In Memoriam: Richard Bever
Last week, we were saddened to lose Richard Bever, a dear friend of AFF. Richard served as a panelist and Screenplay Competition judge for several years and helped jumpstart the careers of many of our writers. He is the former Head of Development and Production at Andrew Lauren Productions, the Owner/President of Parting Shots Media, and produced the Emmy-nominated documentary Wish Me Away and the comedy G.B.F. which both screened at AFF.
“When I first took on the role of Screenplay Competition Director, Richard was one of the first people to welcome me in the position and even invited me to meet with him for coffee when he found out I was going to be in LA. His experience with the Competition preceded my own as he had already judged for many years, so he never hesitated to give me advice on what to look for in scripts and how to work with writers. That was the beauty of Richard – always generous with his time to help others and he always did it with a smile. We will miss you, Richard, and the endless warmth and sincerity you exuded. Heaven is lucky to have a producer like you up there.”
– Matt Dy, AFF Screenplay Competition Director
“What an honor to get to express my love for Richard Bever to all of you. For those of you who have attended the Austin Film Festival for over the past 15 years, this was a man whose path you crossed at some point. Whether he was seated on a panel, giving guidance at a roundtable, or standing with a plate of BBQ at the Friday night party, Richard championed everyone he met and never knew a stranger. Richard had an aura of kindness, care and sensitivity around him, and always an open heart to those he met. He would connect with everyone and support writers and filmmakers alike with simplicity that made him feel like he was your biggest cheerleader. Richard departed this Earth too soon. My heart is saddened for all of us who knew and loved him, but I know his energy will carry on through everyone he touched. Rest in peace, my friend.”
– Dawn Wiercinski, producer and former AFF Screenplay Competition Director