Loading…
Simple
Expanded
Grid
By Venue
Conference clear filter
arrow_back View All Dates
Thursday, October 24
 

11:30am CDT

Opening Remarks
Thursday October 24, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Austin Club
Austin Film Festival (AFF) welcomes you to its 31st annual celebration of storytelling through film, television, and new media! Bringing together industry icons, independent filmmakers, aspiring storytellers, and everyone in between, this year’s Festival features intimate discussions, workshops, film premieres, retrospectives, parties, and limitless networking opportunities. Join Pamela Ribon and AFF staff for Opening Remarks to learn more about the week ahead, last-minute additions and changes, and new special guests.
Speakers
avatar for Pamela Ribon

Pamela Ribon

writer My Year of Dicks, Moana, Ralph Breaks the Internet
Pamela Ribon is the Academy Award®-nominated creator and writer of MY YEAR OF DICKS, an adaptation of her critically-acclaimed comedic memoir NOTES TO BOYS (AND OTHER THINGS I SHOULDN’T SHARE IN PUBLIC). In addition to her work as a screenwriter (NIMONA, MOANA, RALPH BREAKS THE... Read More →
Thursday October 24, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Conference

1:00pm CDT

How to Work the Writers Conference
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Austin Club
Sit down with these returning panelists and friends of AFF for prep and a pep talk on what the Conference has to offer: panels, pitches, and all the ways you can get the most out of your week.
Moderators
avatar for Greg Garrett

Greg Garrett

AFF 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, Peter Hedges, and Damon Lindelof, and led dozens of conversations on craft, genre, adaptation... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Shanon Ingles

Shanon Ingles

writer and narrative designer Judas, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, God of War: Ragnarok, Batman: The Enemy Within, Batman: A Telltale Series; BAFTA member
SHANON M. INGLES is an Emmy-winning interactive screenwriter, narrative designer and BAFTA member. She’s best known for her work on the highly anticipated game JUDAS, Marvel’s Midnight Suns, God of War: Ragnarok, Batman: The Enemy Within, Batman: A Telltale Series, Silent Hill... Read More →
avatar for Alvaro Rodriguez

Alvaro Rodriguez

writer American Rust: Broken Justice, Florida Man, Machete, Seis Manos
Alvaro Rodriguez has been writing since childhood and, in fact, did his best work when he was 11. Still holding out for improvement, he is a writer for film and television (and animation!) based in Los Angeles. During the pandemic, he contributed a monologue from an imaginary Chet... Read More →
avatar for Sean Collins-Smith

Sean Collins-Smith

story editor, Chicago PD; Staff Writer, Michael Schur's Field of Dreams; AFF Winner, 2018
Sean Collins-Smith (Story Editor, CHICAGO PD; Staff Writer, FIELD OF DREAMS) is a screenwriter and national award-winning journalist from Richmond, Virginia. A winner and 3-time finalist at the Austin Film Festival, Sean’s most recent pilot, SUICIDE MACHINES: A LIMITED SERIES, reached... Read More →
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Conference

1:00pm CDT

Meet Cute, Again: The Rom Com Resurgence
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
St. David's Episcopal Church Sanctuary
The golden genre of the 2000s has recently returned to our screens with a vengeance. Welcome back to meet cutes, flirtatious banter, the third act break-up, and the happily ever after! Here to break down their new additions to the romantic comedy canon are Tiffany Paulsen (Holidate) and Ted Malawer (Red, White & Royal Blue).
Moderators
avatar for Erin Hallagan Clare

Erin Hallagan Clare

AFF moderator; Founder, Story Parlor; former Creative Director, Austin Film Festival
Erin Hallagan Clare is the Founder and Artistic Director of Story Parlor (www.storyparloravl.com), a narrative arts space dedicated to multidisciplinary storytelling based in Asheville, North Carolina. She is a certified creativity coach and holds a Masters in creative psychology, as well as a graduate certificate in Applied Mythology. A writer and storyteller, she has told st... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Tiffany Paulsen

Tiffany Paulsen

writer/director Winter Spring Summer or Fall; writer Holidate; About Fate; Nancy Drew; Adventures In Babysitting
Tiffany Paulsen has won both the DISNEY/ABC writing and SONY TV Directing Fellowships. Her directorial debut Winter Spring Summer or Fall stars Jenna Ortega for Paramount. Her writing credits include; Holidate for Netflix and About Fate for Amazon, both were #1 globally. Additionally... Read More →
avatar for Ted Malawer

Ted Malawer

writer Red, White & Royal Blue
Ted Malawer is a playwright and screenwriter from Long Island. He co-wrote Prime Video’s RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE, which debuted at #1 on the streamer and received a 2024 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Television Movie. Additional credits include AMERICAN RUST: BROKEN JUSTICE, RISE... Read More →
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
St. David's Episcopal Church Sanctuary 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Conference

1:00pm CDT

On Rewriting: Handling Notes & Avoiding the First Draft Trap
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
St. David's Episcopal Church Bethel Hall
Learn from industry experts Mark L. Smith, Bill Collage, and Cliff Roberts to effectively handle page notes, avoid becoming trapped in the first draft mindset and use feedback to elevate scripts to new heights.

Sponsored by: Jim Burnstein & Bill Collage
Moderators
avatar for Jim Burnstein

Jim Burnstein

writer Renaissance Man, D3: The Mighty Ducks, Ruffian, Love and Honor; Professor and Director of Screenwriting University of Michigan
Speakers
avatar for Mark L. Smith

Mark L. Smith

writer The Revenant, Twisters, Boys In The Boat, Midnight Sky, the upcoming Netflix series American Primeval and Untamed
Mark L Smith is a North Carolina based writer and producer. Since his first produced screenplay, Vacancy (2006), some of his various projects have included The Revenant, Twisters, Overlord, The Midnight Sky, and The Boys In The Boat. He also created and produced the upcoming Netflix... Read More →
avatar for Bill Collage

Bill Collage

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

Cliff Roberts

producer The Midnight Sky, Emancipation, Sleeping Dogs
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
St. David's Episcopal Church Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Conference

1:00pm CDT

Script to Screen: American Psycho
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Capital Ballroom
In the two decades since American Psycho hit theaters, the satirical black comedy has endured in the hearts and nightmares of audiences. Sit down with screenwriter Guinevere Turner to hear about her experience adapting the novel, captivating the zeitgeist, and striking an entirely unique tone.
Moderators
avatar for Michael MacCambridge

Michael MacCambridge

AFF moderator
From 1988-95, Michael MacCambridge was a columnist and critic at the Austin American-Statesman, writing about movies, music and popular culture. Since then, he has written and edited several books, including America's Game: The Epic Story of How Pro Football Captured A Nation, which... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Guinevere Turner

Guinevere Turner

writer Go Fish, American Psycho, Charlie Says, The L Word
Guinevere Turner is a writer, director and actor who has been working in film and TV since her 1994 debut film Go Fish, which she wrote, produced and starred in. She teamed up with director Mary Harron to write the films American Psycho, The Notorious Bettie Page, Charlie Says and... Read More →
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Capital Ballroom 701 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
  Conference

1:00pm CDT

The Future of Storytelling presented by TooFar Media
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Assembly Room
Join TooFar Media, pioneers in immersive storytelling, and Adim, leaders in entertainment technology, for an engaging discussion on the Future of Storytelling. Discover how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing the way stories are created, shared, and experienced like never before!
Speakers
avatar for Melissa Kaspers

Melissa Kaspers

co-founder and CEO, Adim
Melissa Kaspers is the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Adim. Adim is a tech platform Co-Founded by Kaspers, alongside Rob McElhenney (Always Sunny in Philadelphia), with the mission to reshape the future of entertainment by giving creators the tools to secure, manage, and... Read More →
avatar for Rajiv Parikh

Rajiv Parikh

President at TooFar Media
Rajiv Parikh has over 20 years of experience leading high-performing global marketing, sales and product teams defining and implementing go-to-market strategies for ground breaking technology-based solutions companies.  In his current role, Rajiv is President of an innovative multimedia... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for TooFar Media
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Assembly Room 701 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
  Conference

1:00pm CDT

The Myth of The 3 Act Structure
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Pennybacker Room
In this groundbreaking seminar, WGA Paul Selvin Award Winner Jacob Krueger shows you why more and more successful writers are abandoning 3 act structure for a more intuitive approach. Learn why writers get "lost in the second act" and how to make sure that never happens to you again. Plus, discover a new way of thinking about structure that helps you transcend the tired old formulas, and grow your script organically, by connecting to your characters and your instincts as a writer. This panel is presented by Jacob Krueger Studio.
Speakers
avatar for Jacob Krueger

Jacob Krueger

writer The Matthew Shepard Story; WGA Paul Selvin Award Winner
The Founder of Jacob Krueger Studio and host of the popular Write Your Screenplay podcast, Jacob has worked with thousands of writers, from Academy and Tony Award Winners, to new writers picking up the pen for the first time. His writing includes the screenplay for Emmy winning The... Read More →
Sponsors
avatar for Jacob Krueger Studios
Thursday October 24, 2024 1:00pm - 2:15pm CDT
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Pennybacker Room 700 San Jacinto St, E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Conference

2:45pm CDT

Anatomy of an Antagonist with Noah Hawley
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Central Presbyterian Church
In each season of Fargo, Noah Hawley has introduced us to unforgettable, layered, complex villains who fascinate the audience. Join this Emmy winning writer for look into his process crafting those characters and bringing them to life.
Speakers
avatar for Noah Hawley

Noah Hawley

showrunner Fargo, Alien: Earth; filmmaker, novelist
Award-winning Noah Hawley is one of the most accomplished auteurs and versatile storytellers working in television, film and literature. Hawley balances the art of telling cinematic, unforgettable character-driven stories that linger long after you’ve been immersed in them.Over... Read More →
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Central Presbyterian Church 200 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701, USA
  Conference

2:45pm CDT

Character Development in Animated Storytelling
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
St. David's Episcopal Church Bethel Hall
We’re bringing together executives from Pixar, Minnow Mountain animation studios, and Starburns Industries to talk about how characters are brought to life through writing, development, and illustration. 
Moderators
avatar for Paul Alvarado-Dykstra

Paul Alvarado-Dykstra

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

Emily Mollenkopf

Head of Creative Development, Pixar Animation Studios
Emily Mollenkopf is Head of Creative Development at Pixar Animation Studios where she has helped guide films through the development process for over a decade. Emily works closely with Pixar's directors from concept through final draft. She helps them articulate their vision, prepares... Read More →
avatar for Alvaro Rodriguez

Alvaro Rodriguez

writer American Rust: Broken Justice, Florida Man, Machete, Seis Manos
Alvaro Rodriguez has been writing since childhood and, in fact, did his best work when he was 11. Still holding out for improvement, he is a writer for film and television (and animation!) based in Los Angeles. During the pandemic, he contributed a monologue from an imaginary Chet... Read More →
avatar for James Fino

James Fino

Co-Founder Starburns Industries Inc
JAMES FINO is a founding partner of Starburns Industries, Inc. He served as executive producer on the Emmy award-winning stop-motion special, ABED’S UNCONTROLLABLE CHRISTMAS, for NBC’s comedy COMMUNITY as well as Adult Swim’s stop-motion series, MARY SHELLEY’S FRANKENHOLE... Read More →
avatar for Steph Swope

Steph Swope

animation producer Tower, Undone seasons 1 and 2, Apollo 10 1/2: A Space Age Childhood, Quantum Cowboys
Steph Swope boasts a remarkable 25-year career in the independent film industry, earning recognition as an award-winning producer of animated series and feature films. Steph’s no-bullshit authenticity and a supernatural analytical ability has laid the foundation for Minnow Mountain’s... Read More →
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
St. David's Episcopal Church Bethel Hall 301 E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Conference

2:45pm CDT

Hartchart: True Detective: Night Country
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Assembly Room
A renowned story mapping tool, Hartchart is the key to developing strong character arcs and a well-paced plot. Learn how to master structure in your writing from the mind behind Bram Stoker’s Dracula, August Rush, and Hook, using True Detective: Night Country as a case study.
Speakers
avatar for James V. Hart

James V. Hart

creator TheHartChart Story Mapping Tools ; writer Hook, Bram Stoker's Dracula, Contact, Muppet Treasure Island, August Rush, The Hot Zone
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 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Assembly Room 701 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
  Conference

2:45pm CDT

Indie Film Track: Shorts
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Mansfield Room
Creating a short film poses its own set of challenges. Panelists will share tips on developing characters under a time constraint, creating a thorough story arc, and establishing a clear beginning, middle and end with a limited runtime. 
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Mansfield Room 700 San Jacinto St, E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Conference, Indie Film Track

2:45pm CDT

On the Making of Red, White and Royal Blue
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Capital Ballroom
After the suspenseful political romance took the book world by storm, the team behind its adaptation to film had their work cut out for them. Get a closer look at screenwriter Ted Malawer's creative process adapting the story from page to screen.
Moderators
avatar for Casey Baron

Casey Baron

AFF moderator; programmer, Tribeca Festival
Born and raised in the small island of Dominica located in the West Indies, Casey Baron moved to Austin after graduating from Florida State University with a degree in English – Editing, Writing, and Media. Casey was a part of the Austin Film Festival family for seven years running... Read More →
Speakers
avatar for Ted Malawer

Ted Malawer

writer Red, White & Royal Blue
Ted Malawer is a playwright and screenwriter from Long Island. He co-wrote Prime Video’s RED, WHITE & ROYAL BLUE, which debuted at #1 on the streamer and received a 2024 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Television Movie. Additional credits include AMERICAN RUST: BROKEN JUSTICE, RISE... Read More →
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Capital Ballroom 701 Congress Ave., Austin, TX 78701, USA
  Conference

2:45pm CDT

On YA Drama: A Conversation with Julie Plec
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Austin Club
Julie Plec joins AFF to talk about her accomplished career as a writer and showrunner. She will explore how her fantasy teen drama The Vampire Diaries captivated a generation and spawned a television universe through spinoffs The Originals and Legacies.
Moderators
avatar for Fabienne Harford

Fabienne Harford

AFF moderator
Speakers
avatar for Julie Plec

Julie Plec

Creator/Showrunner/Executive Producer/Director
Julie Plec is a creator, showrunner, executive producer and director, most notably responsible for the complete Vampire Diaries Universe, which spanned 13 years and more than 300 episodes of television.She co-created and executive produced The Girls on the Bus, which recently premiered... Read More →
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Austin Club 110 E 9th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Conference

2:45pm CDT

The State of Filmmaking in Texas: Film Commissions, Incentives and the "Tex-Factor"
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Pennybacker Room
Join members of the Texas Association of Film Commissions and their guests as they explore what makes filming in Texas a unique, cost-effective and rewarding experience.
Thursday October 24, 2024 2:45pm - 4:00pm CDT
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Pennybacker Room 700 San Jacinto St, E 8th St, Austin, TX 78701
  Conference
 
Share Modal

Share this link via

Or copy link

Filter sessions
Apply filters to sessions.
Filtered by Date - 
Clear filter
Wednesday, September 25
Wednesday, October 23
Thursday, October 24
Friday, October 25
Saturday, October 26
Sunday, October 27
Monday, October 28
Tuesday, October 29
Wednesday, October 30
Thursday, October 31
Austin Club
Austin Club Game Room
Central Presbyterian Church
Central Presbyterian Church Smoot Hall
Cooper's BBQ 
Fair Market
Galaxy Theatre 5
Galaxy Theatre 6
Galaxy Theatre 9
Huston-Tillotson University
Omni Austin Downtown Hotel Bridge Ballroom Foyer
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Lamar Room
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Mansfield Room
Omni Austin Hotel Downtown Pennybacker Room
Pease Park
Pour Choices
Ranch 616 
Rollins Theatre at the Long Center
St. David's Episcopal Church Bethel Hall
St. David's Episcopal Church Crail A
St. David's Episcopal Church Crail BC
St. David's Episcopal Church Sanctuary
St. David's Episcopal Church Sumners Hall
St. David's Episcopal Church Vestry Room
TBA
The Creek and The Cave
The Hideout Theatre
The Paramount Theatre
The State Theatre
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Assembly Room
The Stephen F Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel Capital Ballroom
Vulcan Gas Company
  • Conference
  • Exhibit Hall
  • Film
  • Party
  • Pitch Competition
  • Roundtable
  • Script Library
  • Script Reading
  • Script/Film Competition Session
  • Short Film
  • Young Filmmakers Program
  • Popular