The Austin Film Festival is dedicated to championing the work of aspiring and established filmmakers, defined as screenwriters, directors, editors, producers, actors and all those artists who use the language of film to tell a story. The AFF furthers the art, craft and business of filmmaking by providing unique cultural events and services, enhancing public awareness and participation, and encouraging dynamic and long-lasting community partnerships.

The Austin Film Festival is a not for profit 501c3 corporation.

Thursday Panel Schedule

View the schedule by day:
Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday

Click here for the full festival and conference schedule by day.

Thursday 10/22 

12:00pm-12:30pm

Opening Remarks
Driskill Hotel, Ballroom
The Austin Film Festival welcomes you to its 16th year of panels, films, parties and conversation. Find out about this year’s special events, last-minute additions and special guests.

1:00 pm-2:15 pm

Film Texas Incentives
Driskill Hotel, Citadel Club
Austin has been named the number one filmmaking city in the nation. Find out why and learn what Texas has to offer in the way of incentives.
Bob Hudgins, Texas Film Commission Director
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Austin Pitch Prep
Driskill Hotel, Austin Room
Are you ready to give your pitch? Learn how to sell your script and ensure that your first pitch isn’t your last. Be prepared for the seventh annual Austin Pitch Competition.
Bob Schultz, Bill True

Getting Past the Reader
Driskill Hotel, Hogg Room
Many people consider readers the gatekeepers of Hollywood, seemingly rejecting every script submitted by new writers.  So how can you get your script passed on to the higher executives?  Sit down with multiple Blacklist-er Barry Schwartz and Disney's Jessica Julius to find out the answers to this question, and many more concerning Hollywood readers.
Jessica Julius, Barry Schwartz
Moderator: Steven Arvanites

Breaking Into the Business
Driskill Hotel, Ballroom
While seeing your work produced is the ultimate goal, selling the script is a great first step. Many scripts are bought and never produced. But your script can serve as a sample to secure other work. Much of a professional screenwriters' income lies in script doctoring and assignments, not movies produced from their spec scripts.
Bryan Brucks, Pat Hazell, Bob Soderstrom
Moderator: Aadip Desai

<!--[endif]-->Script-to-Screen: Getting Your Film Off the Ground Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony
A case study with "Black List" screenwriting team Brian McGreevy and Lee Shipman, discussing their successful strides to get projects developed from outside of LA and getting their script Once Upon a Time in Hell off the ground and into production.

The AFF Conference: How to Work It
Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room
Come and join several writers who have all attended the AFF Conference many years over and made the most of their time here.  They have all made countless industry contacts, optioned and sold their scripts, and launched their film careers. Find out how to maximize your Badge and your time here at the AFF.
Julie O’Hora, Karl Williams

2:45pm-4:00pm

Script-to-Screen: SERIOUS MOONLIGHT
Stephen F. Austin, Ballroom
Case study on the writing and production process of getting stories to the screen.  Join a conversation with two-time Emmy-nominated actress Cheryl Hines about her feature film directorial debut.

Austin Pitch #1
Driskill Hotel, Austin Room
It’s the seventh annual Austin Film Festival Pitch Competition! Give your best pitch in 90 seconds and secure your spot in the finals at the Pitch Finale Party on Saturday evening.

James V. Hart
Bob Soderstrom

<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->It Ain't Over 'Til It's Over
Driskill Hotel, Hogg Room
The camera stopped rolling and the editor finished cutting but your job as a filmmaker is far from over. For those who wish to get their movies seen, the work has just begun. The Warren Report’s Warren Etheredge, Film Festival Secrets author Chris Holland, AFF Film Program Director Kelly Williams, and Dallas International Film Festival Film Program Director James Faust share insider secrets on how to work the festival circuit, develop a marketing strategy and corresponding press kit, and what to consider when determining your best distribution options. 
Moderator: Greg Garrett

A Shot of Inspiration
Driskill Hotel, Ballroom
Giving up on writing is not an option. Come and listen to the pros describe their first break and their start in the business; hear motivating and inspiring stories from writers who were once in your shoes.
Daniel Petrie, Jr., Matthew Weiner
Moderator: James Macak

Script-to-Screen: Getting Your Film Off the Ground Driskill Hotel, Victorian Balcony
Three months after JT O'Neal's script Au Pair, Kansas was announced as a Semifinalist (comedy) in the 2008 AFF, he was directing the movie, on a Red One camera, in snow, in the middle of Kansas, starring Traci Lords.  This panel explains how he used the buzz from placing in the AFF screenplay competition (not even winning!) to get investors to write checks, enticed experienced cast and crew to work for SAG ultra-low budget scale ($100/day), and made his movie.
Hans Martin- Leibing, JT O'Neal, Gary Walker
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Art of the Pitch
Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Balcony
Here's where you learn the most challenging skill of a screenwriter's career: pitching a story that sells. Your livelihood in the film industry depends on the presentation of your ideas in a short but entertaining way. Want to make your buyer believe you can capture the tone of an amusing, thrilling and dramatic story? Come and learn how to be a great storyteller.
Ashley Brucks, Jeff Graup, Jessica Julius
Moderator: Steven Arvanites