Panel Schedule

10/19 Thursday

12-12:30 p.m.

Opening Remarks
The AFF welcomes you to a week of films, parties, panels, and industry conversation.
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

1-2:15 p.m.

What Gets Producers Excited?
Creativity and commerce meet when visiting producers talk casually about the projects that interest them most and what they're looking for when reading a new script or meeting an up-and-coming writer.
Richard Bever
Maggie Biggar
Anne Walker
Stuart Kelban - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Austin Pitch Prep
Don't get cut in the first round! Learn how to pitch! Come to this prep session prepared with the story you want to pitch to our judges at the AFF's fourth annual Austin Pitch.
Bonnie Orr
(Driskill Hotel, Austin Room)

Getting the Most Out of Competitions
Think screening your film or making it to the second round is all you need to break into the business? Come learn how to maximize the conference and festival: how to pitch your work and yourself, make contacts, and have the festival work for you.
Greg Beal
Shannon Jimenez
Bill True
Dawn Wiercinski - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

2:45-4 p.m.

Common Mistakes Writers Make
Inconsistent character names, poor spelling, improper screenplay format, continuity errors, a sloppy, slapped-together third act. Come learn some of the common mistakes writers make that could earn your script a "pass" before it's read to the end.
Greg Beal
John Contrubis
Chris Vogler
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Finalist & Semifinalist Panel: Writers
You've made it this far. Now join your colleagues in a special panel produced just for you. This panel is for Semifinalists and Finalists only.
Steve Faber
Bob Fisher
Dawn Wiercinski - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

Austin Pitch #1
Pitch like a pro in front of a panel of industry professionals. Who will go to the finals?
(Driskill Hotel, Austin Room)

Shot of Inspiration
Everyone enjoys good stories, especially those told by writers who have made their names in Hollywood. Sit back, relax, and get ready for a shot of inspiration and encouragement.
Jim Dauterive
Kriss Turner
Larry Wilmore
Stuart Kelban - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

The Art of the Pitch
Pitching yourself is as important as pitching your script, and it often happens at parties, in elevators, and, of course, at festivals and conferences. Come learn how to hard pitch in a meeting and soft pitch in a casual setting and make sure your pitch leaves people wanting to get their hands on your script.
John August
Jessica Bendinger
Maggie Biggar
Alex Smith - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

10/20 Friday

9-10:15 a.m.

Austin Pitch #2
Pitch like a pro in front of a panel of industry professionals. Who will go to the finals?
(Driskill Hotel, Austin Room)

Roundtable: Production Companies
This session offers registrants amazing access to production company executives. The atmosphere is casual, and registrants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the craft and business of screenwriting and filmmaking. This session is for Second Rounders only.
Richard Bever
Maggie Biggar
Brent Emery
Juliana Farrell
Glynis Lynn
David Ranes
Keith Sweitzer
Alex Young
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room)

Researching Your Story
Research is a must in making your screenplay vivid and well developed: the nuances, details, texture, even what characters say. A script that sparkles with authentic details and dialogue will stand out. But at what point do you stop researching and just start writing?
Russell Gewirtz
Anne Rapp
Bill Wittliff
Stuart Kelban - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Television Intensive
Here we offer strategies on getting your television spec script noticed by executives and producers. We'll discuss story choice, structure, do's and don'ts, and other topics.
Dianne Fraser
Dan French
Kriss Turner
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Getting a Writing Job
Inspired by John August's Web site, this is the panel formerly known as Breaking Into the Business. Why did we change the name? Because what most writers really want to know is, "How can I get paid for my writing? How do I become a professional writer?" It's important to know there isn't just one path to success.
John August
Brendan McDonald
Gregg Rounds
Greg Beal- moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

James V. Hart's "Hart Chart" Workshop
You're in for a treat. Come and experience the famous "Hart Chart' firsthand. James V. Hart will help you better develop your characters and stories by having you define and defend them using his soon-to-be-copyrighted, EKG-like, screenplay-diagramming chart. This panel is for Finalists and Semifinalists only.
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

Austin Pitch #3
Pitch like a pro in front of a panel of industry professionals. Who will go to the finals?
(Driskill Hotel, Austin Room)

Roundtable: Young Filmmakers
This session offers students amazing access to writers and filmmakers. The atmosphere is casual, and registrants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the craft and business of screenwriting/filmmaking. This panel is for high school students only.
Mike Akel
Jim Dauterive
Steve Faber
Bob Fisher
Russell Gewirtz
Shannon Jimenez
P.J. Raval
Larry Wilmore
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room)

Adapting Material to Film
How do you ensure a smooth transition from the characters and story in a book to the ones on the screen? This is a discussion on maintaining the spirit of the original piece while crafting a new story for the screen and determining which elements should stay, which should go, and which should be created. This panel is co-presented with the Texas Book Festival.
Brian Helgeland
Richard Linklater
Diana Ossana
Bill Wittliff
Clay Smith - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Tell Your Story: Kriss Turner
Come meet Kriss Turner, writer of television shows such as Cosby, Living Single, Whoopi, The Bernie Mac Show, and Everybody Hates Chris. Get here early and join the casual conversation on the couch.
(Driskill Hotel, Chisolm Trail Room)

TV: Show Runners & Staffing Season
Find out what a show runner does and how writing staffs are hired. When is staffing season? How can you best prepare and position yourself and your script?
David Boxerbaum
Channing Dungey
Brant Rose
Dianne Fraser - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

1:45-3 p.m.

Second Rounder Panel: Writers
You've made it this far. Now join your colleagues in a special panel produced just for you. This panel is for Semifinalists, Finalists, and Second Rounders only.
Jessica Bendinger
Shane Black
Greg Beal - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Austin Pitch #4
Pitch like a pro in front of a panel of industry professionals. Who will go to the finals?
(Driskill Hotel, Austin Room)

Roundtable: Production Companies
This session offers registrants amazing access to production company executives. The atmosphere is casual, and registrants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the craft and business of screenwriting and filmmaking.
Ali Bell
Richard Bever
Curtis Burch
Reid Carolin
Kristin Jones
David Ranes
Keith Sweitzer
Alex Young
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room)

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.
Russell Gewirtz
John Lee Hancock
Diana Ossana
Chris Vogler - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Jim Hogg Room)

Writing R-Rated Comedies
Michael Ian Black
Steve Faber
Bob Fisher
Michael Showalter
David Wain
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Tell Your Story: James V. Hart
Come meet James V. Hart, writer of Hook, Stoker's Dracula, and the upcoming Atlas Shrugged, in a relaxed and intimate setting. Get here early and join the casual conversation on the couch.
(Driskill Hotel, Chisolm Trail Room)

Writing for TV Drama
Here we discuss how to identify and capture the tone, characters, dialogue, and themes of a drama series. Come discover what's popular in the current marketplace and how to work within the special requirements of timeslots, outlet, and styles.
Channing Dungey
Blake Masters
Gregg Rounds
Barry Josephson - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

3:15-4:30 p.m.

Writing the Biopic
How much should you research? When should you stay true to the facts? When should you create something new? Where do you start? Where do you end? What do you include? Come find out.
Karen Bernstein
John Lee Hancock
Stephen Harrigan
Andrew Shea - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Finalist & Semifinalist Panel: Agents & Managers
You've made it this far. Now join your colleagues in a special panel produced just for you. This panel is for Semifinalists and Finalists only.
David Boxerbaum
Brendan McDonald
Brant Rose
Dawn Wiercinski - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

Austin Pitch #5
Pitch like a pro in front of a panel of industry professionals. Who will go to the finals?
(Driskill Hotel, Austin Room)

Roundtable: Production Companies
This session offers registrants amazing access to production company executives. The atmosphere is casual, and registrants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the craft and business of screenwriting and filmmaking. This session is for Second Rounders only.
Maggie Biggar
Brent Emery
Juliana Farrell
Dianne Fraser
Kristin Jones
Anne Walker
Tom Williams
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room)

Writing Drama
Come listen to these established writers share the fundamentals of writing effective drama. Learn from these industry professionals, who have offered us stories of courage, hope, life, love, and death.
Joe Conway
Paul Stekler
Chris Vogler
Greg Garrett - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Jim Hogg Room)

Writer/Directors
So the writing is done, and now you're going to direct. What will it take to get your story onto the big screen in one piece? Come talk with these writer/directors.
Mike Akel
Jessica Bendinger
Michael Ian Black
Michael Showalter
Barry Josephson - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Tell Your Story: John August
Come meet John August, writer of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Corpse Bride, Big Fish, Charlie's Angels, Go, and others, in a relaxed and intimate setting. Get here early and join the casual conversation on the couch.
(Driskill Hotel, Chisolm Trail Room)

Writing Comedy for TV
Today's sitcoms are not confined to the three-camera setup. How do you stay ahead of the curve when you're trying to make people laugh? Come listen to writers who are experienced with late-night and non-traditional television comedy formats.
Jim Dauterive
Jay Edwards
Dan French
Larry Wilmore
Bob Dolman - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

Michener Center Panel
This is a panel produced for students of the UT Michener Center for Writers.
Mike Rich
(702 East Dean Keeton)

RTF Panel
This is a special panel produced for UT RTF students and faculty.
Shane Black
Richard Lewis - moderator
(University of Texas, Communications Building, Studio 4D)

10/21 Saturday

9-10:15 a.m.

Gaming: When Gaming & Films Collide
How do the gaming and film industries communicate and work with each other? This panel covers original concepts, tie-ins, credits, and more.
Mark Bristol
Marten Davies
Susan O'Connor
Katy Daiger - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Writers Ranch
The Writers Ranch launched last year, and we've gathered the inaugural team here to talk about their experiences.
Curtis Burch
James V. Hart
Ben Lee
Terry Parmer
Jeremy Wadzinski
Dawn Wiercinski - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

Austin Pitch #6
Pitch like a pro in front of a panel of industry professionals. Who will go to the finals?
(Driskill Hotel, Austin Room)

Roundtable: Young Filmmakers
This session offers students amazing access to writers and filmmakers. The atmosphere is casual, and registrants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the craft and business of screenwriting/filmmaking. This panel is for high school students only.
Ali Bell
Jeff Bowden
Greg Carter
Mark Coffey
Joe Conway
Jay Edwards
Saar Klein
Jake Wade Wall
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room)

Specs vs. Development
Developing your original idea for a script is much different than writing a story given to you by a producer or passed down from another writer. Writing the spec and writing for hire are two vastly dissimilar processes. Which is for you?
Jack Leslie
Mike Rich
Bob Soderstrom
Alex Young
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Tell Your Story: Diana Ossana
Come meet Diana Ossana, Academy Award®-winning writer of Brokeback Mountain, Comanche Moon, and Streets of Laredo. Get here early and join the casual conversation on the couch
(Driskill Hotel, Chisolm Trail Room)

When Budgets Fall Short
Can't shoot 35mm? Shoot 16. Can't shoot 16? Shoot HD. Filmmakers give invaluable suggestions on how to get your film made when your budget falls short or runs out. Learn how to get the most from your budget.
Mike Curtis
Scott Rice
Gary Walker
Tom Copeland - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

10:45 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Art of the Pitch
Pitching yourself is as important as pitching your script, and it often happens at parties, in elevators, and, of course, at festivals and conferences. Come learn how to hard pitch in a meeting and soft pitch in a casual setting and make sure your pitch leaves people wanting to get their hands on your script.
Christopher McQuarrie
Bob Soderstrom
Christopher Vogler
Juliana Farrell - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Writing for Short Films
There are formatting and structural rules for writing full-length screenplays, but what about writing scripts for short films? Analyze artistic elements of short films and ways of telling intriguing stories in short periods of time.
Patrick McKenna
P.J. Raval
Michael Showalter
Warren Etheredge - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

Austin Pitch #7
Pitch like a pro in front of a panel of industry professionals. Who will go to the finals?
(Driskill Hotel, Austin Room)

Roundtable: Filmmakers
This session offers registrants amazing access to film producers, editors, screenwriters, and directors. The atmosphere is casual, and registrants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the craft and business of filmmaking.
Reid Carolin
Greg Carter
Mark Coffey
Steve Collins
Peter Hyams
Harry Lynch
Clay Nichols
Frank J. Reynolds
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room)

KODAK Look Manager System
This workshop is a software-driven application that allows cinematographers to collaborate with labs and post houses. Directors of photography can pre-visualize a scene by modeling the effects of gels, filters, and post-production techniques on Kodak Film Stocks. DPs can then put that look on display for all the team members with the touch of a button.
(Driskill Hotel, Jim Hogg Room)

Up Close & Personal: David Milch
Meet 2006 Outstanding Television Writer David Milch, writer/producer of Hill Street Blues and creator/writer of NYPD Blue and Deadwood.
Bud Shrake - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Tell Your Story: Mike Rich
Come meet Mike Rich, writer of Finding Forrester, The Rookie, Radio, and Miracle. Get here early and join the casual conversation on the couch.
(Driskill Hotel, Chisolm Trail Room)

How Did You Get Your First Movie Made?
Listen to these filmmakers' experiences making their first films: finding funding and locations, casting, pursuing distribution, etc. What mistakes did they make? What worked, and what didn't? Hear firsthand stories on the process of producing independent films.
Michael Ian Black
Amnon Buchbinder
Jake Kasdan
Paul Stekler
Alex Smith - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

Young Filmmakers Panel
This is an open panel specially arranged for students ages 9-17. Panelists discuss how they got started in the industry, give words of advice, and answer questions on the craft and business of screenwriting and filmmaking.
James V. Hart
Jake Sawyer
Joseph Staten
Jesse Trussell - moderator
(Texas State Capitol)

2-3:15 p.m.

Taking the HD Leap
When do you decide to use HD? What are the differences between the quality of 24P and HD? Here we discuss the pros and cons of using HD on an indie budget.
Greg Carter
Mike Curtis
Harry Lynch
Scott Rice
Steve Mims - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

Austin Pitch #8
Pitch like a pro in front of a panel of industry professionals. Who will go to the finals? (Driskill Hotel, Austin Room)

Roundtable: Production Companies
This session offers registrants amazing access to production company executives. The atmosphere is casual, and registrants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the craft and business of screenwriting and filmmaking.
Michael Barlow
Curtis Burch
Marc Gordon
Jack Leslie
Glynis Lynn
David Ranes
Tom Williams
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room)

Film Editing: Rewriting Your Film in Post
Every film is really three films: the film you write, the film you shoot, and the film that emerges from the editing suite. What approaches to writing and filming ensure a smoother transition to the editing process?
Mark Coffey
Saar Klein
Frank J. Reynolds
(Driskill Hotel, Jim Hogg Room)

Up Close & Personal: Sydney Pollack
Meet 2006 Extraordinary Contribution to Filmmaking Award recipient Sydney Pollack, director, producer, and actor, whose filmography includes Tootsie, Out of Africa and The Way We Were, to name only a few.
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Tell Your Story: Joseph Staten
Come meet Joseph Staten, writer of the video games Halo, Halo 2 and Halo 3, and the film adaptation of Halo, in a relaxed and intimate setting. Get here early and join the casual conversation on the couch.
(Driskill Hotel, Chisolm Trail Room)

Writing Family Films
It's not easy to create a story, characters, and dialogue that will appeal to and successfully entertain the entire family. Come listen to the people behind How to Eat Fried Worms, the upcoming Charlotte's Web, and the Harry Potter film franchise. This panel is sponsored by Target Films.
Bob Dolman
Susannah Grant
Ali Bell
Joe Conway - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

The State to Stella and Beyond
Using case studies and clips from the television shows The State and Stella, Michael Showalter, Michael Ian Black, and David Wain discuss how they've managed to cultivate a distinct style of comedy in a variety of mediums without compromising.
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Ballroom)

Film/Screenwriting School: Is It Worth It, and What's Next?
Given the high costs at institutions across the country, are film schools and screenwriting programs worth it, or would your tuition be better invested in your first film?
Steve Collins
Crickett Rumley, New York Film Academy
Fred Strype, Sarah Lawrence
Drew Yanno, Boston College
Tom Copeland - moderator
(Texas State Capitol)

3:45-5 p.m.

Making Your Documentary Stand Out
How can you make your documentary stand out in an increasingly crowded market? Get advice on determining your topic, finding subjects, and getting good interviews. Explore the role of the pre-interview process and how good research can make all the difference.
Jeff Bowden
P.J. Raval
Paul Stekler
Warren Etheredge - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Script Reading: Comedy Winner
Get ready to laugh. This session provides great entertainment as the winning comedy script from the Screenplay Competition is read aloud by professional actors.
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

Gaming: Writing for RPGs
How do storytelling and character development differ from films to video games? What are the possibilities and limitations? What about translating games to film?
Aaron de Orive
Sandy Petersen
Joseph Staten
Jake Wade Wall
Mark Bristol - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Jim Hogg Room)

Creating Classic Characters
How do you develop characters that stay with the audience long after the movie has ended? Come hear the creators of such memorable characters as Jeremiah Johnson, Dorothy Michaels, and Sergeants Riggs and Murtaugh discuss the process of creating classic, multidimensional characters.
Shane Black
Sydney Pollack
Barry Josephson - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Tell Your Story: John Lee Hancock
Meet John Lee Hancock, writer of The Alamo, A Perfect World, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, and director of The Alamo and The Rookie, in a relaxed and intimate setting. Get here early and join the casual conversation on the couch.
(Driskill Hotel, Chisolm Trail Room)

The Business of Film & Distribution
Magnolia Pictures hasn't snatched up your film yet? Find out what other options are available, from self-distributing your DVD to online distribution. This panel will explore all the nontraditional avenues available and show you how to separate your film from the pack and best represent your film in the crowded festival circuit and marketplace.
Michael Barlow
Chris Hyams
Richard Lewis
Greg Garrett - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

10/22 Sunday

11:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Optioning Material for Film
Found a book or article you want to adapt to film? How do you go about obtaining the rights? How can you get yourself attached as the writer if someone has optioned the rights? This session will also include information on public domain and optioning rights to someone's life story.
Will Nix
Al Staehely
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Finalist & Semifinalist Panel: Producers
You've made it this far. Now join your colleagues in a special panel produced just for you. This panel is for Semifinalists and Finalists only.
Curtis Burch
Jack Leslie
Tom Williams
Dawn Wiercinski - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

Roundtable: Filmmakers
This session offers registrants amazing access to film producers, editors, screenwriters, and directors. The atmosphere is casual, and registrants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the craft and business of filmmaking.
Mark Bristol
Amnon Buchbinder
Reid Carolin
Bob Dolman
Jeff Fraley
Alex Smith
Amy Talkington
Bill True
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room)

Screenwriting/Filmmaking in Education
This panel is designed for high school teachers interested in integrating screenwriting and filmmaking into their classes and curriculums.
Troy Lanier
Clay Nichols
Fred Strype
Jesse Trussell - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Jim Hogg Room)

Up Close & Personal: Shane Black
Meet 2006 Distinguished Screenwriter Shane Black, writer of Lethal Weapon, The Last Boy Scout, and The Long Kiss Goodnight. He recently wrote and directed the popular Kiss Kiss, Bang Bang.
Barry Josephson - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Tell Your Story: Susannah Grant
Meet Susannah Grant, writer of Erin Brockovich, In Her Shoes, Charlotte's Web and writer/director of Catch and Release, in a relaxed and intimate setting. Get here early and join the casual conversation on the couch.
(Driskill Hotel, Chisolm Trail Room)

Battle Scars
Writers share inspiring war stories of seeing a project through to completion. Whether receiving studio notes on stressful deadlines or working through adversity to get the job done, these writers have done it all. This panel is sponsored by Script Magazine.
Stephen Harrigan
Christopher McQuarrie
Anne Rapp
Zach Gutin - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

1-2:15 p.m.

Financing
How do you create a presentation that will make someone take notice and write you a check? This panel's all about putting together the right package to attract funding.
Jeff Fraley
Richard Lewis
Page Ostrow
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Script Reading: Adult/Family Winner
Get ready for a great story. In this session the winning adult/family script from the Screenplay Competition is read aloud by professional actors.
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

Roundtable: Writers
This session offers registrants amazing access to screenwriters. The atmosphere is casual, and registrants are encouraged to ask specific questions about the craft and business of screenwriting. This session is for Second Rounders only.
Amnon Buchbinder
Bob Dolman
Dan French
Anne Rapp
Mike Rich
Andrew Shea
Bob Soderstrom
Jake Wade Wall
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room)

Visual FX
Low-budget filmmakers often feel that quality visual FX and special effects are too expensive and out of their reach. Come learn which visuals and effects are possible and how to integrate high-end visual FX into a small independent production. How can writers benefit from knowing about visual FX? How can it impact their stories?
Greg Carter
James V. Hart
Gary Walker
Steve Mims - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Jim Hogg Room)

Writer/Directors
So the writing is done, and now you're going to direct. What will it take to get your story onto the big screen in one piece? Come talk with these writer/directors.
Shane Black
Susannah Grant
Amy Talkington
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Tell Your Story: Christopher McQuarrie
Meet Christopher McQuarrie, writer of The Usual Suspects and The Way of the Gun, in a relaxed and intimate setting. Get here early and join the casual conversation on the couch.
(Driskill Hotel, Chisolm Trail Room)

Getting a Writing Job
Inspired by John August's Web site, this is the panel formerly known as Breaking Into the Business. Why did we change the name? Because what most writers really want to know is, "How can I get paid for my writing? How do I become a professional writer?" It's important to know there isn't just one path to success.
Joe Conway
Steve Faber
Alex Smith
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

2:30-3:45 p.m.

AFF Documentary Filmmakers
Meet the filmmakers behind the AFF's 2006 documentary film program.
TBA
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Guerilla Marketing
This panel shows you how to get attention for your film in a saturated market. You say your film is completed and you're ready to take it out on the Festival circuit- or distribute it yourself? Come discuss innovative ways to attract an audience and/or buyer.
Josh Baran
Michael Barlow
Chris Hyams
Kristin Jones
Roger Heany - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Jim Hogg Room)

Reel Life: Narrative Structure in Documentary Filmmaking
This panel is about the difference between the story you shot and the story you're going to tell. How do you effectively work with an editor to get your story told?
Karen Bernstein
Turk Pipkin
Troy Lanier - moderator
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Production Team: Gary, the Tennis Coach
Visit the GreeneStreet Films team behind Gary, the Tennis Coach, which starts shooting in Austin this week. Learn about their journey from script development to production.
Annie Marter, Director of Development
John Penotti, Producer
Andy Stock, Co-Writer
Tim Williams, Executive Producer
Gary Bond - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)

4-5 p.m.

AFF Filmmakers
Meet the filmmakers behind the AFF's 2006 feature film program.
Panelists TBA
(Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room)

Packaging, Copyrights & Contracts
Here we discuss how to protect oneself from copyright infringement, especially when marketing online. This panel is sponsored by the Writers Guild of America, East.
Blair Dancy
Larry Lorczak, Senior Counsel for WGAE
Will Nix
(Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club)

How Did You Get Your First Movie Made?
Listen to these filmmakers' experiences making their first films: finding funding and locations, casting, pursuing distribution, etc. What mistakes did they make? What worked, and what didn't? Hear firsthand stories on the process of producing independent films.
Peter Hyams
Page Ostrow
Turk Pipkin
(Driskill Hotel, Ballroom)

Shorts: From Creation to Distribution
Examine methods of financing and producing your own short film. Opportunities for short films to find an audience are increasing via the Internet, cell phones, and other outlets. Come learn how to maximize the impact of your short film, making it the ultimate calling card.
Steve Collins
Chris Hyams
Troy Lanier
Scott Rice
Warren Etheredge - moderator
(Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Assembly Room)