We’re proud to unveil this year’s Writers Conference panels, featuring the best of the business and creatives at the top of their craft.
Join us to hear from the writers, directors, producers, executives, and reps who have brought you this year’s biggest hits and countless timeless classics, who honor the screenwriter’s role in filmmaking, all coming to Austin to champion, connect with, and celebrate the next generation of storytellers.
This is the time to wow your future showrunner at a pitch session, meet your producing partner over a Texas-sized margarita, network with Hollywood’s gatekeepers in line for BBQ, and find your creative tribe in the seat next to you at a panel!
Whether you’re planning to drive, fly, hop, skip, or jump – the time is now to buy your badge and make your plans! Badge prices increase THIS THURSDAY, September 25, at 11:59 PM CDT.
2025 Panel Highlights Include…
On The Naked Gun
Speakers: Dan Gregor; Doug Mand
Join the screenwriters of this year’s biggest comedic hit to discuss their approach to updating a classic for the next generation.
The Art of Time Travel with Rian Johnson and Chris McQuarrie
Speakers: Rian Johnson; Christopher McQuarrie
Join Oscar nominated writer-directors Rian Johnson (Looper) and Chris McQuarrie (Edge of Tomorrow) as they discuss intricate world building and internal story logic in two iconic time traveling films. Guaranteed to leave you begging for more time with this masterful filmmaking duo.
On Sorry, Baby: A Conversation with Eva Victor
Speakers: Eva Victor
Multi-hyphenate Eva Victor wrote, directed, and starred in this debut feature that lit the independent film world on fire. Join them as they discuss the making of their breathtaking film which so perfectly blends humor and trauma to present a truly authentic story.
Live From New York: It’s Saturday Night Live Writers
Speakers: Tim Herlihy
In partnership with Harry Ransom Center, AFF is excited to celebrate the role of the writer at this comedic institution. Join us for a screening of the SNL50 Writers episode and an in-depth conversation on what it’s really like to be in the writers room in the storied halls of 30 Rock.
Dissecting Top Gun: Maverick
Speakers: Christopher McQuarrie
Join Christopher McQuarrie as he deconstructs the film phenomenon Top Gun: Maverick. The writer-director will walk his audience through screenwriting and shot composition choices in the film’s key scenes.
The Showrunners’ Guide to Staff Writing
Speakers: Hannah Bos, Anthony Sparks, Paul Thureen, John Wirth, and Marcelena Mayhorn
Go inside the writers’ room with top showrunners as they reveal what it takes to get hired and become an indispensable staff writer. Learn the essential skills and professional conduct needed to thrive in a collaborative creative environment and build a lasting career.
On Writing A Great First Act
Speakers: Michael Arndt
Billy Wilder once said that if you have a problem in your Third Act, the real problem is in your First Act. What makes a great First Act, and how do you write one? In his new video presentation, followed by an audience Q&A, Academy Award winner Michael Arndt will delve into the art of crafting a great First Act, using examples from The Godfather, The Bicycle Thief, Tootsie, and Cinderella.
On the Making of: All American
Speakers: Nkechi Okoro Carroll
Praised for its realistic characters and witty commentary on class and race, All American became a television phenomenon. Sit down with showrunner Nkechi Okoro Carroll as she gives her insight on the impactful themes of collaboration and youthful ambition, and learn what can be expected of the upcoming season as the series comes to a close.
Make sure you check out all the amazing panels, roundtables, and networking opportunities by checking out the entire schedule here. We can’t wait to see you in Austin in October! We’ll have a margarita waiting!
– The AFF Conference Team