Erin Hallagan | 10.16.13
Continuing the Conference’s “choose your own adventure”, we have assembled a handful of different tracks to explore during the Conference. From a series of discussions focusing on the world of television, to case-study panels, to conversations on how to break into the business, there is no shortage of options of how to spend your time….
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Often writers forget one of those most important characters when setting out to write their screenplay: their audience! Your audience is a vital participant in your script and should be factored into the seams of the story. Check out these panels to learn how to foster this relationship with the viewers (and readers!) when crafting and selling your screenplay.
See the Track: KnowYourAudience Track
BREAKING INTO THE BUSINESS
There’s no question that this industry is cut-throat and seemingly impossible to penetrate. Setting yourself up for success is a refined skill that is essential to hone. There is no one way to break in, and it is a feat that can take many years to accomplish. Take part in these discussions on how to polish your skills both on the page, in a networking setting, and in a pitch room.
See the Track: BREAKING INTO THE BUSINESS Track
CASE-STUDY PANELS
Join these case-study talks that dive into how various works of film and television found success. From script-to-screen discussions detailing the process of taking an idea and turning it into a film – to deconstructing classics – to using a screenplay competition to launch your career – to the creative evolution of a project across a variety of mediums, there is no shortage of inspiration and knowledge in these sessions that can be used to create your own film or screenplay.
See the Track: Case Study Track
TELEVISION
Television is widely known as the writer’s medium. These panels will explore in-depth answers to any questions about the craft and business of television from the perspective of writers, showrunners, directors, executives and producers.
See the Track: TELEVISION TRACK
ELEMENTS
Let’s face it: even if you have an incredible idea for a story, putting it on paper is challenging. From a script’s structure to the elements of storytelling, the job of a writer requires a nurturing relationship with one’s characters, theme, tone, scene construction, dialogue, plot, exposition….. and when it’s okay to break the structural and mechanical rules. The pros of the particulars will dive into how best to approach these considerable tasks.
See the Track: TELEVISION ELEMENTS
INDIE
In an ever-changing industry, the independent filmmaker is required to concurrently adapt and change. Of course, with change comes opportunity, and between the rise of fundraising outlets, digital filmmaking, and innovative distribution models, indie cinema has become a creative forum in more ways than one. Sit in on this track of indie filmmaking sessions as panelists discuss their roles and responsibilities as independent filmmakers.
See the Track: INDIE TRACK
GENRE
Comedy is the hardest genre. No, sci-fi is. No wait… romance is. Okay, okay!- they are all difficult to compose! Writing within a genre requires much research, knowledge of its parameters, what the rules of the world are, and when to disregard them. This track of panels explores all corners of the genre world and how incorporate corresponding elements, moods, motifs and tropes within your screenplay.
See the Track: GENRE TRACK
CONVERSATIONS
As part of Austin Film Festival’s continuing “Conversation with” series, don’t miss these in-depth one-on-one conversations between top filmmaking veterans and carefully selected moderators as they illuminate their philosophy on storytelling, specific examples from their own work, and their experiences in the industry.
See the Track: CONVERSATIONS TRACK
THE BUSINESS SIDE
Many writers choose their profession due to the love of their craft. But often the glorious relationship between pen and page neglects to consider one of the most important aspects of this job: the business side! These panels will offer access to executives, studio reps, producers, attorneys, managers, agents, and producers as they disclose what to expect and what to prepare for in order to truly cultivate your writing career.
See the Track: THE BUSINESS SIDE TRACK