoSystems Institute

Rita Blaik is a multidisciplinary scientist and artist based in Los Angeles, California. Her life's goal is to find new and innovative ways of communicating science to people through workshops, interactive discussions, art, and other media. She received her PhD in Materials Science... Read More →

Matt Sazama

creator/executive producer/writer Lost in Space; writer Power Rangers (2017), Gods of Egypt (2016), The Last Witch Hunter (2015), Dracula Untold (2014)

Matt Sazama grew up making live action and animated Super-8 movies in Milwaukee, Wisconsin -- films whose ambition outstripped their budget while trying to replicate the magic found in the science fiction and fantasy films of the 80s. His love of movies led him to attend New York... Read More →

Burk Sharpless

creator/executive producer/writer Lost in Space; writer Power Rangers (2017), Gods of Egypt (2016), The Last Witch Hunter (2015), Dracula Untold (2014)

Burk Sharpless grew up writing science fiction stories and drawing comic books for his friends, it never really occurred to him that might be his true calling. Hailing from an academic family, he wanted to do something appropriately erudite and high-brow. After graduating in philosophy... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Bethell Hall

Conference, Panel

9:00am

Script-to-Screen: Contact

Join screenwriter James V. Hart for an in-depth look at the 1997 sci-fi classic Contact. Widely acknowledged for his storytelling and structure abilities, Hart was able to translate his skills into success with his adaptation of the 1985 Carl Sagan novel. In this panel Hart will discuss the process of adapting science fiction, the building blocks of a strong story, and the inside stories behind this Robert Zemeckis directed film.

Moderators

Greg Garrett

moderator; author; Professor, Baylor University

Panelists

James V. Hart

writer Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Contact, Tuck Everlasting, Muppet Treasure Island, August Rush, Epic, Crossbones; Creator, HartChart

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

9:00am

New Frontiers of Storytelling

Writers are rapidly finding new ways to break in and tell their stories. With the rise of digital series, video games, podcasts, virtual reality, and other emerging mediums, the traditional landscape of narrative fiction is changing. Learn how these panelists paved their own paths using new frontiers of storytelling as their calling cards, and how you can do the same.

Moderators

Ryan P. Hall

Head of Development, Rooster Teeth; Executive Producer Blood Fest, Lazer Team 2

Panelists

Paul Bae

executive producer/writer The Big Loop, The Black Tapes

Paul Bae is the executive producer of the critically acclaimed audio drama series The Big Loop. Paul began podcasting when his friend Terry Miles convinced him to turn one of their screenplays into a fictional podcast series. This spawned their hit series The Black Tapes. Paul has... Read More →

Gus Sorola

Co-Founder, Rooster Teeth Productions

A founding member of the Rooster Teeth team, Gus Sorola has held many job titles over the years. From Regional Monkey to Vice President of Moon Based Operations, he has seen it all. Past accomplishments include building out Rooster Teeth's live streaming studio, starting Rooster Teeth's... Read More →

Emily Zulauf

Fiction Lead, Probably Monsters Games; Creative Development Associate, Pixar Animation Studios

Emily is the Fiction Lead for Probably Monsters, a new gaming/entertainment studio. She oversees development of the story, characters, and cinematics. Prior to her foray into gaming, Emily was the Creative Development Associate at Pixar Animation Studios and the Script Supervisor... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
Central Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary

Conference, Panel | Podcast Track presented by Simplecast, Panel

Tracks On Story

9:00am

Austin Pitch #3

Panelists

Amy Johnson

writer Tyrant, The Long Road Home, Messiah & Nightflyers

Born in Australia, transplanted to Northern California aged three, Amy has always loved telling stories (one of her earliest masterpieces was a tale of Freddy Krueger written in pink marker). Even so, she took a small (decade-long) detour to work in the Mental Health Field before... Read More →

Aaron Tracy

writer/producer Sequestered, Law & Order SVU, The Tap; host To Live & Dialogue In LA; Faculty, Yale University

Among other TV projects, Aaron’s recently been commissioned to write an FBI drama for Lionsgate; an espionage thriller for Alcon; and an adaptation of legendary author Tom Wolfe’s final novel for EUE/Sokolow.Aaron’s previously written on long-running series, such as Law & Order... Read More →

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Vestry Conference Room

Pitch, Pitch Competition

9:00am

*Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Television

Panelists

Tom Alvarado

writer Rooster Teeth Animation, Nickelodeon TV, Walt Disney Studios

As a child, Tom Alvarado learned English from comic books, which ignited his passion for storytelling (and for justice!). He grew up in what was known as the “Murder Capital of the World,” along the Texas-Mexico border in El Paso and Juarez. One Christmas morning he awoke to discover... Read More →

Kelly Jo Brick

writer Pause, The Jewel in the Woods; contributing writer for Final Draft

Wes Brown

writer Preacher, The Son, Fear The Walking Dead

Wes’s script Ascension won the AMC 1-Hour Drama Pilot award in 2014. Soon after, he signed with UTA and LBI Entertainment and attached an Oscar-winning producer to Ascension. Since then, he has written for a number of shows for AMC and Sony.Wes was born and raised in Shreveport... Read More →

Colby Gaines

co-creator Pawn Stars

Colby Gaines is an executive producer and founder of Back Roads Entertainment, a New York based content creator specializing in comedy and lifestyle programming.In his role, Gaines is responsible for the company's programming, development and day-to-day operations. Back Roads Entertainment... Read More →

Matthew Kellard

writer Night School, Real Husbands of Hollywood, The Inspectors, The Donors

Matt Kellard has been writing scripts since the age of 13, when he penned a comedy about a ninja named Snake Eyes who would react the deaths of people close to him by looking to the sky and yelling “NOOOOOOOOO!” before implementing his violent revenge. What the script lacked in... Read More →

Charles Kim

writer Heroes, Ben 10; comic book writer

Chuck Kim got his revenge on his Korean immigrant parents for burning his comic book collection and not allowing him to watch TV—by becoming a writer in both television and comic books.At the age of seven, Chuck was allowed to pick his “Western” name, picking Charlie after “Snoopy... Read More →

Susan O'Connor

Story Consultant, Netflix; Lead Writer, Torn (PlayStation VR); Story Consultant, Batman (Telltale); Lead Writer, Star Wars 1313 (LucasArts); Story Consultant, Dishonored 2 (Bethesda); Writer, Tomb Raider (Crystal Dynamics); Lead Writer, Far Cry 2 (Ubisoft); Writer, BioShock (2K)

Susan O'Connor tells stories for a living. Award-winning titles in her portfolio (including BioShock, Far Cry 2, and Tomb Raider) have sold over 30 million copies and generated over half a billion dollars in sales. She also teaches a course in interactive storytelling at UT Austin... Read More →

Emre Ozprincci

writer The Protector

Emre Ozpirincci is a staff writer on the Netflix Original Series THE PROTECTOR (airing November 2018), for which he wrote 3 episodes.Emre's writing has garnered accolades in the TV, Film & Theater worlds. His comedy feature script HOW TO WRITE A ROMANTIC COMEDY won Best Screenplay... Read More →

Ray Utarnachitt

writer DC's Legends of Tomorrow, The Tomorrow People, Person of Interest

Ray Utarnachitt is currently a writer/producer on DC’S LEGENDS OF TOMORROW. He is a Michigan native and like any good Asian student, was pre-med at the University of Michigan for 3 years. Much to his parents’ dismay, he switched tracks and graduated with a Film degree. Ray broke... Read More →

Rebecca Windsor

Director, Warner Bros. Television Workshop

Yasemin Yilmaz

writer The Protector, The Exorcist; co-writer Lalo's House

Yasemin Yilmaz goes where the story takes her. She was born in Turkey and immigrated to California with her family when she was fourteen years old. A hundred episodes of Pokémon, four Harry Potter novels, and six months later, she spoke English like a native. Being bicultural, Yasemin... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Crail Hall

Roundtable, Roundtable

9:00am

Conference Q&A Session: Amy Berg

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club

Roundtable, Conference Q&A

9:00am

Second Rounders and Above Panel: Assembling Your Team

As a writer, choosing the correct people to secure your professional endeavors is essential to your success. Learn exactly what kind of representation to seek and what to expect from these relationships. This panel is open to Second Rounders and above only.

Moderators

Scott Richter

moderator; President, Richter Scale Media

Scott M. Richter is a multiple award-winning WGA writer, producer, director, attorney and founder of Richter Scale Media, his Los Angeles based production company. In addition to having written for TV, film and digital media, Scott has practiced law in both Florida and California... Read More →

Panelists

Stephen Clark

Partner, Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler & Feldman

Glenn Cockburn

President/Founder, 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 some of Canada’s most talented writers, directors, authors, actors, and producers. Glenn’s career started in 1996 when he began working... Read More →

Jewerl Ross

Manager, Silent R Management

SILENT R MANAGEMENT founder Jewerl Ross grew up in Los Angeles and left Southern California to study philosophy at Yale. After graduating, Ross returned to L.A. to work in entry-level positions at ICM and Paradigm. Ross was an agent for three years at a boutique agency and later a... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Historic Sanctuary

Screenplay/Teleplay Session

Tracks Second Rounders and above

9:00am

Semifinalists and Above Panel: The Producer’s Perspective

Producers are the driving force on getting any project off the ground and to be a successful writer you have to know what producers are looking for. This panel will teach Semifinalists and above how to use the producer’s perspective to their advantage.

Moderators

Matt Dy

Director of Script Competitions, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Michael Grillo

executive producer of Avengers 4, Avengers: Infinity War, Antman, Captain America: Winter Soldier, The Amazing

Barry Josephson

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

Barry Josephson is a veteran of the entertainment industry with a wealth of diverse experience in film, television, and music. He has established mainstream success through numerous motion pictures, television series, and specials across a variety of genres. As President of Josephson... Read More →

Jayme Lemons

executive producer The Tale; producer Enlightened, Antiquities, Shine On with Reese

Jayme Lemons is an American television and film producer with two decades of experience in the entertainment industry. A native of Arkansas, she began her career as an assistant to Billy Bob Thornton and Laura Dern. For four years, she oversaw feature development at Courteney... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room

Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Panel

Tracks Semifinalists and above

10:45am

A Conversation with Ali LeRoi

Ali LeRoi has mastered comedy from all angles: he's worked as a stand-up comedian, writer, director, and television creator. LeRoi is best known for the television hits Everybody Hates Chris, which he co-created with Chris Rock, and Are We There Yet?, which he developed with Ice Cube. Join this conversation that is sure to be as informative and inspirational as it is funny.

Moderators

Dave Buckman

The Second City, Boom Chicago, American Crime, Machete

Panelists

Ali LeRoi

writer/director/producer Everybody Hates Chris, Survivor's Remorse, Are We There Yet? (TV Series)

Ali LeRoi is an Emmy Award-winning writer/director/producer best known for his work on the critically acclaimed series, , “Everybody Hate’s Chris”, and the “Survivor’s Remorse”. Ali has been nominated for five Emmy’s, a Golden Globe, as well as winning two NAACP Image... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Bethell Hall

Conference, Panel

10:45am

A Conversation with Graham Yost

Graham Yost has written for film and television for more than 25 years. He’s responsible for some of the 90’s most memorable action films (Speed, Broken Arrow), and has been the showrunner for some of today’s biggest TV hits (Justified, The Americans, Sneaky Pete). Join Yost for a discussion on the process of showrunning, and the ever-changing world of television.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Graham Yost

writer Justified, The Pacific, Band of Brothers, Boomtown, Speed

Graham Yost began writing for television in 1989 on the Nickelodeon series Hey Dude. Next, he joined the writing staff of Full House (where he only lasted nine-and-a-half weeks); the day after he quit, he learned that his script for Speed had been sold to Paramount (it was later produced... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

10:45am

A Conversation with The Wibberleys

Masters of global epics and action-packed adventures, husband and wife screenwriting team Cormac and Marianne Wibberley know how to craft stories with limitless possibility. Join the minds behind the National Treasure films for a conversation about the excitement and expectation of writing action and adventure.

Moderators

Trey Selman

moderator

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 →

Panelists

Cormac Wibberley

writer National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys 2

Cormac Wibberley is half of a married writing team with Marianne Wibberley. They both grew up in Southern California and attended the University of California, Los Angeles.After college, Cormac worked as an executive in children’s programming at ABC. It was during this time that... Read More →

Marianne Wibberley

writer National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys 2

Marianne is half of a married writing team with Cormac Wibberley. They both grew up in Southern California and attended the University of California, Los Angeles.After graduation, Marianne went on to receive her MFA in screenwriting from the UCLA Graduate School of Theater, Film and... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
800 Congress 800 Congress Avenue

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

10:45am

Indie Film Track: Digital Series

With the explosion of potential platforms on which to have your work seen, digital storytelling has become an exciting new creative outlet for many storytellers. Adapting your ideas to meet the wants and demands of a global audience hungry for new content is key. Join our panelists in discussing the unique scenarios writers face when navigating digital storytelling.

Moderators

Linnea Toney

moderator

Linnea is a Talent Manager and Executive Producer with over a decade of experience in both the traditional and digital space. She is the Founder of Toney Media, a full service talent management company that focuses on spanning the gap between traditional and digital media. Linnea... Read More →

Panelists

Tess Sweet

writer/director, Cleaner Daze; AFF 2017 Jury and Audience Awards, Best Digital Series

Tess Sweet is an award-winning writer, director, and recovering drug addict. She received her MFA in film directing from UCLA and currently lives in Santa Cruz, where she finds meaning directing authentic stories about sh*t that matters and volunteering with At-risk youth in recovery... Read More →

Brittany Tomkin

co-creator, Myrtle & Willoughby

Brittany Tomkin is an award-winning comedy writer and video producer based in New York. She has worked on numerous digital series, pilots, and low budget projects in New York. Her digital series, Myrtle and Willoughby, won "Best Writing" at Stareable Fest as well as the 2018 Pitch... Read More →

Michael Walker

writer/director Paint, Price Check, Cut Shoot Kill, Chasing Sleep, The Maid's Room

A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts and the Stella Adler Conservatory for Acting in Los Angeles, Michael Walker made his directorial debut with the film Chasing Sleep, which stars Jeff Daniels. The film debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and was distributed... Read More →

Sponsors

Simplecast

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Crystal Room presented by Simplecast

Conference, Panel

Tracks Indie Film Track

10:45am

Indie Film Track: The Actor/Director Relationship

In the world of independent film, everyone on a production does, well, everything: directors write, actors produce, and someone’s mom does props. But on a shoot, amidst the chaos of doing a million other jobs, building a good actor-director relationship is crucial to making the film a success. As a director, how can you be an effective creative leader, even as you’re setting locations and dealing with last-minute script changes? And as an actor, how can you put in the focus necessary for your craft even while you feel pressure to pick up other duties on a production? Seasoned independent filmmakers will give you tips on how to make the most of this delicate dynamic

Moderators

Erin Hallagan

Founder/Artistic Director, Story Bar; former AFF Creative Director

Erin Hallagan is the Founder and Artistic Director of Story Bar, a multi-disciplinary arts initiative featuring storytelling and the exploration of the human condition through community-driven events and workshops. Through Story Bar, she has launched four signature programs: Story... Read More →

Panelists

Albert Chi

director The Amaranth

Albert Co-Produced The Master, Gemini and Inherent Vice before directing his first feature film, The Amaranth. He lives in El Segundo with his wife and two children.

Brian Hanson

co-writer/director, The Black String

George Hardy

actor Texas Cotton, Troll 2

Originally a dentist by trade, Hardy was practicing in Salt Lake City when he auditioned for Troll 2 at the urging of some of his patients. He ended up winning the role of farmer Michael Waits, head of the family that falls victim to the titular villains. After the film's dismal... Read More →

Frankie Muniz

Frankie Muniz is an actor, musician, writer, producer, race car driver and band manager. He is best known for playing the title character in the FOX television sitcom, “Malcolm in the Middle,” which earned him an Emmy Award nomination, two Golden Globe Award nominations and The... Read More →

Tyler Russell

writer/director Texas Cotton

Austin based writer/director of "Texas Cotton". Tyler has directed several feature films, award winning short films, television shows, & 50+ music videos and commercials. The short film for "Texas Cotton" played in the 2017 Austin Film Festival, now a full feature film in the 2018... Read More →

Melora Walters

actor The Amaranth

Walters has starred in several of Paul Thomas Anderson's films, including Hard Eight, Boogie Nights, Magnolia and The Master. In 2017, it was announced that Walters would write for her directorial debut film Waterlily Jaguar, about a struggling novelist attempting to write a more serious book... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

10:45am

The First Act

Join the first act in a series of panels that will break down the three-act structure, and how to approach each section individually. For this dive inside ACT ONE, writers will look at how to make a quality introduction to your plot and characters, and how to set up conflict that will propel your story forward.

Moderators

Beth Serlin

moderator; Associate Professor of Screenwriting, Loyola Marymount University

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 →

Panelists

Kat Candler

writer/director/producer Hellion, Queen Sugar; director 13 Reasons Why, 12 Monkeys

Stephen McFeely

writer Avengers 4, Avengers: Infinity War, the Captain America trilogy, the Narnia films, Pain & Gain, You Kill Me, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers

With Avengers: Infinity War having opened this spring to record-breaking worldwide box office, and its successor in production for 2019, screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely have written not only the most films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, but also a number of... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Historic Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

10:45am

The International TV Series Market

This year saw the continued rise of international TV hits. Shows like Germany's Dark, Spain's Money Heist, and Mexico's Ingobernable were written and produced for a broad global audience. Join a panel of international writers for a discussion on the differences and similarities of the foreign market and writing stories with mass appeal.

Moderators

Jill Chamberlain

author The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting

Panelists

Luis Dantas

writer/director If God Comes Let Him Bring A Gun; The Performance; producer Washington Heights

Emre Ozprincci

writer The Protector

Yasemin Yilmaz

writer The Protector, The Exorcist; co-writer Lalo's House

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Assembly Room

Conference, Panel

10:45am

The Write Program: Labs, Fellowships, and Workshops

Sure, there are a lot of scripts out there, and a lot of writers who want their work to be discovered, but there are also a lot different places you can go to take that next step into the world of screenwriting. Countless writers find success by submitting their work to various programs around the world. Screenwriters labs, writing workshops, and fellowships all have their strengths and a list of successful alumni to prove it, but what separates one from another, and which one is the best fit for you? Join this panel for a discussion on the variety of options, what they can offer, and using these programs as a means to break in.

Moderators

Paul Alvarado-Dykstra

moderator

Paul co-founded Fantastic Fest, and has worked with Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro, Emmy-nominated producer Scott Carter, and Oscar-nominated documentarian Frances Reid in development and/or production. As producer, current projects in development include an animated feature... Read More →

Panelists

Angela C. Lee

Artist Development Manager, Film Independent

Angela C. Lee is the Senior Manager of Artist Development at Film Independent where she oversees the selection process and curriculum for the Filmmaker Labs program, including the Screenwriting, Directing, Episodic, and Producing Labs and the Fast Track Finance Market.Angela is also... Read More →

Grace Moss

Director of Talent Development & Inclusion, NBC Entertainment

Grace Moss is the Director of Entertainment Diversity Initiatives for NBC Entertainment. In this role, she oversees multiple programs that focus on discovering, cultivating and showcasing talented writers and directors of diverse backgrounds, with the objective of getting them staffed... Read More →

Shelby Rachleff

Program Manager, Westridge Foundation

Shelby Rachleff is Program Manager for the Westridge Foundation. Shelby co-developed and manages the SFFILM / Westridge Grant, which awards $200,000 annually in screenwriting and development funds to narrative feature films that address social issues and/or questions of our time... Read More →

Rebecca Windsor

Director, Warner Bros. Television Workshop

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room

Conference, Panel

10:45am

Podcast Track: Writing for Audio Fiction

What does it look like to tell a story that you cannot show? Listen as these writers who have worked as screenwriters and playwrights unpack the unique obstacles and opportunities of telling a story for the acoustic medium.

The Podcast Track is presented by Simplecast.

Moderators

Fabienne Harford

moderator

Panelists

Paul Bae

executive producer/writer The Big Loop, The Black Tapes

Lauren Shippen

writer/creator The Bright Sessions

Lauren Shippen is the writer and creator of the science fiction podcast, The Bright Sessions. Since its debut in November of 2015, the podcast has won numerous awards, was named iTunes Best of 2016 and has been featured in Vox, Popular Science, Wired, The London Evening Standard... Read More →

Gabriel Urbina

writer/director Wolf 359; guest writer Our Fair City, Wooden Overcoats

Gabriel Urbina is the co-founder and creative director of Kinda Evil Genius Productions, a digital, multi-media entertainment production company. Best known for Wolf 359, a Webby-Award nominated serial audio drama that’s been downloaded seven million times in over a hundred different... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room presented by Roadmap Writers

Conference, Panel | Podcast Track presented by Simplecast, Panel

10:45am

Austin Pitch #4

Panelists

Lisa Ebersole

writer/director/producer/star 37 Problems (digital series); Co-Founder, The Writing Intensive; playwright

Lisa Ebersole is an award-winning playwright, screenwriter, and filmmaker. She holds an MFA in Screenwriting from UCLA, has taught at New York Film Academy, NYU, and UCLA. Lisa co-founded THE WRITING INTENSIVE coaching service with Producer Tom Nunan.Lisa currently consults for writers... Read More →

Herschel Weingrod

writer Trading Places, Brewster’s Millions, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Space Jam; producer Falling Down, The Final Season; director Last Wishes

HERSCHEL WEINGROD has been a working screenwriter and producer for over twenty-five years. His credits include Trading Places, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Brewster’s Millions, Falling Down, Space Jam, Pure Luck, and The Final Season. He is an alumnus of the University of Wisconsin... Read More →

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Vestry Conference Room

Pitch, Pitch Competition

10:45am

Conference Q&A Session: Wendy Calhoun

Panelists

Wendy Calhoun

writer/producer Warner Bros TV, Station 19, Empire, Nashville, Justified

WENDY CALHOUN is a writer and executive producer with an overall deal at Warner Bros. Television Studios. Most recently, she served as Consulting Producer for ABC’s Station 19. She has developed new series pilots with Netflix, FX, 20th TV Studios, and ABC Signature. Her past credits... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club

Roundtable, Conference Q&A

10:45am

Second Rounders and Above Panel: The Writers' Room Workshop

Join writer Cindy McCreery and pre-selected Second Rounders for an interactive workshop on how to break a story.

Panelists

Cindy McCreery

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony

Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Workshop

Tracks Second Rounders and above

10:45am

Second Rounders Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film and Television

Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft, and business of screenwriting. This session offers Second Rounds from the Screenplay Competition exclusive access to writers, executives, studio reps, agents, managers, producers, and attorneys in an informal setting. Take advantage of this invaluable opportunity to ask those burning questions: What’s the best way to overcome writer’s block? Or risk a taking a new direction after established success? How do I find representation? Are studios buying spec scripts? What are emerging trends in the industry? Don’t miss your chance to ask all this and more without being charged by the hour or forgoing a percentage of your script sale.

*This roundtable is open to Second Rounders only.

Roundtables required advance sign-up through the Screenplay Department.

Panelists

Jenna Bond

Manager of Outreach & Member Services, WGAE

Jenna Bond leads the Indie, Documentary and New Media Caucuses for the WGA East, and also manages the Made in NY Writers Room, an initiative to increase diversity in television funded by the New York Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment. Jenna works with independent screenwriters... Read More →

Tripper Clancy

writer Stuber, Four Facing the Bank

Ryan Cunningham

Literary Manager, Madhouse Entertainment; producer Slender Man (2018)

Rick Dugdale

President, Enderby Entertainment; producer Intrigo Anthology, An Ordinary Man, Blackway

Christina Hodson

writer Transformers: Bumblebee (2018); Birds of Prey (2020)

Julie Howe

writer/executive producer Cupid's Proxy, The Adventures of Catty Wompus; co-producer Miracle on 42nd Street; 2010 AFF Comedy Screenplay Competition Winner

Adam Kolbrenner

producer Prisoners, Deadfall; Literary Manager, Madhouse Entertainment

Adam Kolbrenner is co-founder of Madhouse Entertainment, a literary management and production company based in Century City, CA. Since its inception in 2006, Madhouse has built its reputation on developing and producing the highest quality of writers and projects for both feature... Read More →

Keith Maitland

director/producer TOWER, A Song For You: The Austin City Limits Story

Tess Morris

writer Man Up, Casual

Scott Myers

writer K-9, Alaska, Trojan War; Assistant Professor, DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts

Scott has written over thirty movie and TV projects at every major Hollywood studio and broadcast network. His screenwriting credits include K-9, Alaska, and Trojan War. From 2002-2010, Scott was an executive producer at Trailblazer Studios, overseeing the company’s original content... Read More →

Jason Neulander

writer/director/producer The Intergalactic Nemesis; writer/director Hit & Run, Buttercup

Jason Neulander received his BA and MA in theater from Brown University and is an award-winning theatre artist, filmmaker, and producer based in Austin, Texas. He founded and was the artistic director of Austin’s premiere producer of new plays Salvage Vanguard Theater from 1994... Read More →

Donald Petrie

Donald is probably best known for the hit comedies How To Lose a Guy in 10 Days starring Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey for Paramount Pictures, and Miss Congeniality starring Sandra Bullock, for Warner Bros., not to mention the holiday hit Grumpy Old Men starring Jack Lemmon... Read More →

Andrew Kevin Walker

writer Se7en, Sleepy Hollow, Nerdland

Andrew Kevin Walker wrote Se7en, Brainscan, Tim Burton's Sleepy Hollow, and rewrote THE GAME and Fight Club. He’s written for HBO's Tales from the Crypt and Perversions of Science, and wrote the short films The Followand Ambush for the BMW film series, The Hire. His script treatment... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Crail Hall

Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Roundtable

1:00pm

For The Birds

(USA, 92 min)
Director:Richard Miron
In a small New York town, an unusual woman named Kathy lives with two hundred pet chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys. What starts as a story seemingly about Kathy’s battle with local animal advocacy groups slowly transforms into an intimate drama about her relationship with her husband Gary and the toll the birds have taken on their marriage and her well-being. Filmed over the course of five years, this sensitive tale of one woman’s world breaking down is ultimately one of hope about the possibility of regaining one’s life.

Sponsors

Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival

Friday October 26, 2018 1:00pm - 2:32pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village 2700 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Film, Documentary Feature

1:30pm

A Conversation with Roger Corman: The 2018 Extraordinary Contribution to Film Award Recipient

Over the past 60 years, Roger Corman has defined himself as a cornerstone of independent filmmaking. With over 500 film credits to his name, his projects have launched the careers of some of the biggest names in Hollywood. Corman's self-made, formulistic approach to low-budget filmmaking invigorated a budding indie film scene and further cemented his sphere of influence in modern Hollywood. Join AFF 2018's Extraordinary Contribution to Film awardee for an in-depth conversation on an unmatched career.

Moderators

Barry Josephson

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

Panelists

Roger Corman

2018 Extraordinary Contribution to Film Award Recipient

As American International Pictures' primary director, Corman's success built the company into a major force in Hollywood. Appalled by the intrinsic waste of time and money, as well as executive interference, Corman opted out of the major studio system. In 1970s, he founded his own... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

1:30pm

Inside the Creative Process: Friends From College

Netflix's Friends From College follows six Harvard alums in their 40s living in New York City and the complicated relationships they have with each other. With an all-star comedic cast, the series brings humor and absurdity to the relatable challenges of career, family, relationships and just trying to hold it all together. Starring Keegan-Michael Key, Cobie Smulders, Fred Savage, Jae Suh Park, Annie Parisse and Nat Faxon, the second season returns to Netflix in 2019. Sit down with co-creators and husband and wife duo Nicholas Stoller and Francesca Delbanco as they discuss the process of creating a show together and how they balance writing and directing a series while also raising a family.

Moderators

John Merriman

moderator

John Merriman starred in the New York Times Critics' Pick YOU HURT MY FEELINGS, the LA Film Fest winning feature GRETCHEN, and the indie comedies PICTURES OF SUPERHEROES, CINEMA SIX and MUSTANG ISLAND now available on Netflix. He acted in the acclaimed Sundance film PIT STOP and the... Read More →

Panelists

Francesca Delbanco

co-creator Friends From College

Francesca Delbanco is a novelist and television writer who is the co-creator of the Netflix show Friends from College, alongside her husband Nicholas Stoller. She grew up in Bennington, Vermont. She attended Harvard College and got her M.F.A. in creative writing from the University... Read More →

Nicholas Stoller

co-creator Friends From College; director Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Neighbors

Nicholas Stoller is known for writing and directing comedy features including Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Neighbors, and Get Him to the Greek and for writing The Muppets and its sequel. He also wrote and directed the animated film Storks and was an Executive Producer and co-creator... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Bethell Hall

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

1:30pm

My First and My Last

An introspective look at top writers as they look back on their first industry pitch, spec script, and general meeting to their most recent—and share what they’ve learned along the journey.

This panel is presented by Roadmap Writers.

Moderators

Jorge Gonzalez

moderator

Jorge began his career as a creator, producer, and writer setting up several digital projects with companies like Cinetic, Nickelodeon, and WIT.tv. He transitioned into development working for a Los Angeles based talent management/production company where he held the position of Creative Executive. During his time there he helped develop both feature and television projects. Previously, he served as Director of Operations f... Read More →

Panelists

Wes Brown

writer Preacher, The Son, Fear The Walking Dead

Raamla Mohamed

writer/supervising producer Scandal

Raamla Mohamed was born and raised in Los Angeles. After graduating from Columbia University, Raamla went on to receive her MFA in Writing for Film and Television at the University of Southern California. Not long after graduating, Raamla worked on "Grey's Anatomy” and "Off the... Read More →

Donald Todd

executive producer/showrunner This Is Us, For The People, Mind Games; creator Samantha Who?

Donald Todd is an Executive Producer and Showrunner whose recent TV credits include THIS IS US for NBC, FOR THE PEOPLE for ABC, and SLEEPY HOLLOW at FOX. Besides writing screenplays for Kennedy/Marshall, Curtis Hanson, and many others, Donald has created both drama and comedy for... Read More →

Oren Uziel

writer/director Shimmer Lake; writer 22 Jump Street, Freaks of Nature, The Cloverfield Paradox

Oren Uziel recently directed his first feature, Shimmer Lake, which previously won an award at the Austin Film Festival Screenwriting Competition. His other credits include 22 Jump Street, Freaks of Nature and The Cloverfield Paradox. He also wrote a pretty cool space station script... Read More →

Sponsors

Roadmap Writers

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
The Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room presented by Roadmap Writers

Conference, Panel

1:30pm

Perspectives on Publishing and Hollywood

“Why don’t you write it as a book?” With the prominence of IP and crossover hits from Game of Thrones to Thirteen Reasons Why, the world of publishing has new and increasing relevance for film and TV. This panel will provide film and TV writers and other industry members an overview of the publishing process, from first page to finished book and beyond. Topics covered will include publishing industry gatekeeping and agenting, adapting scripts into novels, having your novel adapted, and creative skills applicable in screenwriting and novel-writing. The panel will provide instruction on navigating the publishing world and perspectives on how publishing could increase opportunities for writers to have their work produced.

Moderators

Austin Siegemund-Broka

novelist Always Never Yours; former Journalist, Hollywood Reporter

Austin Siegemund-Broka cowrites contemporary YA novels with Emily Wibberley. They coauthored Always Never Yours (Penguin Random House), which published in 2018, and the forthcoming If I'm Being Honest and As We Go Forth (PRH, 2019 and 2020). A former journalist for The Hollywood Reporter... Read More →

Panelists

Jen Gunnels

Editor, Tor Books; co-founder Tor Labs

JEN GUNNELS is an editor at Tor Books, where her authors include L. E. Modesitt, Jr., Richard Baker, Kit Reed, Emily Davenport, and F. Paul Wilson. Before coming to Tor she served as dramatic critic and Theater Editor for the Hugo nominated New York Review of Science Fiction and... Read More →

Kayla Olson

author The Sandcastle Empire, This Splintered Silence

Kayla Olson lives in Texas with her family, and is the author of two novels. Her debut, The Sandcastle Empire—a sci-fi survival thriller set in futuristic, post-sea-level-rise America—caught the attention of Leonardo DiCaprio's Appian Way, and has been translated into 10 languages... Read More →

Emily Wibberley

novelist Always Never Yours

Emily Wibberley cowrote the young adult novels Always Never Yours, If I'm Being Honest, and As We Go Forth (Penguin Random House). Emily grew up in Southern California, but instead of working on her nonexistent tan at the beach, she spent her time reading, making music and watching... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
The Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony

Conference, Panel

1:30pm

Screenwriters' Agreements

Industry representatives in entertainment provide an overview of screenwriter agreements, contracts, and legalities, along with advice on securing the best deal, avoiding common mistakes, and knowing what a Writers Guild agreement has to offer.

Moderators

Fred Strype

moderator; AFF Screenwriting Award-Winner; Filmmaking, Screenwriting & Moving Image Arts Program Chair, Sarah Lawrence College

Fred Strype is an award-winning screenwriter and filmmaker whose work has been screened and honored internationally. He is a tenured professor at Sarah Lawrence College in Bronxville, NY, where he is Chair of their Filmmaking & Moving Image Arts Program. In the past, he served on... Read More →

Panelists

Stephen Clark

Partner, Lichter, Grossman, Nichols, Adler & Feldman

Adam Kolbrenner

producer Prisoners, Deadfall; Literary Manager, Madhouse Entertainment

Kay S. Wolf

Senior Representative, Writers Guild of America West

Kay S. Wolf is the Writers Guild of America West’s Senior Representative in Los Angeles. She conducts outreach to writers, encouraging them to use WGA contracts both domestically and in international markets, and executes WGAW screenwriter programs within the Member Organizing Department... Read More →

Sponsors

Simplecast

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
The Driskill Hotel, Crystal Room presented by Simplecast

Conference, Panel

1:30pm

The Second Act

This is the second act in a three-part panel series that will discuss the three-act structure and how best to approach each section individually. Join this breakdown of ACT TWO for a discussion on avoiding the second-act slump and how to deliver a middle packed with purpose, prose, and punch.

Moderators

Tim Albaugh

moderator; Professor, UCLA; Director, Hollins University Graduate Screenwriting Program

Panelists

Ashley Miller

writer Thor, X-MEN: First Class, Big Trouble in Little China; writer/producer Fringe, Black Sails, Film Juror-Narrative Feature

Alvaro Rodriguez

writer From Dusk Till Dawn: The Series; co-creator/executive producer Seis Manos

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Historic Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

1:30pm

Writers' Room Dynamics

How does a writers’ room work? What is the etiquette expected? What are some of the most common issues that occur? What is the difference between a writer’s assistant and a staff writer? Story editor and executive story editor? Different producing roles and the role of the showrunner? Perhaps, more importantly, how does one work their way up the chain of command? Panelists will provide a glimpse inside these closed doors, offering secrets, anecdotes, strategies, to-do’s, and not-to-do’s.

Moderators

Courtenay Hameister

moderator; host/head writer PRI's Live Wire Radio 2003-2015; co-writer of The Benefits of Gusbandry (web series)

Panelists

Andrea Ciannavei

writer Mayans MC, The Path, American Odyssey, Copper, Borgia

Andrea Ciannavei is a TV writer and playwright in Los Angeles. TV: Mayans MC (FX), The Path (Hulu), American Odyssey (NBC Universal), Copper (BBC America), Borgia (Tom Fontana, Executive Producer, Atlantique Creations SASU). Plays include Pretty Chin Up produced at LAByrinth Theater... Read More →

David Iserson

writer/producer The Spy Who Dumped Me, Mad Men, New Girl, Mr. Robot

Amy Johnson

writer Tyrant, The Long Road Home, Messiah & Nightflyers

Ray Utarnachitt

writer DC's Legends of Tomorrow, The Tomorrow People, Person of Interest

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Assembly Room

Conference, Panel

1:30pm

Writing and Creative Development at Pixar

Pixar Animation Studios has a story development process that is unique in the industry. In this panel, Matt Aldrich, co-writer of Coco, and Mike Jones, who has written for several Pixar movies, will describe the intensely collaborative way writers work with directors and story artists. Development Executives Mary Coleman and Emily Mollenkopf will walk you through how Pixar scouts writers, matches them with directors, then supports them in creating engaging characters, believable worlds, and compelling stories.

Panelists

Matthew Aldrich

co-writer Coco

MATTHEW ALDRICH (Original Story by/Original Screenplay by), co-writer of Disney•Pixar’s “Coco” and two-time Black List alum, has emerged in recent years as a writer of substance and imagination.He first gained attention for the spec script CLEANER (2007) which was directed... Read More →

Mary Coleman

Head of Creative Development, Pixar, Film Juror-Animated Short

Mary Coleman is the Senior Development Executive at Pixar Animation Studios. She joined Pixar in 1999 to create the Development department. Coleman was recruited from San Francisco’s Magic Theater because Pixar recognized that her work developing world premiers of new plays would... Read More →

Mike Jones

Senior Story and Creative Artist, Pixar Animation Studios

Mike Jones has been a working screenwriter for over 20 years. At Pixar, Jones works with the studio’s directors, artists, editors, and other writers on every aspect of the story.Born and raised in South Texas, Jones graduated from NYU. He went on to write scripts for Columbia, MGM... Read More →

Emily Mollenkopf

Development Executive, Pixar Animation Studios

Emily Mollenkopf is the Development Executive at Pixar Animation Studios. Emily joined Pixar in 2011 on Pixar’s first TV special; Toy Story of TERROR! She began her career at G4TV producing video game-centric television for X-Play and Attack of the Show. As Development Executive... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room

Conference, Panel

1:30pm

Writing the Young Adult

From Mean Girls to The Breakfast Club, audiences of every age have always been fascinated by the teen experience. But behind every Ferris Bueller, there’s an adult writer struggling to sound authentic. Join this discussion on what it takes to develop rich and complex teen stories and characters, and what tropes you should avoid along the way.

Moderators

Karol Hoeffner

moderator

Karol Ann Hoeffner is the Graduate Director of Screenwriter for Loyola Marymount University where she oversees two program tracks: Writing for the Screen and Writing and Producing for Television. Before coming to LMU in 2008, she worked as a screenwriter in Hollywood where she wrote... Read More →

Panelists

Charmaine DeGraté

writer/producer The 100, Netflix’s Chambers (2019)

Writer/Supervising Producer of The100 and Netflix’s Chambers, set to premiere in 2019.Charmaine DeGraté is a screenwriter and television producer. Currently, Charmaine is writing and producing two television shows: the sixth season of the critically acclaimed science fiction drama... Read More →

Michael H. Weber

writer The Disaster Artist, (500) Days of Summer, The Spectacular Now, The Fault In Our Stars

Michael H. Weber is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter and award-winning independent film producer.With Scott Neustadter, he adapted The Disaster Artist, which was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards. Their other writing credits include (500) Days Of Summer... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
Central Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

1:30pm

Austin Pitch #5

Panelists

Tom Alvarado

writer Rooster Teeth Animation, Nickelodeon TV, Walt Disney Studios

Marc Manus

Manager/Producer, Zero Gravity Management

Marc Manus is a former award-winning photojournalist who attended USC film school before entering the field of artist representation. His first job was with manager Cathryn Jaymes, who represented the Academy Award-winning writer/director Quentin Tarantino, among others. After a brief... Read More →

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Vestry Conference Room

Pitch, Pitch Competition

1:30pm

*Roundtable: AFF Filmmakers

THIS SESSION IS ONLY AVAILBLE TO 2018 SELECTED AFF FILMMAKERS.

Panelists

Clint Bentley

Clint Bentley's first feature (as co-writer and producer) was 'Transpecos', a thriller set in the U.S. Border Patrol that premiered at SXSW 2016, where it won the Audience Award and was distributed theatrically by Samuel Goldwyn Films. His latest short film (as a director) premiered... Read More →

C. Robert Cargill

Sandrine Cassidy

Senior Director Talent Development, Festivals & Distribution – USC School of Cinematic Arts

Sandrine Faucher Cassidy is USC School of Cinematic Arts Senior Director of Talent Development, Festivals & Distribution. As such, she counsels and mentors students and alumni on strategy for their shorts and independent features in the festival circuit and how to best utilize their... Read More →

AJ Feuerman

Publicist/Social Media Strategist, @ajfeuerman Communications

AJ Feuerman is a public relations executive with experience representing clients across the entertainment, lifestyle, and technology industries. She specializes in planning and executing innovative campaigns that include both traditional and digital mechanics as well as blogger and... Read More →

Sean Flanagan

Head of Distribution and Aggregation, Visual Data Media Services; writer/producer

Sean Flanagan is the Executive Director of Film Stem, a nonprofit that provides grants and educational opportunities to empower filmmakers of diversity. He is currently a consultant with Buffalo 8, BidSlate, Walla and Visual Data Media Services after previously working in distribution... Read More →

Darrien Michele Gipson

Executive Director, SAGindie

Darrien Michele Gipson is the Executive Director of SAGindie. An M.F.A. recipient from the Peter Stark Producers Program at the University of Southern California, Darrien was formerly the Vice President of Production for DEF Pictures. As Executive Director of SAGindie, Darrien leads... Read More →

Alana Hauser

Manager, Catalyst & Women at Sundance

A native Texan based in Los Angeles, Alana Hauser is Manager of Sundance Catalyst, which connects highly-anticipated documentary and fiction films with financiers, and Women at Sundance, which forges gender parity in media. She has played a key role in the outreach, selection, and... Read More →

Greg Kwedar

co-Writer/director Transpecos

Greg’s debut as a feature director was with TRANSPECOS, a thriller set within the United States Border Patrol. It had its World Premiere in competition at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival where it won the Audience Award. Transpecos was acquired by Samuel Goldwyn Films for theatrical... Read More →

Garineh Nazarian

Festival/Non-Theatrical Coordinator, FilmRise

My name is Garineh Nazarian and I handle festival and non-theatrical screenings of our titles at FilmRise, a major indie distribution company based in NY. Before joining FilmRise, I ran my own distribution company working with Iranian filmmakers predominantly presenting the Iranian... Read More →

Bryce Norbitz

Manager, Artist Programs at Tribeca Film Institute

Bryce Norbitz is the Manager of Artist Programs at Tribeca Film Institute where she empowers scripted and documentary filmmakers through grant programs, workshops, screenings and events. Bryce curates projects through TFI funding, including Tribeca All Access, TFI Latin America Fund... Read More →

Tony Piantedosi

Gravitas Ventures, Film Juror-Comedy Vanguard

Tony Piantedosi joined Gravitas as Director of Acquisitions in 2018, following development and acquisitions roles at Premiere Entertainment Group and Televix Entertainment. A lifelong cinephile, he strives to bring independent films to the largest possible audience, with past successes... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
St. David's Episcopal Church, Sumners Hall

Roundtable, Roundtable

1:30pm

*Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film

Panelists

Macon Blair

writer/director I Don't Feel At Home In This World Anymore; actor Blue Ruin, Green Room, Hold The Dark, Film Juror-Student Short

Alisha Brophy

co-writer License to Drive (2017), White Girl Problems, Swiped, United States of Fuckin' Awesome

Jeffrey Brown

producer Punk in Africa, No No: A Dockumentary,Through The Repellent Fence, Every Night’s A Saturday Night, Vinyl Generation, Yallah! Underground, Pirating Pirates, Mamas & Papas, Kooky

Jill Chamberlain

author The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting

Lisa Ebersole

writer/director/producer/star 37 Problems (digital series); Co-Founder, The Writing Intensive; playwright

Michael Fry

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

Carrye Glazar

Head of Original Content/Producer/Partner, Mighty Coconut

Kevin Hamedani

co-writer/director ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction, Junk, In Her Place, The Saviors, Film Juror-Student Short

Jono Matt

co-writer Captain Planet

Scott Miles

co-writer License to Drive (2017), White Girl Problems, Swiped, United States of Fuckin' Awesome

Troy Anthony Miller

Two-time AFF Screenplay award winner (The Hitch, The Olympian); AFF/MovieMaker Magazine Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch; writer T-Minus Epsilon

Troy Anthony Miller is a writer, filmmaker, and improv comedian who lives in Los Angeles, California. He holds the unique distinction of being a two-time winner of the AFF Screenplay Competition (The Hitch, a thriller, and The Olympian, a comedy), and was named one of the “Top 25... Read More →

David Rabinowitz

co-writer BlacKkKlansman

David Rabinowitz and his writing partner Charlie Wachtel co-wrote Spike Lee's film BlacKkKlansman. He and Charlie also recently sold a pitch titled Thacher Island to Fox 2000, with Greg Berlanti and Sarah Schechter producing.

Bill True

writer Runaway

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Crail Hall

Roundtable, Roundtable

1:30pm

Second Rounders and Above Panel: The First Ten Pages

Join Academy Award-nominated producer Lindsay Doran (Stranger than Fiction) as she explains – using the first ten pages from pre-selected Second Round feature screenplays – how those crucial first ten pages can either hook industry professionals right away or make them close the script without reading the rest. How can you make sure they get to page 11?

Come find out.

This panel is open to Second Rounders and Above.

Panelists

Lindsay Doran

producer Stranger Than Fiction, Sense and Sensibility, Nanny McPhee, Dead Again; 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 Sydney Pollack’s Mirage Productions. She currently divides her time between her... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
800 Congress 800 Congress Avenue

Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Panel

1:30pm

Script-to-Screen: A Quiet Place

Join screenwriters Scott Beck and Bryan Woods for a conversation about their original horror hit A Quiet Place. Beck and Woods will discuss the process of storytelling with little dialogue and how to create tension that keeps people on the edge of their seats.

THIS PANEL HAS EXTENDED TIME AND WILL END AT 3:00PM.Those who enrolled in the advance sign-up for this session are required to show up 15 minutes early and will be admitted first. The remaining seats will then open to day appropriate badge holders.

Moderators

Christopher Boone

moderator; writer/director Cents; contributor No Film School

Christopher Boone is a screenwriter and filmmaker living in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He contributes to the blog No Film School (nofilmschool.com), where he shares lessons learned from professional screenwriters about the craft and business of screenwriting. His first feature film as writer/director, Cents, from his Academy Nicholl Fellowship semifinalist screenplay, is now available on VOD... Read More →

Panelists

Scott Beck

writer/producer A Quiet Place ; writer/director Haunt, Nightlight

Filmmakers Scott Beck & Bryan Woods first met as sixth-graders in their hometown of Bettendorf, Iowa. After discovering a shared interest in cinema, the duo began collaborating on stop-motion movies with their Star Wars action figures. This collaboration continued into high school... Read More →

Bryan Woods

writer/producer A Quiet Place ; writer/director Haunt, Nightlight

Sponsors

Roadmap Writers

Friday October 26, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

2:00pm

Atlantic City

(USA, 15 min)
Director/Writer: Miguel Alvarez

A drifter sets off to find his estranged mother but finds a new mission when he meets a teenage runaway who needs his help.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Friday October 26, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

2:00pm

By Dan Jenkins

(USA, 20 min)
Directors: Kelly Lipscomb, Matt Tisdale

After a life filled with covering the most prestigious tournaments in the world; renowned golf and football expert Dan Jenkins sheds further light on his beginnings and how the two sports have shaped his life.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Friday October 26, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Documentary Short

2:00pm

Goodbye Sirena

(USA, 7 min)
Writer: Tracee Beebe
Director: Melissa Dalley

Molly and her mother navigate memory and grief as they find an unexpected way to say goodbye.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Friday October 26, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

2:00pm

Lovers at Night

(USA, 5 min)
Director: Alexander M. Rosales

A man awaits his date, but is met with something else: rejection.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Friday October 26, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

2:00pm

Muerte

(USA, 13 min)
Writer/Director: Harold Fisch

On the night he seeks to dive head first into his work, an artist discovers hidden secrets of his lineage and begins to learn his true purpose.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Friday October 26, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

2:00pm

Tempestad

(USA, 16 min)
Writer/Director: Daniel E. Garcia

It's opening day of The Tempest at Alex's prestigious high school, but he and his brother must first accomplish a colossal tree service project to keep the family business alive.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Friday October 26, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

2:00pm

The Wilderness

(USA, 15 min)
Writer: Zachary Jones
Director: Agustin Navarro
Three soldiers on the battlefield deal with the raw emotions of taking a life.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Friday October 26, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

2:00pm

Tightly Wound

(USA, 10 min)
Writer/Director: Shelby Hadden

A woman recounts her experience living with chronic pelvic pain and how health professionals have failed her, men have rejected her, and complex emotions have plagued her body.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

Friday October 26, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Animated Short

2:00pm

Shorts Program 10: Everything's Shorter in Texas 1

(TRT: 101 min)

Atlantic City
(USA, 15 min)
Director/Writer: Miguel Alvarez
A drifter sets off to find his estranged mother but finds a new mission when he meets a teenage runaway who needs his help.

By Dan Jenkins
(USA, 20 min)
Directors: Kelly Lipscomb, Matt Tisdale
After a life filled with covering the most prestigious tournaments in the world; renowned golf and football expert Dan Jenkins sheds further light on his beginnings and how the two sports have shaped his life.

Muerte
(USA, 13 min)
Writer/Director: Harold Fisch
On the night he seeks to dive head first into his work, an artist discovers hidden secrets of his lineage and begins to learn his true purpose.

Goodbye Sirena
(USA, 7 min)
Writer: Tracee Beebe
Director: Melissa Dalley
Molly and her mother navigate memory and grief as they find an unexpected way to say goodbye.

Lovers at Night
(USA, 5 min)
Director: Alexander M. Rosales
A man awaits his date, but is met with something else: rejection.

Tightly Wound
(USA, 10 min)
Writer/Director: Shelby Hadden
A woman recounts her experience living with chronic pelvic pain and how health professionals have failed her, men have rejected her, and complex emotions have plagued her body.

The Wilderness
(USA, 15 min)
Writer: Zachary Jones
Director: Agustin Navarro
Three soldiers on the battlefield deal with the raw emotions of taking a life.

Tempestad
(USA, 16 min)
Writer/Director: Daniel E. Garcia
It's opening day of The Tempest at Alex's prestigious high school, but he and his brother must first accomplish a colossal tree service project to keep the family business alive.

Sponsors

Texas Film Commission

Friday October 26, 2018 2:00pm - 4:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

3:00pm

Rock All Night presented by Roger Corman and Robert Rodriguez

(USA,62 min)
Writers: Charles B. Griffith, David P. Harmon
Director: Roger Corman

Cloud Nine, the local teen hangout, has been taken over by a pair of escaped killers, who hold the local teens hostage. The bartender realizes it's up to him to save the kids.

Please note large bags will not be allowed into the Paramount or State Theatres. For more information about the bag policy please view link below for details:
http://www.austintheatre.org/events-tickets/box-office/

Panelists

Roger Corman

2018 Extraordinary Contribution to Film Award Recipient

Friday October 26, 2018 3:00pm - 4:02pm
Paramount Theatre 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Retrospective Screening

3:00pm

Script Reading Workshop: Disposable Necessities

In the future, death and aging are of little concern to the super wealthy when they can simply occupy the fresh corpse of a poor person. As one family faces the moral implications of buying eternal life, they learn what it really means to be alive.

Written by: Neil McGowan

Seven scripts have been chosen from this year’s group of Semifinalists and Finalists in the Screenplay, Playwriting, and Fiction Podcast Competitions to be read aloud in our Script Reading Workshops. These selected scripts will be performed by a group of actors in an intimate setting. The read-throughs will be bare-bones. With only actors and the words on the page, it is the ultimate testament to the quality of the written word.

Friday October 26, 2018 3:00pm - 4:30pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, State Board Room 701 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701, USA

Script Reading, Workshop

3:15pm

A Conversation with Larry Wilmore: The 2018 Outstanding Television Writer Award Recipient

Larry Wilmore has been a television producer, actor, comedian, and writer for more than 25 years. As a writer he’s been behind television comedies The PJs, The Bernie Mac Show, and HBO’s Insecure, which he co-created with star Issa Rae. On camera, Wilmore is known for his memorable appearances as the “Senior Black Correspondent” on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and as the host of Comedy Central’s The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore. Join 2018’s Extraordinary Contribution to Television Awardee for a conversation on comedy—in front of and behind the camera.

*Sign Language Interpretation provided by Communication by Hand

Moderators

John Merriman

moderator

Panelists

Larry Wilmore

2018 Outstanding Television Writer Award Recipient

Emmy Award winner Larry Wilmore has been a television producer, actor, comedian, and writer for morethan 25 years. He can currently be heard as host of Larry Wilmore: Black on the Air on The Ringer PodcastNetwork. The show features Wilmore’s unique mix of humor and wit as he weighs... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

3:15pm

A Conversation with Nicole Holofcener

Join this conversation with writer/director Nicole Holofcener (The Land of Steady Habits, Enough Said, Please Give) for a discussion on her process of writing and directing for film and television, and the importance of creating realistic, flawed characters.

Moderators

Mary Coleman

Head of Creative Development, Pixar, Film Juror-Animated Short

Panelists

Nicole Holofcener

writer/director Land of Steady Habits, Enough Said, Please Give, Friends with Money, Lovely and Amazing, Walking and Talking

Nicole Holofcener has written and directed five feature films, most recently Enough Said starring Julia Louis Dreyfus and James Gandolfini. She just completed her sixth feature The Land of Steady Habits that will be released in the fall. She has directed numerous television shows... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

3:15pm

Crafting Comedy

Getting one person to laugh is tough. Getting a whole audience of people of different ages and from different backgrounds to laugh is near impossible. Join this conversation on writing comedy for different mediums.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Matt Goldich

writer Late Night with Seth Meyers; co-host Sorry I’ve Been So Busy podcast; stand-up comedian

Matt Goldich is currently a staff writer for Late Night with Seth Meyers, for which he has been nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards.He has also been a writer for the Late Show with David Letterman, the Emmy Awards, the Golden Globes, The Jeselnik Offensive, The Ellen DeGeneres... Read More →

Scott Moore

writer/director Bad Moms, writer The Hangover

JON LUCAS and SCOTT MOORE (Writers/Directors) are best known as the writers of The Hangover, starring Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms and Zack Galifianakis. Winner of the 2010 Golden Globe for Best Comedy, The Hangover grossed more than $275 million dollars domestically, making it the... Read More →

Gene Stupnitsky

Writer/Director, Good Boys; Writer/producer, The Office, Bad Teacher; Writer, Master of None; Producer, Hello Ladies, Trophy Wife

GENE STUPNITSKY is a Writers Guild Award winner and seven-time Emmy nominee. Stupnitsky wrote and produced the NBC comedy series The Office for five seasons.Since then, Stupnitsky has executive produced the ABC series Trophy Wife, and the Emmy-Nominated HBO series Hello Ladies (which... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
800 Congress 800 Congress Avenue

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

3:15pm

Demystifying the Development Process

Development can be a confusing time. What exactly goes into development, who’s involved, and how can a writer best prepare for the process. Join a panel of executives and agents as they shed light on the development process.

Moderators

Scott Richter

moderator; President, Richter Scale Media

Panelists

Ryan P. Hall

Head of Development, Rooster Teeth; Executive Producer Blood Fest, Lazer Team 2

Brett-Patrick Jenkins

Head of Development/Executive Producer, Propagate Content; Lore, Haunted, In Search Of, Up & Vanished

Brett-Patrick Jenkins is a Critic’s Choice award winning producer and television executive based in Los Angeles, and the Head of Development at Propagate Content. After studying art at the University of Texas at Austin, Brett-Patrick joined Rick Baker’s Cinovation Studios and... Read More →

Lauren Neustadter

Head of Film & Television, Hello Sunshine

Lauren Levy Neustadter is Head of Film & Television at Hello Sunshine, where the Film & TV team has received multiple series orders (including ARE YOU SLEEPING and THE MORNING SHOW for Apple, LITTLE FIRES EVERYWHERE for Hulu and DAISY JONES AND THE SIX for Amazon) and is currently... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Assembly Room

Conference, Panel

3:15pm

The Creative Career: Practical Tips for Starting Out

A panel of successful WGAW writers will discuss what you need to know in your career, how to avoid common pitfalls, and what the Writers Guild can do for you.

This panel is presented by the Writers Guild of America West.

Moderators

John August

co-host Scriptnotes; writer Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Big Fish, Charlie's Angels, Go

John August’s screenwriting credits include Go, Big Fish, Frankenweenie, Corpse Bride, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and both Charlie’s Angels movies. His feature directing debut, The Nines, premiered at the 2007 Sundance Film Festival. He also wrote the book for the Broadway... Read More →

Panelists

Jason Fuchs

co-writer Wonder Woman, Ice Age: Continental Drift; writer I Still See You, Pan

Christina Hodson

writer Transformers: Bumblebee (2018); Birds of Prey (2020)

Tess Morris

writer Man Up, Casual

Nicole Perlman

writer Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel (2019), Detective Pikachu (2019)

Sponsors

Writers Guild of America West

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
Central Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

3:15pm

The Third Act

You’ve made it to ACT THREE—the conclusion that you've been building toward since your title page. This is also the moment when you can discover that ending a story can be just as challenging as beginning one. Join this discussion on how to efficiently provide satisfying closure for your conflicts and characters.

Moderators

Scott Myers

writer K-9, Alaska, Trojan War; Assistant Professor, DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts

Panelists

Scott Neustadter

writer The Disaster Artist, (500) Days of Summer, The Spectacular Now, The Fault In Our Stars

Scott Neustadter is an Oscar-nominated screenwriter and award-winning independent film producer.With Michael H. Weber, he adapted The Disaster Artist, which was nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 90th Academy Awards. Their other writing credits include (500) Days Of Summer... Read More →

Scott Rosenberg

writer Jumanji: Welcome To The Jungle, Venom, Con Air, Beautiful Girls

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Historic Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

3:15pm

The Writer/Manager Relationship

The who, what, where, when, why, and how of finding a manager: Who should you be looking for and what can you expect from the relationship? Where do you find representation, and when’s the right time in your career? Perhaps most importantly, why is having a manager important? Join screenwriters Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, along with their manager Ryan Cunningham, for an in-depth exploration on how to find, keep, and make the most of this important relationship.

Moderators

Tim Albaugh

moderator; Professor, UCLA; Director, Hollins University Graduate Screenwriting Program

Panelists

Scott Beck

writer/producer A Quiet Place ; writer/director Haunt, Nightlight

Ryan Cunningham

Literary Manager, Madhouse Entertainment; producer Slender Man (2018)

Bryan Woods

writer/producer A Quiet Place ; writer/director Haunt, Nightlight

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room

Conference, Panel

3:15pm

The Writer/Producer Relationship

What does it take to forge a strong collaboration? Join this candid conversation with Michael Grillo, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeely on how to be a writer that producers love, and vice versa, as well as the inevitable hardships that go hand-in-hand with trusting others with your fate.

Moderators

Matt Dy

Director of Script Competitions, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Michael Grillo

executive producer of Avengers 4, Avengers: Infinity War, Antman, Captain America: Winter Soldier, The Amazing

Christopher Markus

writer Avengers 4, Avengers: Infinity War, the Captain America trilogy, the Narnia films, Pain & Gain, You Kill Me, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers

Stephen McFeely

writer Avengers 4, Avengers: Infinity War, the Captain America trilogy, the Narnia films, Pain & Gain, You Kill Me, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers

Sponsors

Roadmap Writers

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
The Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room presented by Roadmap Writers

Conference, Panel

3:15pm

Austin Pitch #6

It’s the 15th Annual Austin Film Festival Pitch Competition! This unique event allows contestants 90 seconds to pitch their best ideas to a panel of judges made of up agents, 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.

All Pitch Sessions require an advance sign-up and are held at St. David’s Episcopal Church in the Vestry Conference Room, located at 301 E 8th Street.

Panelists

Jason Headley

writer/director A Bad Idea Gone Wrong, It's Not About the Nail, At the Bar, F*ck That: A Guided Meditation

Pamela Ribon

writer Moana, Smurfs: The Lost Village, Ralph Breaks The Internet: Wreck-It Ralph 2, Bears, Samantha Who?; comic book writer Rick and Morty, SLAM!, Film Juror-Animated Short

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Vestry Conference Room

Pitch, Pitch Competition

3:15pm

*Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Television

*Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft and business of writing for television. How do you break in? What is the dynamic in a writers’ room and the difference between various jobs involved? How is the changing landscape of television affecting the role of a writer? This roundtable session offers registrants exclusive access to TV writers, producers, showrunners, and executives 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 television.
*This Roundtable requires advance registration at the Roundtable Sign-up Table in the Driskill Mezzanine; the Roundtable takes place at St. David’s Episcopal Church’s Crail Hall, located at 301 E 8th Street. Only one roundtable sign-up slot per registrant. Registrants must have the day-appropriate badge.

ROUNDTABLE SIGN UP HOURS:
Registrants must sign up for Roundtable Sessions in the Mezzanine of the Driskill Hotel!
Wednesday, October 25 | 12:00PM–5:00PM
Thursday, October 26 | 8:30AM–5:00PM
Friday, October 27 | 8:30AM–5:00PM
Saturday, October 28 | 8:30AM–3:00PM

Panelists

Max Borenstein

creator The Terror (Season 2), Untitled Game of Thrones Spinoff, Minority Report (television series); writer Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla 2

Kelly Jo Brick

writer Pause, The Jewel in the Woods; contributing writer for Final Draft

Charmaine DeGraté

writer/producer The 100, Netflix’s Chambers (2019)

Alison Flierl

writer BoJack Horseman, School of Rock (television series); writer/producer/performer Internet Comment Theater, TV Guide Letter Theater; producer Random Tropical Paradise

Colby Gaines

co-creator Pawn Stars

Aaron Hilliard

writer HBO's Life and Times of Tim, Amazon's BETAS, Producer of Scripted Fiction Audio Series, Audible, Inc.

Aaron Hilliard worked as a television writer/producer for 15 years, working on everything from kids’ shows to hour-long dramas. Alongside his TV day jobs, Aaron’s tiny Yardhill Films production company (www.yardhill.com) has created web series, short films and podcasts. Many of these “shoe string” productions acted as proofs of concept for TV and film development. In 2017, Aaron shifted to the audio world, as a Producer of narrative fiction for Audible, focusing on drama and comedy series... Read More →

Ali LeRoi

writer/director/producer Everybody Hates Chris, Survivor's Remorse, Are We There Yet? (TV Series)

Ashley Miller

writer Thor, X-MEN: First Class, Big Trouble in Little China; writer/producer Fringe, Black Sails, Film Juror-Narrative Feature

Grace Moss

Director of Talent Development & Inclusion, NBC Entertainment

Matt Sazama

creator/executive producer/writer Lost in Space; writer Power Rangers (2017), Gods of Egypt (2016), The Last Witch Hunter (2015), Dracula Untold (2014)

Conrad Sun

TV Literary Manager, Meridian Artists

Donald Todd

executive producer/showrunner This Is Us, For The People, Mind Games; creator Samantha Who?

Aaron Tracy

writer/producer Sequestered, Law & Order SVU, The Tap; host To Live & Dialogue In LA; Faculty, Yale University

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Crail Hall

Roundtable, Roundtable

3:15pm

Semifinalists and Above Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film and Television

Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft, and business of screenwriting. This session offers Semifinalists and Above from the Screenplay Competition exclusive access to writers, executives, studio reps, agents, managers, producers, and attorneys in an informal setting. Take advantage of this invaluable opportunity to ask those burning questions: What’s the best way to overcome writer’s block? Or risk a taking a new direction after established success? How do I find representation? Are studios buying spec scripts? What are emerging trends in the industry? Don’t miss your chance to ask all this and more without being charged by the hour or forgoing a percentage of your script sale.

*This roundtable is open to Semifinalists and Above only.

Roundtables required advance sign-up through the Screenplay Department.

Panelists

Glenn Cockburn

President/Founder, Meridian Artists

Phil Hay

writer/producer The Invitation, Destroyer; writer Crazy/Beautiful, Ride Along, Ride Along 2, Clash of the Titans

Phil Hay is a screenwriter and producer. Hay, partner Matt Manfredi, and director Karyn Kusama (who is also Hay’s wife) made the upcoming Los Angeles crime drama Destroyer, starring Nicole Kidman, and the thriller The Invitation, which debuted at SXSW in 2015 and went on to play... Read More →

Aaron Lipsett

Manager Heroes and Villains

Born and raised in Massachusetts, Aaron Lipsett graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in History before moving to Los Angeles in 2009. Aaron spent eight years with Escape Artists Entertainment, where he quickly rose from intern to Vice President of Television. During... Read More →

Ross Saxon

Head of Development, Braven Films, executive on production Magic Magic

A graduate of the Film Program at Bard College where his studies included work under acclaimed indie director Kelly Reichardt, his thesis was short listed for the Adolphus Mekas Award for best screenplay. He began his career working on film sets across NY, learning the administrative... Read More →

Burk Sharpless

creator/executive producer/writer Lost in Space; writer Power Rangers (2017), Gods of Egypt (2016), The Last Witch Hunter (2015), Dracula Untold (2014)

Jake Wagner

Cormac Wibberley

writer National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys 2

Marianne Wibberley

writer National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys 2

Rebecca Windsor

Director, Warner Bros. Television Workshop

Carly Wray

writer/producer Westworld, The Leftovers, Mindhunter, Mad Men

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
St. David's Episcopal Church, Sumners Hall

Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Roundtable

3:15pm

Young Filmmakers Program: Pitch #1

This session is for the Young Filmmakers Program only.

The student pitch sessions give high school students the opportunity to pitch their best ideas to industry professionals and receive feedback in an encouraging setting, while learning more about the art of the pitch.

Panelists

James V. Hart

writer Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Contact, Tuck Everlasting, Muppet Treasure Island, August Rush, Epic, Crossbones; Creator, HartChart

Cindy McCreery

Emily Zulauf

Fiction Lead, Probably Monsters Games; Creative Development Associate, Pixar Animation Studios

Friday October 26, 2018 3:15pm - 4:30pm
The Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony

Young Filmmakers Program, Pitch

3:45pm

Free Men

Trailer

(Switzerland/USA, 90 min)
Director: Anne-Frédérique Widmann
At age 18, without having fired a bullet, Kenneth Reams became the youngest inmate on Arkansas death row. In solitary confinement for the last 25 years, he has pushed back the walls of his cell to become a painter, a poet, the founder of a non-profit, and an art events organizer - while fighting at the same time for justice. While Arkansas rushes to execute ten inmates in ten days—an American record—Free Mencaptures the most important moments of Kenneth’s struggle and raises universal questions—How can we fight injustice? How can we continue to move forward and find a sense of purpose in life when all hope seems lost?

Sponsors

ACLU - Texas

Texas Observer

The Austin Center For Grief and Loss

YWCA

Friday October 26, 2018 3:45pm - 5:15pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village 2700 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Film, Documentary Feature

4:00pm

Antiquities

Trailer

(USA, 94 min)
Writers: Daniel Campbell, Graham Gordy
Director: Daniel Campbell
Cast: Andrew J. West, Ashley Greene, Michaela Watkins, Mary Steenburgen

After his father's death, Walt moves to his dad's hometown to learn more about who his father was. After accepting a job in a local antique shop, he meets Ellie, an eccentric and crude free-spirit who still manages to be irresistibly charming. Walt ends up not only finding out who his father really was, but learns more about himself than he ever thought possible.

Please note large bags will not be allowed into the Paramount or State Theatres. For more information about the bag policy please view link below for details:
http://www.austintheatre.org/events-tickets/box-office/

Friday October 26, 2018 4:00pm - 5:34pm
State Theatre 719 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Comedy Vanguard

4:00pm

Laugh or Die

(Finland, 100 min)
Writers: Heikki Kujanpää, Mikko Reitala
Director: Heikki Kujnapää
Cast: Martti Suosalo, Jani Volanen, Leena Pöysti, Paavo Kinnunen

In 1918 Finland after the Civil War, Toivo Parikka, the famous actor of the Workers’ Theatre, is caught and sent to a prison camp where his remaining comrades languish on the verge of death. Parikka defies execution by cracking jokes in front of the squad and getting a laugh out of the guards. Seeing this, Captain Kalm, the camp commandant gives Parikka and unexpected offer: if the actor and his fellow captives can put on an entertaining play for his German guests, they will be spared

Sponsors

Ten Thousand Villages

Friday October 26, 2018 4:00pm - 5:40pm
Bethell Hall-St. David's Episcopal Church 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Narrative Feature

4:00pm

Ghost Light

(USA, 102 min)
Writer: John Stimpson, Geoffrey Taylor
Director: John Stimpson
Cast: Cary Elwes, Carol Kane, Roger Bart, Danielle Campbell,

A troupe of actors, led by a former soap opera star looking for prestige, take over a remote and eerie countryside barn and transform it into theater to put on a live production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. But when a disgruntled and arrogant understudy tempts fate by uttering the forbidden name of the Scottish King on stage, the sorcery of the Bard’s witches overwhelms the production, leading to chaos, misfortune, and death. All's well that ends well... but not for everyone.

Friday October 26, 2018 4:00pm - 5:42pm
Galaxy Highland screen 8 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Dark Matters

4:30pm

Script Reading: Spade by AFF alum and On Story supporter Billie Jean Van Knight

Spade, the television series, is based on the true story of Bass Reeves, the first black U.S. deputy marshal in Indian Territory, and his desperation to be the best despite hostile conditions and a conspiracy to end his life.

Written by: Billie Jean Van Knight

Friday October 26, 2018 4:30pm - 5:30pm
The Driskill Hotel, Crystal Room presented by Simplecast

Script Reading

4:45pm

Film Texas BBQ Supper

Hosted by the 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 Fiesta Gardens and savor world-famous BBQ, washed down with a cold beer or glass of Wine. Representatives from regional film commissions across Texas will be on hand to tell you all about the media production industries in Texas.

*Pick up the shuttle outside the Driskill Bar on 7th Street starting at 4:30pm. Return shuttles will stop running at 7:30pm

Must have an AFF Producers Badge or be on the Texas Association of Film Commissions Guest List for entry. All parties are 21 and up.

Sponsors

Chloe Wine Collection

Micklethwait BBQ

Spindrift Beverages

Stella Artois

Texas Association of Film Commissions

Friday October 26, 2018 4:45pm - 6:45pm
Fiesta Gardens 2101 Jesse E. Segovia Street

Party, Party

5:00pm

Podcast Script Reading – It Makes a Sound

A woman on a tenacious mission to remind her decaying hometown of the musician who should be its most famous resident.

Join Jacquelyn Landgraf, creator, writer, co-director, and star of It Makes a Sound, a serial fiction podcast on the Night Vale Presents Network/PRX, as she presents a sneak peek of Season 2!

Panelists

Jacquelyn Landgraf

creator/writer/co-director/star It Makes A Sound on Night Vale Presents/PRX

Jacquelyn is the creator, writer, co-director, and star of It Makes A Sound, a serial fiction podcast with music on the Night Vale Presents Network/PRX. One of Vulture’s “Most Anticipated Podcasts of 2017,” the cast includes Annie Golden, Siobhan Fallon, Melissa Mahoney, Nate... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room presented by Roadmap Writers

Script Reading

Tracks Podcast Track

5:00pm

a Girl

(USA, 7 min)
Writer/Director: C. Craig Patterson

When a father returns home to find his sons solemnly locked in their room, someone has to explain exactly what's going on.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 3: You Can't Choose Your Family

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Student Short

5:00pm

Candid

Trailer

(USA, 18 min)
Writer/Director: Gabrielle Shepard
A young aspiring street photographer takes a surreal journey through the city as she reconciles her future and relationship with her father.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 3: You Can't Choose Your Family

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

5:00pm

Light My Fire

Trailer

(USA, 9 min)
Writer/Director: Bobb Barito

A vengeful father hunts down his daughter's boyfriend on the Fourth of July.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 3: You Can't Choose Your Family

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

5:00pm

Masks On

Trailer

(Israel/USA, 17 min)
Writer/Director: Karen Hantman

In 1991 Israel, a 12-year-old observes the tension rising at home as the threat of an Iraqi chemical attack on central Israel becomes more realistic, but she has a mission of her own: the pursuit for her first taste of alcohol.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 3: You Can't Choose Your Family

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

5:00pm

Moonwalk With Me

(USA, 12 min)
Writer/Director: So Young Shelly Yo

Juno, a Korean American girl, struggles to keep her drifting father grounded.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 3: You Can't Choose Your Family

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Student Short

5:00pm

Sunday Story

(Indonesia, 8 min)
Writer/Director: Adi Marsono

A struggling housewife seeks help from her lazy, sleeping husband to take their kids to school. What she hasn't yet realized is that it is Sunday.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 3: You Can't Choose Your Family

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

5:00pm

The Mission

Trailer

(USA, 14 min)
Writer/Director: Tom Haines

Sunny is a 'hidden-homeless' girl who's determined to nail her trumpet solo in the upcoming school recital, but preparations are thwarted by her family’s situation.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 3: You Can't Choose Your Family

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

5:00pm

Tiny Warriors

(USA, 12 min)
Writer/Director: Jono Chanin
After a traumatic incident playing backyard soccer, two brothers struggle to understand each other. Eight-year-old Jack relives the incident through night terrors, which ten-year-old Ross misinterprets as Jack wanting to kill him.
Playing as part of Shorts Program 3: You Can't Choose Your Family

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Student Short

5:00pm

The Money Stone

Trailer

(Ghana, 94 min)
Director: Stuart Harmon

The Money Stone is the coming-of-age story of two boys fighting for their dreams among the deadly gold mines of Ghana. As a modern-day gold rush draws both international corporations and local prospectors eager to strike it rich, struggling families must decide whether to put their faith in school or take a gamble in the dangerous pits. Through the dramatic stories of Justice and Maxwell, The Money Stone takes an intimate look at the stark choices some kids face in hopes of finding a better future.

Sponsors

Ten Thousand Villages

the Blanton Museum of Art

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 6:34pm
Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Documentary Feature

5:00pm

Shorts Program 3: You Can't Choose Your Family

(TRT: 97 min)

Masks On
(Israel/USA, 17 min)
Writer/Director: Karen Hantman
In 1991 Israel, a 12-year-old observes the tension rising at home as the threat of an Iraqi chemical attack on central Israel becomes more realistic, but she has a mission of her own: the pursuit for her first taste of alcohol.

Light My Fire
(USA, 9 min)
Writer/Director: Bobb Barito
A vengeful father hunts down his daughter's boyfriend on the Fourth of July.

Sunday Story
(Indonesia, 8 min)
Writer/Director: Adi Marsono
A struggling housewife seeks help from her lazy, sleeping husband to take their kids to school. What she hasn't yet realized is that it is Sunday.

a Girl
(USA, 7 min)
Writer/Director: C. Craig Patterson
When a father returns home to find his sons solemnly locked in their room, someone has to explain exactly what's going on.

Moonwalk with Me
(USA, 12 min)
Writer/Director: So Young Shelly Yo
Juno, a Korean American girl, struggles to keep her drifting father grounded.

The Mission
(USA, 14 min)
Writer/Director: Tom Haines
Sunny is a 'hidden-homeless' girl who's determined to nail her trumpet solo in the upcoming school recital, but preparations are thwarted by her family’s situation.

Tiny Warriors
(USA, 12 min)
Writer/Director: Jono Chanin
After a traumatic incident playing backyard soccer, two brothers struggle to understand each other. Eight-year-old Jack relives the incident through night terrors, which ten-year-old Ross misinterprets as Jack wanting to kill him.

Candid
(USA, 18 min)
Writer/Director: Gabrielle Shepard
A young aspiring street photographer takes a surreal journey through the city as she reconciles her future and relationship with her father.

Friday October 26, 2018 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

6:30pm

The Amaranth

(USA, 80 min)
Writer: Eileen Shields
Director: Albert Chi
Cast: Jeffrey DeMunn, Melora Walters, Christopher Denham

After suffering a debilitating stroke, wealthy industrialist, Richard Kendrick, and his younger wife, Lily, relocate to the lavish and luxurious Amaranth, where the privileged and powerful go to live out their twilight years. While a rejuvenated Richard thrives in this cult-like atmosphere, Lily becomes disturbed by the transformation she observes in her husband and in herself, prompting her to delve deeper into the dark underbelly of this beautiful Shangri La.

Friday October 26, 2018 6:30pm - 7:50pm
Bethell Hall-St. David's Episcopal Church 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Dark Matters

6:30pm

Love Goes Through Your Mind

(USA, 86 min)
Writers: Shruti Swaminathan, Ronak Shah
Director: Ronak Shah
Cast: Ariela Barer, Azim Rizk
An Indian-American family must grapple with a new reality when their high-achieving son drops out of college and returns home a different person than when he left. His parents are unable to accept or admit that their son is now struggling with mental illness, and with his condition worsening, his younger sister, still in high school and reckoning with her own future, takes it upon herself to rescue him.

Sponsors

#bbatx

Cinema Touching Disability Film Festival

Indie Meme

St Edwards Rhetoric and Writing

YWCA

Friday October 26, 2018 6:30pm - 7:56pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village 2700 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Film, Narrative Feature

7:00pm

Friends from College

(USA, 30 min)
Creators: Francesca Delbanco & Nicholas Stoller
Cast: Keegan-Michael Key (Ethan), Cobie Smulders (Lisa), Annie Parisse (Sam), Nat Faxon (Nick), Fred Savage (Max), and Jae Suh Park (Marianne), guest star Billy Eichner (Felix), guest star Sarah Chalke (Merrill)

Season 2 of Friends From College follows six Harvard alums in their 40s living in New York City and the complicated relationships they have with each other. It’s been a year since Ethan & Sam’s affair was exposed to the 4 other friends – including Lisa, Ethan’s wife – and the friend group is still fractured. No one has heard from Lisa, Ethan has been living a repentant year of writing a YA novel, and Sam has been trying to repair her marriage with her husband Jon. But with Max's wedding coming up, the friends won't be able to avoid each other much longer. Between the engagement party, bachelor party, and wedding, the six will have to overcome the destruction in their past and figure out how to function as a friend group again. Will they be able to move forward or will they regress back to their old destructive patterns once again?

FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Please note large bags will not be allowed into the Paramount or State Theatres. For more information about the bag policy please view link below for details:
http://www.austintheatre.org/events-tickets/box-office/

Panelists

Francesca Delbanco

co-creator Friends From College

Nicholas Stoller

co-creator Friends From College; director Forgetting Sarah Marshall, Neighbors

Friday October 26, 2018 7:00pm - 7:30pm
State Theatre 719 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, TV Programming

7:00pm

The Interpreters

Trailer

(USA, 81 min)
Directors: Andres Caballero, Sofian Khan

Americans would not have been able to accomplish anything in Iraq and Afghanistan without interpreters. Now many of them face danger in their countries because of their affiliation. The Interpreters follows the stories of Iraqi and Afghan interpreters who worked with US forces. One such interpreter, a chain-smoking Iraqi codenamed “Phillip Morris,” was able to make it to the U.S. with the help of an American soldier he befriended during his deployment, but must now find a way to reunite with his family and deliver them from danger. The film also follows an Afghan called Malik, who is still working as an active interpreter at the U.S. base in Kabul despite threats to his life, and another Afghan named Mujtaba, who resorted to flee with his family to Europe as refugees.

Friday October 26, 2018 7:00pm - 8:21pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Documentary Feature

7:15pm

Delia & Sammy

Trailer

(Philippines, 90 min)
Writer/ Director: Therese Cayaba
Cast: Rosemarie Gil, Jamie Fabregas, Nico Antonio

Faded movie star Delia and her husband Sammy have not been good people in the past. Without children of their own, the couple relies on manipulating neighbors into doing what they want. When she finds out she’s dying, Delia must make plans for Sammy, who, though once strong and sharp, is now old, frail, and suffering from diabetes, gout, and Alzheimer's. With the unwitting help of a young, friendly security guard, Delia and Sammy will travel the road one last time and force themselves into the lives of the people they’ve hurt.

Sponsors

aaaff

Ten Thousand Villages

Friday October 26, 2018 7:15pm - 8:45pm
Galaxy Highland screen 8 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Narrative Feature

7:30pm

Also Starring Austin

(USA, 91 min)
Writer: Mike Blizzard, Laura Colwell, Lara Morgan
Director: Mike Blizzard

From Tobe Hooper's first film Eggshells, to classic films from Richard Linklater and Robert Rodriguez, to underground rarities and star-driven Hollywood fare, locally shot films provide a rare ongoing time capsule of one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. These films document not only changes in Austin's landscape, but also its unique, enduring culture. Also Starring Austin weaves together scenes from nearly 50 years of locally shot films with commentary from some of Austin's well-known producers, directors and industry leaders to examine a community's history through the cinema lens.

Sponsors

Texas Archive of the Moving Image

Texas Film Commission

Friday October 26, 2018 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Texas Independent

7:30pm

Undercliffe

(United Kingdom,100 min)
Writer: Bruce McLeod
Director: Lisa Mulcahy

A young man, Stevie, wakes up on a wasteland, still bleeding from a brutal attack that has left him with severe memory loss. Recent events are a total blank; his more distant memories are a blur. He slowly begins to piece together his identity: his name, his home, his family. At first it appears he returns to his former self but through a series of painful flashbacks and encounters, he comes to learn of the dark and disturbing events that led to his beating. Ashamed to learn of the person he has become – and the dangerous world he became mixed up in – Stevie realizes he will have to pay. But at what price?

Check out this filmmaker's On Story interview

Friday October 26, 2018 7:30pm - 9:10pm
Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Narrative Feature

8:30pm

The Long Dumb Road

(USA, 90 min)

Writers: Hannah Fidell*, Carson Mell
Director: Hannah Fidell*
Starring: Tony Revolori, Jason Mantzoukas*, Taissa Farmiga, Ron Livingston

When college-bound teenager Nat (Tony Revolori) offers itinerant 30-something mechanic Richard (Jason Mantzoukas) a ride during a stop-over in small-town Texas, neither one realizes the indelible impact each traveler will have on his respective journey. Nat, an aspiring photographer, is heading towards a bright future in art school in Los Angeles and wants to find the real America en route to new beginnings out West; Richard, a lovably unkempt motormouth, is simply looking for connection in the moment — and maybe a beer or ten — while he grapples with indecision, past mistakes and dead-ends. As they travel through the American Southwest, taking in picturesque towns and crossing paths with an assortment of old flames, fellow travelers, kooky cons, and Good Samaritans, both passengers come alive through the myriad possibilities of the open road. Finding connection, comfort and chaos in their shared journey, this improbable and unforgettable screen duo forges an epic bond few will forget.

*In attendance

Please note large bags will not be allowed into the Paramount or State Theatres. For more information about the bag policy please view link below for details:
http://www.austintheatre.org/events-tickets/box-office/

Friday October 26, 2018 8:30pm - 10:00pm
Paramount Theatre 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Marquee Feature

9:00pm

Everybody Knows

Trailer

(SPAIN, 132 min)
Writer/Director: Asghar Farhadi
Cast: Javier Bardem, Penelope Cruz, Ricardo Darin

Laura, a Spanish woman living in Buenos Aires, returns to her hometown outside Madrid with her two children to attend her sister's wedding. However, the trip is upset by unexpected events that bring secrets into the open.

Please note large bags will not be allowed into the Paramount or State Theatres. For more information about the bag policy please view link below for details:
http://www.austintheatre.org/events-tickets/box-office/

Friday October 26, 2018 9:00pm - 11:12pm
State Theatre 719 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Marquee Feature

9:15pm

Speed presented by Graham Yost

(USA, 116 min)
Writer: Graham Yost in attendance
Director: Jan de Bont
Cast: Keanu Reeves, Dennis Hopper, Sandra Bullock
Los Angeles police officer Jack (Keanu Reeves) angers retired bomb squad member Howard Payne (Dennis Hopper) by foiling his attempt at taking hostages. In revenge, Payne arms a bus with a bomb that will explode if it drops below 50 miles per hour. With the help of spunky passenger Annie (Sandra Bullock), Jack and his partner Harry (Jeff Daniels) try to save the people on the bus before the bomb goes off, while also trying to figure out how Payne is monitoring them.

Friday October 26, 2018 9:15pm - 9:45pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village 2700 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Film, Retrospective Screening

9:15pm

The Dark Red

(USA, 98 min)
Writers: Dan Bush, Conal Byrne
Director: Dan Bush
Cast: April Billingsley, Kelsey Scott, Conal Byrne, Rhoda Griffis

When a young woman named Sybil is committed to a psychiatric hospital claiming that her newborn has been stolen by a secret society called “The Dark Red” in order to harvest the baby’s supernatural blood, her doctor must determine if she is dangerous or not before she can be released. Is the Dark Red entirely a figment of Sybil’s imagination—a complex coping mechanism to overcome a terrible personal tragedy—or is there some truth behind her story?

Sponsors

Austin Horror Society

Friday October 26, 2018 9:15pm - 10:53pm
Bethell Hall-St. David's Episcopal Church 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Dark Matters

9:30pm

El Chicano

Trailer

(USA, 107 min)
Writers: Ben Hernandez Bray, Joe Carnahan
Director: Ben Hernandez Bray
Cast: Emilio Rivera, Aimee Garcia, George Lopez, Raul Castillo

Growing up in East LA, twin brothers Diego and Pedro always knew they had each other, from goofing off on bikes to spying in on parties. As adults, Diego became a police officer looking out for the streets he used to play on, while Pedro turned to a life of crime. When clues start connecting Pedro’s death to a case Diego is working on, the mysterious vigilante figure of their youth—“El Chicano”—returns, drawing Diego in deeper than he ever expected.

Friday October 26, 2018 9:30pm - 11:17pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Marquee Feature

10:00pm

The Bernie Mac Show presented by Larry Wilmore

(USA, 60 min)
Created by: Larry Wilmore
Cast: Bernie Mac, Kellita Smith, Jeremy Suarez, Dee Dee Davis

Larry Wilmore will present two episodes from his hit series The Bernie Mac Show.
Bernie and his wife, Wanda, reluctantly step into the role of parents when his sister drops off her three kids -- naive Bryanna, nerdy Jordan and teenager Vanessa -- en route to rehab. His views on child rearing are hardly politically correct, but Bernie tries his best.

Panelists

Larry Wilmore

2018 Outstanding Television Writer Award Recipient

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 10:30pm
Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, TV Programming

10:00pm

SCRIPTNOTES, Live!

Grab a drink from the bar and join veteran screenwriters John August and Craig Mazin for a special late-night recording of their incredibly informative screenwriting podcast Scriptnotes. August, Mazin, and special guests will discuss craft and career, complete with audience questions, and other surprises.

Panelists

John August

co-host Scriptnotes; writer Frankenweenie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Big Fish, Charlie's Angels, Go

Craig Mazin

co-host Scriptnotes; writer Chernobyl, Identity Thief, The Hangover Parts II & III

Writer and producer Craig Mazin has made a name for himself as a screenwriter with a knack for appealing to broad audiences over the course of his twenty-year career. His hit films include The Hangover Part II and Part III and Identity Thief.Currently, Mazin is writing a whodunit-with-a-twist... Read More →

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

10:00pm

Shorts Program 4: Ways of the Heart

(TRT: 98 min)

Like
(USA, 15 min)
Writer/Director: Brian Luco Peña
Fashion model Juliana uses social media to feel a sense of emotional validation. Her obsession, however, is challenged when she connects with a fellow model.

Judas Collar
(Australia, 15 min)
Writer/Director: Alison James
After being captured in the Australian outback, a camel is fitted with a tracking device known as a Judas Collar.

Crush Hour
(UK, 7 min)
Writer/Director: Natalie Malla
Melissa and Eric might just be soul mates, but will they talk to each other, or will they leave that crowded subway car never knowing what might have been?

Seattle
(Spain, 19 min)
Writer/Director: Marta Aledo
Over the course of many trips around the world and many shared hotel rooms, a pilot and a stewardess fall in love.

Spring, Orchid
(China, 20 min)
Writer/Director: Hengqing Pan
First Generation Chinese immigrant Hui Lan refuses to accept her husband's dementia and battles to win his love back.

Losing It
(Australia, 7 min)
Writer/Director: Nikki Richardson
Hanging out after school one day, a teenage girl decides to let her best friend in on a secret.

Background
(Spain, 15 min)
Writer/Director: Toni Bestard
Mild-mannered Ruben is attracted by the unusual beauty of Alba, an enigmatic woman.

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

10:00pm

Background

Trailer

(Spain, 15 min)
Writer/Director: Toni Bestard

Mild-mannered Ruben is attracted by the unusual beauty of Alba, an enigmatic woman.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 4: Ways of the Heart

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

10:00pm

Crush Hour

Trailer

(UK, 7 min)
Writer/Director: Natalie Malla

Melissa and Eric might just be soul mates, but will they talk to each other, or will they leave that crowded subway car never knowing what might have been?

Playing as part of Shorts Program 4: Ways of the Heart

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

10:00pm

Judas Collar

(Australia, 15 min)
Writer/Director: Alison James

After being captured in the Australian outback, a camel is fitted with a tracking device known as a Judas Collar.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 4: Ways of the Heart

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

10:00pm

(USA, 15 min)
Writer/Director: Brian Luco Peña

Fashion model Juliana uses social media to feel a sense of emotional validation. Her obsession, however, is challenged when she connects with a fellow model.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 4: Ways of the Heart

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

10:00pm

Losing It

(Australia, 7 min)
Writer/Director: Nikki Richardson

Hanging out after school one day, a teenage girl decides to let her best friend in on a secret.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 4: Ways of the Heart

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

10:00pm

Seattle

(Spain, 19 min)
Writer/Director: Marta Aledo

Over the course of many trips around the world and many shared hotel rooms, a pilot and a stewardess fall in love.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 4: Ways of the Heart

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Short

10:00pm

Spring, Orchid

Trailer

(China, 20 min)
Writer/Director: Hengqing Pan

First Generation Chinese immigrant Hui Lan refuses to accept her husband's dementia and battles to win his love back.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 4: Ways of the Heart

Friday October 26, 2018 10:00pm - 11:30pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Narrative Student Short

11:00pm

Filmmakers Happy Hour

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 beer on us or martini!

Must have an AFF Producers Badge for entry. All parties are 21 and up.

Sponsors

Kettle One Vodka

Stella Artois

Friday October 26, 2018 11:00pm - Saturday October 27, 2018 1:00am
The Market and Tap Room 319 Colorado Street

Party, Party

9:00am

25 Years Later

It's Austin Film Festival's 25th Anniversary, and we're excited to welcome back guests who were in attendance our inaugural year. Industry veterans will describe changes in the business, lessons they've learned, and how their careers have evolved over the last two-and-a-half decades. Join this celebration of writers and stories 25 years in the making.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

William Broyles

co-creator Six; writer Cast Away, Apollo 13, The Polar Express, Unfaithful, Jarhead, China Beach

Bill Broyles grew up in Baytown, Texas, attended Rice University and Oxford University, worked in the civil rights movement, and finished out the Sixties as a Marine infantry lieutenant in Vietnam. As a journalist he was the founding editor of Texas Monthly and editor-in-chief of... Read More →

James V. Hart

writer Hook, Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Contact, Tuck Everlasting, Muppet Treasure Island, August Rush, Epic, Crossbones; Creator, HartChart

Ed Solomon

writer HBO’s Mosaic, Men in Black; co-writer Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure, Bill and Ted’s Bogus Journey, Now You See Me, It's Garry Shandling's Show.

Linda Woolverton

writer Beauty and The Beast (animated feature), The Lion King (animated feature), Alice in Wonderland (Tim Burton feature), Maleficent

Linda began her career by writing scripts for Saturday morning animated television shows. This eventually led her to writing her first animated feature, Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Upon its release in 1991, the film won the Golden Globe for the Best Comedy/Musical and became... Read More →

Sponsors

On Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

9:00am

Deconstructing Psycho

It is the slasher movie of all time. The mother of all psychological thrillers,and one that revolutionized the horror genre. Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho pulled back the (shower)curtain to the ways rules can be broken and reformed in the world of cinema: protagonists can die mid-way through; monsters can be men; and tensions can cut deeper than kitchen knives. Join this deconstruction of Hitchcock's game-changing masterpiece, and learn how to extract its many lessons of strain, pacing, and unease to fold into your own writing. We promise this panel will leave you with "bated” breath to return to your script.

Moderators

Greg Garrett

moderator; author; Professor, Baylor University

Panelists

Max Borenstein

creator The Terror (Season 2), Untitled Game of Thrones Spinoff, Minority Report (television series); writer Godzilla (2014), Kong: Skull Island, Godzilla 2

Scott Myers

writer K-9, Alaska, Trojan War; Assistant Professor, DePaul University School of Cinematic Arts

Sponsors

On Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

9:00am

Indie Film Track: Finding the Time

The pursuit of creativity isn’t always easy, especially if you need to juggle a full time job “on the side”. Join panelists as they discuss essential time-management skills necessary to balance working in the real world with one’s creative endeavors, along with the benefits of entertaining the creative mind while keeping up a nine-to-five.

Moderators

Ashland Viscosi

moderator; Founder, Creatives Meet Business

Panelists

Zack Bernbaum

director/producer The Dancing Dogs of Dombrova

Zack Bernbaum is a Toronto based director + producer, and founded Ezeqial Productions to tell engaging, thoughtful, intelligent, offbeat and imaginative stories.His past films, And Now A Word From Our Sponsor – starring Bruce Greenwood and Parker Posey, and Cold Deck – starring... Read More →

Leon Chambers

director/producer Above the Clouds

Leon’s short films, including Stolen Youth, The Long Lonely Walk and Office Romance 2.0, have played at film festivals all over the world and won a number of awards. His last short film Lonely Hearts (written by Simon Lord) won Best Short Film at the Chicago United Film Festival... Read More →

Nathan Deming

writer/director Speaking in Tongues

Nathan Deming is a writer/director from Wisconsin. He studied filmmaking at the London Film School where he made several shorts (Dog Days, Tongues) that were featured in the London Short Film Festival, the Edinburgh Film Festival, and Premiers Plans d'Angers. He co-wrote and directed... Read More →

Ronak Shah

writer/director Love Goes Through Your Mind, Fountain of Youth, ABC Gangstas

Ronak moved between Mumbai, India, and New Jersey, USA, until she was fourteen years old. Because of this, she considers herself as much of an immigrant as American. While pursuing an art degree at Parsons School of Design, Ronak unexpectedly discovered her love for storytelling... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Assembly Room

Conference, Panel

9:00am

Morning Improv

Back by popular demand, we're offering morning improv workshops during the Conference to help you “rise and shine” throughout the day. Learn techniques that you can utilize at the Conference to pitch your script or approach your screenwriting idol with confidence.

This workshop is presented by ColdTowne Theater.

Panelists

Dave Buckman

The Second City, Boom Chicago, American Crime, Machete

Rachel Madorsky

Second City Theatricals, Ultimate Guide To Flight, The Bank Manager, Find Love at Whole Foods, My 600LB Life

Sponsors

Coldtowne Theater

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony

Conference, Workshop

9:00am

Running the Show

Overseeing a show requires a lot of responsibility, but the time and energy that goes into creating one can be extremely rewarding. As a show travels from idea to production to polished product, showrunners wear many different hats throughout the process. Experienced showrunners will discuss their roles and responsibilities, how they participate in the writers’ room and on set, and their day-to-day duties ranging from pre-production through post.

Moderators

Alisa Perren

moderator

Alisa Perren is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radio-TV-Film at The University of Texas at Austin. She is co-editor of Media Industries: History, Theory, and Method (2009), author of Indie, Inc.: Miramax and the Transformation of Hollywood in the 1990s (2012), and... Read More →

Panelists

Donald Todd

executive producer/showrunner This Is Us, For The People, Mind Games; creator Samantha Who?

Sponsors

On Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
Central Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

9:00am

Sleeping With Your Writing Partner

Marriage is hard. Writing is hard. Writing with your spouse? Easy as pie. Join a panel of writers who tied the knot. They'll discuss the ups and downs, creative differences, and the different dynamic between married writing partners. For any writers struggling with a partner, this panel is sure to show the sunny side of collaboration.

Moderators

Fred Strype

moderator; AFF Screenwriting Award-Winner; Filmmaking, Screenwriting & Moving Image Arts Program Chair, Sarah Lawrence College

Panelists

Rick Jaffa

writer/producer The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, Rise of the Planet of the Apes, Dawn of the Planet of the Apes; producer War for the Planet of the Apes; writer Jurassic World, Mulan (production), Avatar 2 &3 (production)

RICK JAFFA has collaborated with his wife and partner, Amanda Silver, for more than 25 years. They most recently co-wrote the worldwide blockbuster Jurassic World, which has grossed more than $1.6 billion worldwide, making it the fourth-highest-grossing film of all time.In 2011, the... Read More →

Amanda Silver

AMANDA SILVER has teamed with her husband, Rick Jaffa, on a number of successful film projects. They co-wrote 2015’s global blockbuster Jurassic World, which is the third-highest-grossing film in history, with more than $1.6 billion at the worldwide box office.In 2011, the duo wrote... Read More →

Cormac Wibberley

writer National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys 2

Marianne Wibberley

writer National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys 2

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Bethell Hall

Conference, Panel

9:00am

Writing A Script That Will Stick

Hear from veteran Hollywood insiders regarding what they look for in a screenplay. Panelists will discuss trends in the industry, how to take your project to the next level, and the edge your script needs to capture their interest.

Moderators

Courtenay Hameister

moderator; host/head writer PRI's Live Wire Radio 2003-2015; co-writer of The Benefits of Gusbandry (web series)

Panelists

Lindy Goldstein

producer The Nutcracker and The Four Realms

Conrad Sun

TV Literary Manager, Meridian Artists

Sponsors

Simplecast

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room presented by Roadmap Writers

Conference, Panel

9:00am

Writing for Animation

There’s never been a better time to create and produce animated content! Studios are eager to release more animated films each year because of their consistent box office success, and digital platforms like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu are hungry to develop more animated series not only in the kids/family space, but also with more adult-centric half-hours. Still, how you develop, set up, and produce animated properties is different than live-action content. This panel will speak to executives, producers, writers, and directors who work in this space while delving into the story, visual development, and business processes involved in writing for animation.

Moderators

Carrye Glazar

Head of Original Content/Producer/Partner, Mighty Coconut

Panelists

Tripper Clancy

writer Stuber, Four Facing the Bank

Jenny Marchick

Senior Vice President of Creative, Sony Pictures Animation

As Senior Vice President of Creative for Sony Pictures Animation, Jenny Marchick oversees a number of features for the studio from inception to script through production, including the inspirational The Star, directed by Academy Award® nominee Timothy Reckart, and the recent international... Read More →

Lucas Martell

writer/director Pigeon: Impossible, The OceanMaker

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Historic Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

9:00am

The Business of Audio Storytelling

Top producers in the world of audio fiction will discuss what they look for in an emerging writer, what types of stories are in demand, and what has (and has not) worked in the past. For all the current and future audio fiction scribes, this panel will give you the inside scoop on what audio networks and companies are looking for in the next hit.

Moderators

Gabbi Lindgren

moderator, Director of AFF Fiction Podcast Script Competition

Panelists

Chris Bannon

Chief Content Officer, Stitcher/Earwolf

CHRIS BANNON has been Chief Content Officer for Stitcher and Midroll since 2015. Chris has launched the popular Stitcher premium content service that now includes more than 15,000 hours of programming, and has led development of many new Stitcher and Earwolf podcasts, including Katie... Read More →

Christy Gressman

Partner/Executive Producer, Night Vale Presents; producer The Orbiting Human Circus; executive producer Adventures in New America, Dreamboy, It Makes A Sound

Christy Gressman is a partner and the executive producer in the Night Vale Presents podcast network, alongside network co-founders Joseph Fink and Jeffrey Cranor, co-creators of the genre-defining fiction podcast Welcome to Night Vale. Her work focuses on curating, managing, and... Read More →

Aaron Hilliard

writer HBO's Life and Times of Tim, Amazon's BETAS, Producer of Scripted Fiction Audio Series, Audible, Inc.

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Crystal Room presented by Simplecast

Conference, Panel | Podcast Track presented by Simplecast, Panel

Tracks Podcast Track

9:00am

Podcast Track: Jacquelyn Landgraf Workshop

Join Jacquelyn Landgraf, creator, writer, and star of It Makes A Sound, a serial fiction podcast on the Night Vale Presents network, for an intimate and interactive workshop, where she will dissect her own process for audio writing. How can thinking theatrically help make elements of your audio story more vivid? She will talk about bringing an ensemble to life, specifying atmosphere and mood, and integrating sets and props into a podcast world.

This workshop is open to Podcast Second Rounders and Above.

The Podcast Track is presented by Simplecast.

Panelists

Jacquelyn Landgraf

creator/writer/co-director/star It Makes A Sound on Night Vale Presents/PRX

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club

Conference, Workshop | Podcast Track presented by Simplecast, Workshop | Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Workshop

Tracks Podcast Track

9:00am

Austin Pitch #7

It's the 16th Annual Austin Film Festival Pitch Competition! This unique event allows contestants 90 seconds to pitch their best ideas to a panel of judges made of up agents, 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.

All Pitch Sessions require an advance sign-up and are held at St. David's Episcopal Church in the Vestry Conference Room, located at 301 E 8th Street.

Panelists

Jill Chamberlain

author The Nutshell Technique: Crack the Secret of Successful Screenwriting

Bill True

writer Runaway

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Vestry Conference Room

Pitch, Pitch Competition

9:00am

* Roundtable: AFF Filmmakers

THIS SESSION IS ONLY AVAILBLE TO 2018 SELECTED AFF FILMMAKERS.

Panelists

Clint Bentley

Kat Candler

writer/director/producer Hellion, Queen Sugar; director 13 Reasons Why, 12 Monkeys

Sandrine Cassidy

Senior Director Talent Development, Festivals & Distribution – USC School of Cinematic Arts

AJ Feuerman

Publicist/Social Media Strategist, @ajfeuerman Communications

Sean Flanagan

Head of Distribution and Aggregation, Visual Data Media Services; writer/producer

Alana Hauser

Manager, Catalyst & Women at Sundance

Greg Kwedar

co-Writer/director Transpecos

Angela C. Lee

Artist Development Manager, Film Independent

Ashley Miller

writer Thor, X-MEN: First Class, Big Trouble in Little China; writer/producer Fringe, Black Sails, Film Juror-Narrative Feature

Garineh Nazarian

Festival/Non-Theatrical Coordinator, FilmRise

Bryce Norbitz

Manager, Artist Programs at Tribeca Film Institute

Tony Piantedosi

Gravitas Ventures, Film Juror-Comedy Vanguard

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Crail Hall

Roundtable, Roundtable

9:00am

Second Rounders Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film and Television

Panelists

Asmara Bhattacharya

creator Middle of Snowhere webseries; writer Stone; script reader

Asmara Bhattacharya is a filmmaker, playwright, script reader for production companies and competitions, and screener for film festivals. She has a dozen shorts to her name as everything from director to producer to camera operator. An avid skier, she created the outdoor adventure... Read More →

Kelly Jo Brick

writer Pause, The Jewel in the Woods; contributing writer for Final Draft

Andrea Ciannavei

writer Mayans MC, The Path, American Odyssey, Copper, Borgia

Rick Dugdale

President, Enderby Entertainment; producer Intrigo Anthology, An Ordinary Man, Blackway

Julia Glausi

Junior Development & Production Executive, Endgame Entertainment; producer Fail State; junior executive The Old Man & The Gun, Last Chance U, Come Sunday, The Discovery, Film Juror-Student Short

Julia Glausi is a junior development and production executive at Endgame Entertainment (The Old Man & The Gun, Come Sunday, Last Chance U,) and most recently produced the political feature documentary, Fail State, alongside news legend, Dan Rather. Fail State premiered at Austin Film... Read More →

Daniela Gonzalez

Literary Manager, Circle of Confusion

Daniela Gonzalez is a literary manager at Circle of Confusion, a feature film & television production and management company with offices in New York and Los Angeles. Daniela identifies as a TCI – a third culture individual: Venezuelan-born, with a childhood in South East Asia... Read More →

Jen Gunnels

Editor, Tor Books; co-founder Tor Labs

Kevin Hamedani

co-writer/director ZMD: Zombies of Mass Destruction, Junk, In Her Place, The Saviors, Film Juror-Student Short

David Iserson

writer/producer The Spy Who Dumped Me, Mad Men, New Girl, Mr. Robot

Troy Anthony Miller

Two-time AFF Screenplay award winner (The Hitch, The Olympian); AFF/MovieMaker Magazine Top 25 Screenwriters to Watch; writer T-Minus Epsilon

Donald Petrie

Ross Saxon

Head of Development, Braven Films, executive on production Magic Magic

Ray Utarnachitt

writer DC's Legends of Tomorrow, The Tomorrow People, Person of Interest

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
St. David's Episcopal Church, Sumners Hall

Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Roundtable

9:00am

Semifinalists and Above Panel: AMA: Agents, Managers, and Answers

Agents and managers will share their advice on how to start the process of finding representation, what agencies are looking for in a new writer, some of the most common problems they’ve encountered, and what a writer should expect from the relationship. Join this “Ask Me Anything” styled discussion for an inside look at the blood and guts of the business, and come prepared with questions on what you can do to best position yourself to transition from an aspiring writer to a working writer.
This panel is open to Semifinalists and above only.

Moderators

Matt Dy

Director of Script Competitions, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Adam Kolbrenner

producer Prisoners, Deadfall; Literary Manager, Madhouse Entertainment

Jewerl Ross

Manager, Silent R Management

Amanda Jo Smith

Feature Literary Coordinator, The Gersh Agency

As both a Los Angeles native and cinephile, Amanda Jo is thrilled to be working as the feature literary coordinator at The Gersh Agency. She began her career at Gersh in 2015 working for literary/below-the line agent and co-president of the agency, David Gersh. Amanda graduated... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 9:00am - 10:15am
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room

Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Panel

10:30am

The Psychology of Storytelling

Back by popular demand, producer Lindsay Doran will explore what the field of Positive Psychology has to teach us about the secrets of creating a satisfying script.

THIS IS AN EXTENDED PANEL WITH AN EARLY START TIME OF 10:30AM.

Panelists

Lindsay Doran

producer Stranger Than Fiction, Sense and Sensibility, Nanny McPhee, Dead Again; executive producer The Firm, Sabrina; former President/COO,United Artists

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:30am - 12:00pm
Central Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

10:30am

Vote for Me/Molly & Ann

Special Documentary Presentation by Paul Stekler
Short Film: Molly & Ann
(USA, 20 min)
Writer: Paul Stekler
This is a short film about Governor Ann Richards and best-selling author and political columnist Molly Ivins—two Texas icons, unabashed progressives, and women who made their mark in a political world dominated by men. It’s made with personal footage from a filmmaker who knew them both.

Vote for Me: Politics in America
(USA, 40 min)
Directors: Louis Alvarez, Andy Kolker, and Paul Stekler
This is a revisit to a film that was described as "a landslide of an election special" by the LA Times; "pure Americana, merry and marvelous and authentic" by USA Today; and "a masterpiece… which it makes you laugh, makes you enraged and—most remarkable of all—makes you care about politics" by the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Winner of an Emmy, a Peabody, and the du-Pont Columbia Journalism Award.

Sponsors

Common Cause - Texas

Texas Observer

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:30am - 12:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Retrospective Screening

10:45am

A Conversation with the 2018 Awardees

Join this highly-anticipated conversation with the 2018 Awardees, Roger Corman, Tony Gilroy, and Larry Wilmore as they discuss their careers and approaches to the art, craft, and business of storytelling through film and television.

*Sign Language Interpretation provided by Communication by Hand

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Roger Corman

2018 Extraordinary Contribution to Film Award Recipient

Tony Gilroy

2018 Distinguished Screenwriter Award Recipient

Tony Gilroy made his feature film directorial debut with Michael Clayton, which earned seven Oscar® nominations, including one for Best Picture. The film garnered him Academy Award® nominations for Best Director and Best Original Screenplay, as well as Directors Guild and Writers... Read More →

Larry Wilmore

2018 Outstanding Television Writer Award Recipient

Sponsors

On Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

10:45am

Breaking into Hollywood

Whether it’s in features or television, there is no set path for navigating a successful career in Hollywood. Hear from film and television writers about how they broke in and, perhaps more importantly, stayed in. Panelists will also share what producers these days are looking for in writing samples and résumés when staffing a room in TV—a quickly expanding landscape that has become a new frontier for “entry-level” writers.

Moderators

Trey Selman

moderator

Panelists

Adam Kolbrenner

producer Prisoners, Deadfall; Literary Manager, Madhouse Entertainment

Jeff Lowell

writer/producer John Tucker Must Die, Sports Night, Two & A Half Men, The Ranch, Cybill, Just Shoot Me

Jeff Lowell has written, produced and directed features and television for more than twenty years. In TV, he's worked on such shows as Two and a Half Men, Sports Night, Just Shoot Me, Spin City, Cybill, Drew Carey, The George Carlin Show, Manhattan Love Story and The Ranch. On the... Read More →

Cormac Wibberley

writer National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys 2

Marianne Wibberley

writer National Treasure, National Treasure: Book of Secrets, Bad Boys 2

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room

Conference, Panel

10:45am

Inside the Writers' Room: Lost in Space

Join Lost In Space creators Matt Sazama and Burk Sharpless as they breakdown the process of writing a sci-fi show, showrunning a Netflix series, and how they balance staying true to the original series while bringing fresh and engaging concepts to their adaptation.

Moderators

Harrison Glaser

moderator; AFF Film Competition Director

Panelists

Matt Sazama

creator/executive producer/writer Lost in Space; writer Power Rangers (2017), Gods of Egypt (2016), The Last Witch Hunter (2015), Dracula Untold (2014)

Burk Sharpless

creator/executive producer/writer Lost in Space; writer Power Rangers (2017), Gods of Egypt (2016), The Last Witch Hunter (2015), Dracula Untold (2014)

Sponsors

On Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Bethell Hall

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

10:45am

Marketing Yourself and Your Script

Learn storytelling methods that will effectively help you sell your ideas and yourself in meetings, whether it’s over coffee, by email, or on social media.

Moderators

Aaron Tracy

writer/producer Sequestered, Law & Order SVU, The Tap; host To Live & Dialogue In LA; Faculty, Yale University

Panelists

Tom Alvarado

writer Rooster Teeth Animation, Nickelodeon TV, Walt Disney Studios

Lisa Ebersole

writer/director/producer/star 37 Problems (digital series); Co-Founder, The Writing Intensive; playwright

Bill True

writer Runaway

Sponsors

Simplecast

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony

Conference, Panel

10:45am

Playwrights in the Writers Room

Sit down for a conversation that ventures off the screen, onto the stage, and then back again. Featuring a panel of writers who have worked in theater, film, and television, this discussion will pull back the proverbial curtain on ways their experiences as playwrights have positively affected their craft as screenwriters.

Moderators

Samantha Levine

Marketing Director, Austin Film Festival, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Bridget Carpenter

creator/showrunner 11.22.63; writer/co-executive producer Friday Night Lights, Parenthood; writer/consulting producer Westworld

Television writer, film writer, producer and playwright, Carpenter created the miniseries 11.22.63 for Bad Robot and Hulu from Stephen King’s bestselling novel. 11.22.63 premiered at the Sundance Festival, was nominated for a Writers Guild Award, and won the Saturn Award for Best... Read More →

Peter Mattei

creator/showrunner Outsiders; novelist, playwright, director

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Assembly Room

Conference, Panel

Tracks Playwriting Track

10:45am

The Feature Writers' Room

In the world of television, writers’ rooms are unavoidable. But can these same environments revitalize feature film franchises? Recently, film studios have been organizing rooms of high-profile screenwriters to rethink the direction of their rich mythologies. Though these rooms have the promise to create new, diverse directions and spin-offs, they also come with many questions about who receives the film’s limited credits and how writers get paid for their ideas. Join Christina Hodson and Nicole Perlman, to hear their first-hand perspectives on the pros and cons of franchise writers’ rooms and predictions on whether this is a trend that will last.

Moderators

Erin Hallagan

Founder/Artistic Director, Story Bar; former AFF Creative Director

Panelists

Christina Hodson

writer Transformers: Bumblebee (2018); Birds of Prey (2020)

Nicole Perlman

writer Guardians of the Galaxy, Captain Marvel (2019), Detective Pikachu (2019)

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Historic Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

10:45am

Podcast Track: Creative Freedom as a Business

Writers and producers want creative freedom, podcasting offers that opportunity.

Successful podcasters will share their journey into the medium and offer advice on how to harness the power of podcasting to make a living through storytelling. Addressing the unique financial opportunity within this industry, these panelists will dive into the financial nuts bolts of starting and selling your podcast.

This panel is presented by Authentic.

The Podcast Track is presented by Simplecast.

Moderators

Tim Street

Vice President Influence and Production, Authentic

Tim is a writer, director and is the producer of two podcasts to reach number one on iTunes. He also serves as Vice President of Influence and Production at Authentic. Tim began his career producing such Nickelodeon shows as All That and What Would You Do? and has created short-form... Read More →

Panelists

Jeffrey Cranor

writer/creator Welcome to Night Vale, Within the Wires

Jeffrey Cranor is a partner in and co-founder of Night Vale Presents. He co-writes the podcasts Welcome to Night Vale and Within the Wires. He co-wrote with Joseph Fink the novels Welcome to Night Vale and It Devours! An alumnus of the performance art collective the New York Neo-Futurists... Read More →

Jason Hoch

Executive Producer/Creator, HowStuffWorks Podcasts

Jason Hoch is a digital innovator with over 20 years of senior leadership experience at both major media companies and tech start-ups. He is currently the Head of New Initiative at HowStuffWorks, where he is responsible for the next phase of podcast development of the HowStuffWorks... Read More →

Lauren Shippen

writer/creator The Bright Sessions

Sponsors

Authentic

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room presented by Roadmap Writers

Conference, Panel | Podcast Track presented by Simplecast, Panel

Tracks Podcast Track

10:45am

Austin Pitch #8

Panelists

Lindy Goldstein

producer The Nutcracker and The Four Realms

Chris Mass

writer/producer Chalk, Bobbie Sue, Free Birds

Chris Mass co-wrote, produced, and starred in his first feature Chalk, which garnered numerous festival awards including AFF's Jury and Audience Awards before going on to be nominated for an Independent Spirit Award. The feature brought Chris his first studio gig at Universal as well... Read More →

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Vestry Conference Room

Pitch, Pitch Competition

10:45am

*Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Television

*Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft and business of writing for television. How do you break in? What is the dynamic in a writers’ room and the difference between various jobs involved? How is the changing landscape of television affecting the role of a writer? This roundtable session offers registrants exclusive access to TV writers, producers, showrunners, and executives 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 television.
*This Roundtable requires advance registration at the Roundtable Sign-up Table in the Driskill Mezzanine; the Roundtable takes place at St. David’s Episcopal Church’s Crail Hall, located at 301 E 8th Street. Only one roundtable sign-up slot per registrant. Registrants must have the day-appropriate badge.

ROUNDTABLE SIGN UP HOURS:
Registrants must sign up for Roundtable Sessions in the Mezzanine of the Driskill Hotel!
Wednesday, October 24 | 12:00PM–5:00PM
Thursday, October 25 | 8:30AM–5:00PM
Friday, October 26 | 8:30AM–5:00PM
Saturday, October 27 | 8:30AM–3:00PM

Panelists

Wes Brown

writer Preacher, The Son, Fear The Walking Dead

Alison Flierl

writer BoJack Horseman, School of Rock (television series); writer/producer/performer Internet Comment Theater, TV Guide Letter Theater; producer Random Tropical Paradise

Matt Goldich

writer Late Night with Seth Meyers; co-host Sorry I’ve Been So Busy podcast; stand-up comedian

Amy Johnson

writer Tyrant, The Long Road Home, Messiah & Nightflyers

Charles Kim

writer Heroes, Ben 10; comic book writer

Jarrett Lambo

showrunner/executive producer National Geographic, Discovery, 60 Days In, Moonshiners, Released, My 600 LB Life, Live Free or Die; producer America's Got Talent, Jersey Shore

Jarrett Lambo is currently the SVP Development for Megalomedia. Prior to joining Megalomedia, Jarrett was SVP of current series at Lucky 8 where he executive produced the groundbreaking series 60 Days In, Behind Bars: Rookie Year, and Released - a documentary series commissioned... Read More →

Raamla Mohamed

writer/supervising producer Scandal

Susan O'Connor

Emre Ozprincci

writer The Protector

Yasemin Yilmaz

writer The Protector, The Exorcist; co-writer Lalo's House

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Crail Hall

Roundtable, Roundtable

10:45am

Conference Q&A Session: The Way Brothers and Brett-Patrick Jenkins

Panelists

Brett-Patrick Jenkins

Head of Development/Executive Producer, Propagate Content; Lore, Haunted, In Search Of, Up & Vanished

Chapman Way

director Wild Wild Country (2018), Battered Bastards of Baseball (2014), New Yorker Present: The Silver Thief

Chapman Way is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker from Los Angeles. His six-part Netflix documentary series, Wild Wild Country, premiered in its entirety at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. The series was recently nominated for 5 Emmys, winning for Outstanding Documentary... Read More →

Maclain Way

director Wild Wild Country, New Yorker Presents: Silver Thief, The Bastards of Baseball

Maclain Way is an Emmy Award-winning documentary filmmaker from Los Angeles. His six-part Netflix documentary series, Wild Wild Country, premiered in its entirety at the 2018 Sundance Film Festival. The series was recently nominated for 5 Emmys, winning the category for Outstanding... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club

Roundtable, Conference Q&A

10:45am

Semifinalists and Above Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film and Television

Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft, and business of screenwriting. This session offers Semifinalists from the Screenplay Competition exclusive access to writers, executives, studio reps, agents, managers, producers, and attorneys in an informal setting. Take advantage of this invaluable opportunity to ask those burning questions: What’s the best way to overcome writer’s block? Or risk a taking a new direction after established success? How do I find representation? Are studios buying spec scripts? What are emerging trends in the industry? Don’t miss your chance to ask all this and more without being charged by the hour or forgoing a percentage of your script sale.

*This roundtable is open to Semifinalists and above only.

Roundtables required advance sign-up through the Screenplay Department.

Panelists

Matthew Aldrich

co-writer Coco

Scott Beck

writer/producer A Quiet Place ; writer/director Haunt, Nightlight

Andrea Ciannavei

writer Mayans MC, The Path, American Odyssey, Copper, Borgia

Chris Coggins

manager Heroes and Villains

Chris Coggins has over a decade of experience in feature, television and digital series development and production. She began her career directly after graduation from The University of Southern California School for Cinematic Arts working as a Creative Assistant at Escape Artists/Sony... Read More →

Charmaine DeGraté

writer/producer The 100, Netflix’s Chambers (2019)

Stephany Folsom

writer Toy Story 4 (2019), Film Juror-Animated Short

Jason Fuchs

co-writer Wonder Woman, Ice Age: Continental Drift; writer I Still See You, Pan

Ryan P. Hall

Head of Development, Rooster Teeth; Executive Producer Blood Fest, Lazer Team 2

Aaron Lipsett

Manager Heroes and Villains

Marc Manus

Manager/Producer, Zero Gravity Management

Scott Moore

writer/director Bad Moms, writer The Hangover

Oren Uziel

writer/director Shimmer Lake; writer 22 Jump Street, Freaks of Nature, The Cloverfield Paradox

Herschel Weingrod

writer Trading Places, Brewster’s Millions, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Space Jam; producer Falling Down, The Final Season; director Last Wishes

Bryan Woods

writer/producer A Quiet Place ; writer/director Haunt, Nightlight

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:00pm
St. David's Episcopal Church, Sumners Hall

Screenplay/Teleplay Session, Roundtable

10:45am

Script-to-Screen: The Disaster Artist

Join Academy Award® nominated co-writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber as they dissect this strange story’s journey from true events to book to film adaptation. The writers will reference specific scenes from the film—with clips projected throughout the panel—and discuss how they were able to shift from their background in romantic comedy to craft the most bizarre and beautiful bromance of the decade.

THIS PANEL HAS AN EXTENDED TIME AND WILL END AT 12:15PM.

Moderators

Christopher Boone

moderator; writer/director Cents; contributor No Film School

Panelists

Scott Neustadter

writer The Disaster Artist, (500) Days of Summer, The Spectacular Now, The Fault In Our Stars

Michael H. Weber

writer The Disaster Artist, (500) Days of Summer, The Spectacular Now, The Fault In Our Stars

Sponsors

On Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 10:45am - 12:15pm
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

11:00am

Young Filmmakers Showcase Presented by Adolescent Content

The Phone Rang (Narrative, 4 min)
Writer/Director: Austin Segal
This one-shot film shows a therapy patient dealing with the aftermath of his friend’s suicide for which he blames himself.

Symbionic (Narrative, 3 min)
Writer/Director: Cole Thiele
A dilapidated robot searches the barren countryside for something long-lost and treasured.

Glitchality (Narrative, 6 min)
Writers: Izzy Fontaine, Owen Mielke
Directors: Izzy Fontaine, Alika Kelly, Beckham Brazil
A janitor must fight his way out of a horrifying video-game sub-reality.

Hermes (Animated, 2 min)
Writer/Director: Ashley Cai
A mysterious girl appears to be thieving in the nighttime, and it’s up to two mismatched policemen to stop her.

Marching Band (Documentary, 7 min)
Writer/Director: Sam Tagle
A glimpse into the tight-knit culture that fuels the Austin High School marching band.

Maureen & Astrid (Narrative, 6 min)
Writer/Director: Myles Kovalik
After possibly witnessing her boyfriend cheating on her, Maureen enlists the help of her friend, Astrid, to test the bounds of his faithfulness.

Nice Meeting You (Narrative, 6 min)
Writer/Director: Lily Cunningham
Some guys just won’t take a hint –– until they’re forced to.

In The Trees (Narrative, 8 min)
Writer/Director: Will Nordstrom
Two teenagers head deep into the woods for a photography project, only to realize they aren’t alone.

Astronaut Starbright (Documentary, 12 min)
Writer/Director: Lana Taylor
Taylor Richardson (Astronaut Starbright) is a young girl of color who aspires to be an astronaut when she grows up. She advocates for girls of color interested in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) by bringing as much black girl representation to them as possible.

Paranoia (Narrative, 8 min)
Writer/Director: Truman Byrd
After neglecting his studies and torrenting a movie from his favorite director, a student finds himself stalked by a mysterious man.

Shotgun (Narrative, 2 min)
Writer/Director: Dexavior Smith
Who gets the front seat after two friends call shotgun at the same time?

Wavy Head (Documentary, 5 min)
Writer/Director: Max Shoham
A autobiographical exploration of the invasive surgery that changed the course of a 9-month-old child’s life.

Sincerely Anthony (Animated, 1 min)
Writer/Director: Max Shoham
Everyone deals with the suicide of a friend differently. This film is an exploration of the acceptance of a best friend’s death through an imagined letter left behind.

Inclusion On The Air (Documentary, 9 MIN)
Writer/Director: Eli Canter
This documentary is about the life and work of Emily Perl Kingsley, a former Sesame Street writer and longtime activist for children with disabilities and their family.

Swinging On A Star (Animated, 3 min)
Writer/Director: Charlotte Suttee
A deep sea fisherman is attacked by a sea monster and must climb to the stars to return to his daughter.

Mario (Documentary, 2 min)
Writer/Director: Sam Slye
An interview with a deported U.S. veteran offers a unique point of view on the U.S. immigration debate.

Orphan (Narrative, 4 min)
Writer/Director: Elly Hong
At dinner with her mom, an adopted teenage girl struggles with her identity.

Saturday October 27, 2018 11:00am - 12:30pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

Tracks Young Filmmakers Track

12:15pm

Awards Luncheon

Tickets purchased separately at Registration Center. Must have a Conference or Producers Badge to Purchase

Don't miss this year's Awards Luncheon! 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! For Awards Luncheon ticketing information, please contact our Registration Director at 512-478-4795

PLEASE ARRIVE EARLY. AFF reserves the right not to seat late parties. This ticket in non-transferable

Panelists

Roger Corman

2018 Extraordinary Contribution to Film Award Recipient

Tony Gilroy

2018 Distinguished Screenwriter Award Recipient

Larry Wilmore

2018 Outstanding Television Writer Award Recipient

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:15pm - 2:15pm
The Austin Club 110 E 9th Street

Party, Party

12:30pm

#DiversitySells: The Power of Inclusive Storytelling

After the immense box office and critical performance of films like Black Panther, Get Out, BlacKKKlansman, Okja, Crazy Rich Asians, Hostiles, Book Club, Oceans 8, Wonder Woman etc, can we all now say #diversitysells? With the inception of hashtags like #Oscarssowhite and #Metoo, are we now seeing a renaissance for more inclusive films, and more voices being sought after? How do we keep it going? Now is the time to have your unique story told.

This panel is co-presented by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences® Educational Initiatives and ScreenCraft Media.

Moderators

S. Craig Watkins

moderator

S. Craig Watkins is a Professor at the University of Texas, Austin, in the Moody College of Communication. Craig is also the Founding Director of the Institute for Media Innovation at the University of Texas. He received his PhD from the University of Michigan.Craig has written three books that explore the intersections between media and society. His work considers, for example, the impact of hip hop in popular culture, issues of diversity and inclusion in... Read More →

Panelists

Peter Chiarelli

writer Crazy Rich Asians

Peter Chiarelli graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle and went on to earn a Master'sdegree from the Peter Stark Producing program at the University of Southern California. He began his filmcareer at DreamWorks and during that time, he produced the short film 'Terry... Read More →

Janine Jones-Clark

Senior Vice President Global Talent Development & Inclusion Universal Filmed Entertainment Group

Janine Jones-Clark is Senior Vice President, Global Talent Development & Inclusion for the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group (UFEG), reporting to Universal Pictures Chairman Donna Langley. In this role, she is responsible for building upon the studio’s legacy of attracting and... Read More →

Terra Potts

SVP Multicultural Marketing, Warner Bros

Terra Potts has been with Warner Bros. Pictures for eight years, beginning in 2010, and currently serves as Senior Vice President of Multicultural Marketing. She is responsible for overseeing all Marketing efforts in the Multicultural and Faith Based arenas.During her tenure with... Read More →

Sponsors

Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences

On Story

ScreenCraft Media

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

12:30pm

Deconstructing Nora Ephron

Sleepless in Seattle. When Harry Met Sally. You’ve Got Mail. Julie & Julia. It’s undeniable that Nora Ephron was one of the greatest modern romantic comedy writers/directors Hollywood has ever seen. Ephron’s movies’ iconic lines and unforgettable scenes have stuck with people of all ages. Panelists will deconstruct how Ephron’s writing has influenced their own work, and ways her films can serve as case-studies for others.

Moderators

Greg Garrett

moderator; author; Professor, Baylor University

Panelists

Tess Morris

writer Man Up, Casual

Scott Neustadter

writer The Disaster Artist, (500) Days of Summer, The Spectacular Now, The Fault In Our Stars

Sponsors

On Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

12:30pm

Finding Your Platform

Join a panel of writers whose work has covered a variety of mediums, from fiction podcasting, to theater, to digital series. Find out how these writers are using different mediums to tell their stories.

Moderators

Alisa Perren

moderator

Panelists

Lisa Ebersole

writer/director/producer/star 37 Problems (digital series); Co-Founder, The Writing Intensive; playwright

Aaron Tracy

writer/producer Sequestered, Law & Order SVU, The Tap; host To Live & Dialogue In LA; Faculty, Yale University

Stephen Winter

director/co-writer Adventures in New America; director/writer Jason and Shirley

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Assembly Room

Conference, Panel

Tracks Playwriting Track

12:30pm

First Impressions: Writing the Perfect Pilot

Like the first notes of a song or the first words of a novel, an engaging pilot is a necessary component to hook your audience into your series. Join seasoned TV writers for a discussion on how to create a pilot that will set your show up for success.

Moderators

Christopher Boone

moderator; writer/director Cents; contributor No Film School

Panelists

George Pelecanos

novelist; writer/producer The Wire, The Deuce, Treme, The Pacific

George Pelecanos was born in Washington, D.C. He worked as a line cook, dishwasher, bartender, and woman’s shoe salesman before publishing his first novel in 1992.Pelecanos is the author of twenty-one books set in and around Washington, D.C.: A Firing Offense, Nick's Trip, Shoedog... Read More →

Carly Wray

writer/producer Westworld, The Leftovers, Mindhunter, Mad Men

Sponsors

On Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
Central Presbyterian Church, Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

12:30pm

Outlines and Treatments and Loglines, Oh My!

How do you write a succinct and effective outline? How much information do potential buyers want in the treatment? Join this discussion on writing strong and engaging pitches for your story that will leave Hollywood insiders wanting to know more.

Moderators

Tim Albaugh

moderator; Professor, UCLA; Director, Hollins University Graduate Screenwriting Program

Panelists

Matt Cook

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

Cook is a screenwriter, director, and producer of various studio and independent films and television. His work includes The Duel (formerly By Way of Helena), Triple Nine, and Patriot’s Day. Both By Way of Helena (2010) and Triple Nine (2012) made the top 10 of The Black List... Read More →

Matthew Kellard

writer Night School, Real Husbands of Hollywood, The Inspectors, The Donors

Keith Maitland

director/producer TOWER, A Song For You: The Austin City Limits Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
The Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room

Conference, Panel

12:30pm

Phil and Craig Answer Your Questions

It’s a Q&A free for all, where you finally get what you came for: ANSWERS. There’s just one catch. They’re only answering questions about craft. Leave the agent/manager/business questions in your hotel room, and bring your questions about character, plot, theme, structure, genre, production and anything else crafty… and you WILL GET YOUR ANSWER. GUARANTEED.

Panelists

Phil Hay

writer/producer The Invitation, Destroyer; writer Crazy/Beautiful, Ride Along, Ride Along 2, Clash of the Titans

Craig Mazin

co-host Scriptnotes; writer Chernobyl, Identity Thief, The Hangover Parts II & III

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
800 Congress 800 Congress Avenue

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

12:30pm

The Writer/Producer Relationship: Independent Features

Producers are the backbone of any project and, with the right relationship, they will fight to make their writers dreams into a reality. So what does it take to forge a strong collaboration? Join this conversation between writers and indie producers and learn what producers look for when taking on a new project, how writers learn to trust others with their visions, and how they can work together to make a successful film.

Moderators

Roy Rutngamlug

moderator

Panelists

Jonathan Duffy

producer The Long Dumb Road, Sorry To Bother You, Hellion, A Bad Idea Gone Wrong

Jonathan Duffy is an award winning creative producer. His work in the feature film space includes: Sorry to Bother You (Sundance 2018), The Long Dumb Road (Sundance 2018), Bad Idea Gone Wrong (SXSW 2017), Discreet (Berlin 2017), 6 Years (SXSW 2015), Beaver Trilogy Part IV (Sundance... Read More →

Hannah Fidell

co-writer/director The Long Dumb Road

Hannah wrote, produced and directed the feature film A TEACHER, which premiered at Sundance 2013 to critical acclaim. Her follow up, 6 YEARS, produced by the Duplass Brothers, was released by Netflix in 2015. Fidell was named one of the 25 New Faces of Independent Film by Filmmaker... Read More →

Jason Headley

writer/director A Bad Idea Gone Wrong, It's Not About the Nail, At the Bar, F*ck That: A Guided Meditation

Kelly Williams

producer The Long Dumb Road, Sorry To Bother You, Hellion, A Bad Idea Gone Wrong, Film Juror-Narrative Short

Based in Austin, Kelly Williams has produced numerous films which have premiered at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival including this year’s SORRY TO BOTHER YOU, directed by Boots Riley and distributed by Annapurna, and THE LONG DUMB ROAD, directed by Hannah Fidell to be distributed... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
The Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony

Conference, Workshop

12:30pm

Professional Podcasting is Within Your Reach

There's no one-way to get into the business of audio content creation, as illustrated by these panelists who have taken diverse paths from enthusiast to business.

This panel and the Podcast Track are presented by Simplecast

Moderators

Brad Smith

CEO, Simplecast

Brad Smith is an entrepreneur and professional daydreamer, who splits his time between the concrete jungle of Manhattan and the foothills of the much-less-anxious Catskill Mountains.Brad is the founder and CEO of Simplecast; a podcasting platform empowering audio creators with the... Read More →

Panelists

Gabriel Urbina

writer/director Wolf 359; guest writer Our Fair City, Wooden Overcoats

Sarah Rhea Werner

podcast creator Girl in Space, Write Now

Sarah Rhea Werner is a professional writer and podcaster who loves to help creators find confidence and success. She is a contributor to Forbes and the founder of the Write Now podcast, which helps aspiring writers to find work/life balance while pursuing their creative passion... Read More →

Sponsors

Simplecast

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
The Driskill Hotel, Crystal Room presented by Simplecast

Conference, Panel | Podcast Track presented by Simplecast, Panel

12:30pm

Austin Pitch #9

Panelists

Kelly Jo Brick

writer Pause, The Jewel in the Woods; contributing writer for Final Draft

Julia Glausi

Junior Development & Production Executive, Endgame Entertainment; producer Fail State; junior executive The Old Man & The Gun, Last Chance U, Come Sunday, The Discovery, Film Juror-Student Short

Sponsors

Universal Cable Productions

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Vestry Conference Room

Pitch, Pitch Competition

12:30pm

*Roundtable: The Art, Craft, and Business of Film

*Get in-depth answers to your questions about the art, craft and business of writing for film. How do you break in, deal with contracts and options, and find representation? What’s the difference between indie and studio films, and what happens when your movie goes into development? What are the most essential habits and routines to assume? 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 Driskill Mezzanine; the Roundtable takes place at St. David’s Episcopal Church’s Crail Hall, located at 301 E 8th Street. Only one roundtable sign-up slot per registrant. Registrants must have the day-appropriate badge.

ROUNDTABLE SIGN UP HOURS:
Registrants must sign up for Roundtable Sessions in the Mezzanine of the Driskill Hotel!
Wednesday, October 24 | 12:00PM–5:00PM
Thursday, October 25 | 8:30AM–5:00PM
Friday, October 26 | 8:30AM–5:00PM
Saturday, October 27 | 8:30AM–3:00PM

Panelists

Sadie Bass

Supervising Producer, Great Big Story

Sadie Bass is a supervising producer at Great Big story where she oversees the New York editorial team. Throughout her career, Bass has worked on multiple award-winning projects (including series and short documentary films), earned two Emmy nominations and traveled extensively to... Read More →

Drew Beebe

Senior Producer, Great Big Story

Drew Beebe is a senior producer at Great Big Story, helping to sculpt and focus the amazing stories that GBS’s talented producers capture. He works to make sure every story meets the high standard of quality and distinct voice of the brand. Prior to GBS he worked at Bloomberg, producing... Read More →

Greg Bernstein

writer Official Secrets, The Conspirator, Trial and Error

Greg has worked extensively on both the creative and business sides of the entertainment industry. After graduating from the UCLA Law School and practicing entertainment law for two years, Greg worked for six years as vice-president of business affairs at Columbia and Tri-Star Pictures... Read More →

Asmara Bhattacharya

creator Middle of Snowhere webseries; writer Stone; script reader

Alisha Brophy

co-writer License to Drive (2017), White Girl Problems, Swiped, United States of Fuckin' Awesome

Luis Dantas

writer/director If God Comes Let Him Bring A Gun; The Performance; producer Washington Heights

Owen Egerton

writer/director Blood Fest, Follow

Owen Egerton, writer/director of the films Follow and Blood Fest, is a Black List honored screenwriter and the author of several books including How Best to Avoid Dying, Hollow and The Book of Harold, The Illegitimate Son of God, which was optioned by Warner Brothers Television. He’s... Read More →

Mike Jones

Senior Story and Creative Artist, Pixar Animation Studios

Chris Mass

writer/producer Chalk, Bobbie Sue, Free Birds

Scott Miles

co-writer License to Drive (2017), White Girl Problems, Swiped, United States of Fuckin' Awesome

Russell Leigh Sharman

writer Bobbie Sue; writer/director Apartment 4E; author The Tenants of East Harlem, Nightshift NYC

Russell Leigh Sharman is a writer, filmmaker and anthropologist. He has written (and re-written) for Hollywood since 2008 when his screenplay Bobbie Sue won a spot on the Hollywood Blacklist. He has since worked as a writer-for-hire for studios and production companies, including... Read More →

Bill True

writer Runaway

Emily Zulauf

Fiction Lead, Probably Monsters Games; Creative Development Associate, Pixar Animation Studios

Saturday October 27, 2018 12:30pm - 1:45pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Crail Hall

Roundtable, Roundtable

1:00pm

Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin

Trailer

(USA, 64 mins)
Writer/Director: Arwen Curry

Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin is a feature documentary that explores the remarkable life and legacy of the science fiction and fantasy writer Ursula K. Le Guin, who passed away in 2018. Produced with Le Guin’s participation over the course of a decade, the film is a journey through the writer's inimitable career and her worlds, both real and fantastic. Le Guin exploded onto the literary scene in the late 1960s, elevating science fiction to new levels of sophistication and artistry with works such as A Wizard of Earthsea and The Left Hand of Darkness. Le Guin defiantly held her ground on the margin of American letters until the sheer excellence of her work finally forced the mainstream to embrace fantastic literature. Viewers will accompany the writer on an intimate journey of self-discovery as she comes into her own as a major feminist author, opening new doors for the imagination and inspiring generations of women and other marginalized writers along the way.

Sponsors

#bbatx

St Edwards Rhetoric and Writing

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:00pm - 2:04pm
Hideout Theatre 617 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Marquee Feature

1:00pm

Can You Ever Forgive Me?

Trailer

(USA, 107 min)
Writers: Nicole Holofcener, Jeff Whitty
Director: Marielle Heller
Starring: Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, Julie Ann Emery

In CAN YOU EVER FORGIVE ME?, Melissa McCarthy stars as Lee Israel, the best-selling celebrity biographer (and cat lover) who made her living in the 1970’s and 80’s profiling the likes of Katherine Hepburn, Tallulah Bankhead, Estee Lauder and journalist Dorothy Kilgallen. When Lee found herself unable to get published because she had fallen out of step with the marketplace, she turned her art form to deception, abetted by her loyal friend Jack (Richard E. Grant).

Please note that limited seating available for this screening

Please note large bags will not be allowed into the Paramount or State Theatres. For more information about the bag policy please view link below for details:
http://www.austintheatre.org/events-tickets/box-office/

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:00pm - 2:47pm
Paramount Theatre 713 Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78701

Film, Marquee Feature

1:30pm

Podcast Mixer

Mix and mingle with podcast writers, podcast network execs, and fans of all things podcasting!

*This party has a cash bar.

Panelists

Jeffrey Cranor

writer/creator Welcome to Night Vale, Within the Wires

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 2:45pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Bar (Mezzanine Level)

Party, Party

1:30pm

Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

(TRT: 94 min)

One Small Step
(China, 8 min)
Director: Bobby Pontillas
Luna, a young Chinese American girl, dreams of becoming an astronaut. Supported by her humble father, Luna endeavors to make her dreams come true.

Reverie
(Denmark, 12 min)
Director: Philip Louis Piaget Rodriguez
Deep in the harsh countryside, where life fades with every breath, a boy tormented with grief battles an inescapable beast.

The Backward Astronomer
(USA, 10 min)
Writer: Jade Shames
Director: Jake Nelson
A privileged, young man falls in love with a wealthy woman and together they lead reckless lives of opulence in New York City. That is, until he finds something better: a doorway leading directly to the surface of the moon.

Sister
(USA, 8 min)
Writer/Director: Siqi Song
A man reflects on his childhood memories of growing up with his annoying little sister in 1990s China.

Life of Death
(Indonesia, 8 min)
Writer/Directors: Jason Kiantoro, Bryan Arfiandy
While struggling to balance his work and family life, Death talks about his existence, his job, and his opinions on human beings as part of a documentary interview.

My Moon
(USA, 9 min)
Writer/Director: Eusong Lee
The love triangle between the Earth, Sun, and Moon takes a turn when one leaves for the other.

The Wheel Turns
(USA, 13 min)
Writer/Director: Sang Joon Kim
A jaded subway operator in NYC finds his life repetitive and tedious, but one night's work leads him to a red door that changes everything.

La Noria
(Spain, 12 min)
Writer/Director: Carlos Baena
A young boy who loves to draw and build Ferris wheels encounters strange creatures that turn his life upside down.

Afterwork
(Ecuador, 6 min)
Directors: Luis Uson, Andres Aguilar
We are all condemned to work and repeat the same empty routines again and again. Can we reach that carrot with which they want to keep us forever occupied, chasing eternally something we do not need? Groompy, a funny cartoon, is about to find out.

Lost & Found
(Australia, 8 min)
Writer: Bradley Slabe
Director: Andrew Goldsmith, Bradley Slabe
A knitted toy dinosaur must completely unravel himself to save the love of its life.

Sponsors

the Blanton Museum of Art

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Film, Shorts Program

1:30pm

Shorts Program 13: Documentary Shorts 1 presented by Great Big Story

(TRT: 101 min)

Halter Off
(USA, 19 min)
Directors: Jake Bulgarino, James Young
Far removed from the pageantry of races like the Kentucky Derby, veteran trainer Angelo Jackson competes not for fame or prestige but as a means of survival. However, when his checkered past sees him banned from the track, he looks to Halter Off, the first horse he’s raised on his own to win the biggest race of his life.

The Wormwood Star
(Poland, 14 min)
Wirter/Director: Adelina Borets
In the radioactive contaminated village of Mali Klischi, a mother and son pay the highest price to remain in their homes.

One Leg In, One Leg Out
(Canada, 15 min)
Director: Lisa Rideout
A lively, strong-willed sex worker struggles to move from the streets and into a career as a social worker.

The Likes and Dislikes of Marj Bagley
(USA, 14 min)
Director: Taylor Stanton
Family members recount stories of matriarch Marj and her struggle to find happiness while battling infidelity, giant birds, and broken noses in this stop-motion documentary.

Prince’s Tale
(Canada, 16 min)
Director: Jamie Miller
After surviving a fire that results in the amputation of his arms, a young actor named Prince must come to terms with being "differently-abled" through performance art.

Máxima: This Land of Mine
(Peru, 23 min)
Director: Mariel Sosa
On a remote farm deep in the Peruvian Andes, a farmer is putting a halt to the plans of one of the biggest mining companies in the world. Having endured over five years of court proceedings, Máxima Acuña and her family are still fighting to keep the land they have worked so hard for to call their home.

Sponsors

Great Big Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Film, Shorts Program

1:30pm

Afterwork

Trailer

(Ecuador, 6 min)
Directors: Luis Uson, Andres Aguilar

We are all condemned to work and repeat the same empty routines again and again. Can we reach that carrot with which they want to keep us forever occupied, chasing eternally something we do not need? Groompy, a funny cartoon, is about to find out.
Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

Halter Off

Trailer

(USA, 19 min)
Directors: Jake Bulgarino, James Young

Far removed from the pageantry of races like the Kentucky Derby, veteran trainer Angelo Jackson competes not for fame or prestige but as a means of survival. However, when his checkered past sees him banned from the track, he looks to Halter Off, the first horse he’s raised on his own to win the biggest race of his life.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 13: Documentary Shorts 1 presented by Great Big Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Documentary Short

1:30pm

La Noria

Trailer

(Spain, 12 min)
Writer/Director: Carlos Baena

A young boy who loves to draw and build Ferris wheels encounters strange creatures that turn his life upside down.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

Life of Death

(Indonesia, 8 min)
Writer/Directors: Jason Kiantoro, Bryan Arfiandy

While struggling to balance his work and family life, Death talks about his existence, his job, and his opinions on human beings as part of a documentary interview.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

Lost & Found

Trailer

(Australia, 8 min)
Writer: Bradley Slabe
Director: Andrew Goldsmith, Bradley Slabe

A knitted toy dinosaur must completely unravel himself to save the love of its life.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

Maxima: This Land of Mine

Trailer

(Peru, 23 min)
Director: Mariel Sosa

On a remote farm deep in the Peruvian Andes, a farmer is putting a halt to the plans of one of the biggest mining companies in the world. Having endured over five years of court proceedings, Máxima Acuña and her family are still fighting to keep the land they have worked so hard for to call their home.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 13: Documentary Shorts 1 presented by Great Big Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Documentary Short

1:30pm

My Moon

Trailer

(USA, 9 min)
Writer/Director: Eusong Lee

The love triangle between the Earth, Sun, and Moon takes a turn when one leaves for the other.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

One Leg In, One Leg Out

(Canada, 15 min)
Director: Lisa Rideout

A lively, strong-willed sex worker struggles to move from the streets and into a career as a social worker.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 13: Documentary Shorts 1 presented by Great Big Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Documentary Short

1:30pm

One Small Step

Trailer

(China, 8 min)
Director: Bobby Pontillas

Luna, a young Chinese American girl, dreams of becoming an astronaut. Supported by her humble father, Luna endeavors to make her dreams come true.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

Prince's Tale

Trailer

(Canada, 16 min)
Director: Jamie Miller

After surviving a fire that results in the amputation of his arms, a young actor named Prince must come to terms with being "differently-abled" through performance art.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 13: Documentary Shorts 1 presented by Great Big Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Documentary Short

1:30pm

Reverie

Trailer

(Denmark, 12 min)
Director: Philip Louis Piaget Rodriguez

Deep in the harsh countryside, where life fades with every breath, a boy tormented with grief battles an inescapable beast.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

Sister

(USA, 8 min)
Writer/Director: Siqi Song

A man reflects on his childhood memories of growing up with his annoying little sister in 1990s China.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

The Backward Astronomer

Trailer

(USA, 10 min)
Writer: Jade Shames
Director: Jake Nelson

A privileged, young man falls in love with a wealthy woman and together they lead reckless lives of opulence in New York City. That is, until he finds something better: a doorway leading directly to the surface of the moon.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

The Likes and Dislikes of Marj Bagley

(USA, 14 min)
Director: Taylor Stanton

Family members recount stories of matriarch Marj and her struggle to find happiness while battling infidelity, giant birds, and broken noses in this stop-motion documentary.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 13: Documentary Shorts 1 presented by Great Big Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Documentary Short

1:30pm

The Wheel Turns

Trailer

(USA, 13 min)
Writer/Director: Sang Joon Kim

A jaded subway operator in NYC finds his life repetitive and tedious, but one night's work leads him to a red door that changes everything.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 12: Animated Shorts

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Galaxy Highland screen 9 6700 Middle Fiskville Rd, Austin, TX 78752

Short Film, Animated Short

1:30pm

The Wormwood Star

(Poland, 14 min)
Wirter/Director: Adelina Borets

In the radioactive contaminated village of Mali Klischi, a mother and son pay the highest price to remain in their homes.

Playing as part of Shorts Program 13: Documentary Shorts 1 presented by Great Big Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rollins Theatre 701 W Riverside Dr, Austin, TX 78704

Short Film, Documentary Short

2:00pm

Claymation Creation

Join us at the Paramount Tent for your chance to create the next animated classic! Austin Film Festival will have free claymation activites for your family to make their own stop-motion animation. After the fun, head over to the Paramount Theatre to snap your photo on the red carpet before AFF's free screening of Coco.

Sponsors

Do512 Family

Mexic-Arte Museum

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Paramount Tent

Conference, Workshop

2:00pm

Coco Claymation Activity

Downtown for Super Saturday? Stop into the Paramount Tent and join us for a Coco-inspired claymation animation activity! Make your own alebrijes and animate your name before heading to the free-to-the-public screening of Coco at the Paramount Theatre at 4pm. All ages welcome!

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:00pm - 3:30pm
Paramount Tent

Young Filmmakers Program, Family Series

Tracks Young Filmmakers Track

2:00pm

Surviving Bokator

Trailer

(Canada, 91 min)
Writers:Mark Bochsler, Kevin Schjerning, Fernanda Rossi
Director:Mark Bochsler
What started as a genocide survivor’s dream to revive an ancient sport becomes an inspiring mission to heal a nation. Grandmaster Sean Kim San, one of the few remaining instructors of the ancient Cambodian martial art of Bokator, makes it his life’s work to resurrect Bokator and preserve it in the nation’s youth. Grappling with his own tragic past and resistance from the community, the grandmaster and his young students work to bring back a cultural identity to a post-war nation.

Sponsors

Family Martial Arts Round Rock

Ten Thousand Villages

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:00pm - 3:31pm
Alamo Drafthouse Village 2700 W Anderson Ln, Austin, TX 78757

Film, Documentary Feature

2:45pm

A Conversation with Markus and McFeely

Writing team Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely are no strangers to blockbuster franchises. After adapting the Chronicles of Narnia series, and several films in the Marvel universe, they were given the daunting task of writing the highly anticipated Avengers: Infinity War. Join Markus and McFeely for a conversation on how they were able to juggle a massive ensemble cast, multiple story lines spanning several movies, and still create a cohesive and enjoyable film.

Moderators

Barbara Morgan

Executive Director, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Christopher Markus

writer Avengers 4, Avengers: Infinity War, the Captain America trilogy, the Narnia films, Pain & Gain, You Kill Me, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers

Stephen McFeely

writer Avengers 4, Avengers: Infinity War, the Captain America trilogy, the Narnia films, Pain & Gain, You Kill Me, The Life and Death of Peter Sellers

Sponsors

On Story

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Ballroom

Conference, Panel

Tracks On Story

2:45pm

From Stage to Screen: A Conversation with Stephen Belber

Though they come from different worlds, playwriting and screenwriting have more in common than you think. Just ask Stephen Belber, the playwright and filmmaker who successfully adapted many of his plays into films. Join us for a conversation with the mind behind Tape, The Laramie Project, and Match, about how to break into the world of film with a playwright’s résumé. Learn how to adapt dialogue for a screen, reduce stage directions into scene descriptors, and write for a wider variety of characters and locations than you could fit on a stage. If you ever wanted to know how to skillfully move between these two mediums, this panel is for you.

Moderators

Samantha Levine

Marketing Director, Austin Film Festival, Austin Film Festival

Panelists

Stephen Belber

writer/director Management, Match; writer Tape, O.G.; co-writer The Laramie Project

Stephen Belber’s plays have been produced on Broadway and in over 25 countries. He was an Associate Writer on The Laramie Project, and co-writer on The Laramie Project: Ten Years Later. He has written and directed two feature films, (Management, starring Jennifer Aniston and Woody... Read More →

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
InterContinental Stephen F. Austin, Assembly Room

Conference, Panel

Tracks Playwriting Track

2:45pm

How Do You Do It?

Writers compare notes on how they tackle writing screenplays, from creating stories and characters to the actual writing process itself. How do you do it?

Moderators

Beth Serlin

moderator; Associate Professor of Screenwriting, Loyola Marymount University

Panelists

Rick Jaffa

Amanda Silver

Andrew Kevin Walker

writer Se7en, Sleepy Hollow, Nerdland

Herschel Weingrod

writer Trading Places, Brewster’s Millions, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Space Jam; producer Falling Down, The Final Season; director Last Wishes

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
St. David’s Episcopal Church, Historic Sanctuary

Conference, Panel

2:45pm

Indie Film Track: Storytelling through Editing

Film production takes many hours and many minds, but one of the most important roles often goes under-recognized: the editor. The editor's job is akin to that of the screenwriter as they are required to shape the story based on condensing many weeks of footage into something cohesive and succinct. Join us for a conversation about the critical questions all editors must ask and answer during the syncing, bridging, and slicing phase of any film, and how their role as a storyteller is pivotal to the post-production process.

Moderators

Roy Rutngamlug

moderator

Panelists

Adam Bowers

writer/director/producer/editor/actor New Low, Paperback

Adam Bowers is a writer, director, actor, and editor living in Los Angeles. His first feature, New Low, premiered at the 2010 Sundance Film Festival. That same year, he was named one of Filmmaker Magazine’s “25 New Faces Of Independent Film.” In

Dan Bush

writer/director/Editor The Signal, The Reconstruction of William Zero, The Vault, The Dark Red

Dan Bush is an American director, writer, producer, and editor known for THE SIGNAL, and THE RECONSTRUCTION OF WILLIAM ZERO and THE VAULT.In 2007, Dan co-wrote and co-directed THE SIGNAL. The film premiered at the Sundance Film Festival, was bought by Magnolia Pictures, and hit theaters... Read More →

Stephen Kinigopoulos

director/writer/editor Fishbowl

Stephen Kinigopoulos (30) Baltimore bred, Nashville based, had his first taste of the film industry when he was 14 years old. With his mother being Hair dept. head on HBO's "The Wire" , Stephen would frequently be on set where he has also met his mentor, Executive producer of HBO's... Read More →

Ann Lupo

writer/director/producer/editor In Reality

Ann Lupo is an award-winning filmmaker, producer, and actor. After graduating from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts she co-directed and co-produced DOCUMENTED, a feature documentary about Jose Antonio Vargas’ life growing up as an undocumented immigrant in America. The film premiered... Read More →

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Simplecast

Saturday October 27, 2018 2:45pm - 4:00pm
The Driskill Hotel, Crystal Room presented by Simplecast

Conference, Panel

2:45pm

My Inner Critic: The Enemy Within

In this business, criticism can make or break you and your work, and in spite of how others feel, your own criticisms will continue to follow you throughout your career. Join four friends for a frank and honest conversation about jealousy, self-doubt, and how to deal with feelings of inadequacy in a cut-throat business that thrives on success.

Panelists