We here in Austin know a thing or two about how to warm up the holiday season. Twelve days out from Christmas, we will be launching a special promotion for our 21st annual Austin Film Festival and Screenwriters Conference, offering can’t-be-beat deals and perfect holiday gifts for your loved ones.
From December 13th (that’s THIS Friday!) through December 24, stay tuned for a few sporadic “snowflake sales”: no two are alike and there’s no telling when they will begin or end! Keep a keen eye on your inbox, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram as they are sprinkled with generous holiday discounts throughout these 12 Days of Christmas.
Aside from being downright exciting, here are 12 more reasons to look forward to AFF’s 12 Days of Christmas:
1. Because a badge is something you can wear year-long (if you want…)!The cynicism-free enthusiasm of AFF was so inspiring. Just when I was thinking that it was a lost art, reassurance came in droves. There was so much talent and passion buzzing through The Driskill that back in LA, I felt like leaving my AFF badge on.
-Peter Mehlman, writer/co-executive producer, Seinfeld
2. You are alone in your madness if you do not attend AFF.
The Austin Conference is a rare chance for professionals to educate, inspire and even protect the next generation of screenwriters. What’s more, we get out of our rooms, away from our screens… and we meet each other. Working writers, aspiring writers… it doesn’t matter. Finding out you’re not alone in your madness… that’s half of what makes the weekend worthwhile.
– Craig Mazin, writer IDENTITY THIEF, co-host Scriptnotes
3. Rock Around that Christmas Tree with some rocking things planned for the New Year!
For writers, Austin is the Woodstock of film festivals, a gathering of scribes, pro and non-pro rubbing elbows, breaking down the craft in a casual, but electric atmosphere. In a word: Rocking!
– Scott Meyers, host Go Into The Story
4. Because the Festival, like your winter holiday, should be an annual tradition.
Austin Film festival is nothing short of a cultural event — Every time I go, I meet fascinating people whose talent is nothing short of inspiring. I can’t imagine not returning year after year.
– Damon Lindelof, writer PROMETHEUS, Lost, writer/producer STAR TREK sequel
5. AFF is #trending
Austin Film Festival is a wonderful community building event. Not only did I have the chance to share tips on crowdfunding for indie film, but I met amazing media makers – and was exposed the latest trends in the indie film landscape
– Brian Meece, CEO RocketHub
6. What better time than the holidays for personal reflection…
Being questioned about my craft was like chewing gum for the brain — the panels got me thinking long and hard about what I do and why I do it. Am so grateful to have been challenged and to have helped aspiring writers in any way.
– Kelly Marcel, writer SAVING MR. BANKS
7. As far as fun goes, after winter vacation comes spring break, then summer camp. And after summer camp comes Austin Film Festival. Naturally.
There are other screenwriting conferences, but Austin is the grandaddy, the taproot, the source. That’s why big names keep coming back every year. It’s like heading off to summer camp: checking in with old friends and meeting new ones.
– John August, CORPSE BRIDE, BIG FISH, GO, co-host ScriptNotes
8. Getting a badge is equivalent to getting a time machine.
It started as a getaway weekend for great barbecue, and has become a pilgrimage. Going to the Austin conference is like stepping into a time machine and returning to that day, that moment in time when you fell in love with movies and the idea of making them. And living a whole five days feeling that feeling.
– Terry Rossio, writer, SHREK, ALADDIN, the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN franchise
9. Because the badges in Texas mean bigger possibilities
I was completely surprised by the scale of AFF. Apparently, everything is bigger in Texas, including the hospitality. If you’ve never been Austin it’s a great time to go. One of the best film festivals you’ll ever experience.
– Chris Carter, creator The X-Files, The Lone Gunmen
10. Austin > North Pole.
Screenwriters all live in Los Angeles, but they only seem to meet in Austin
– Michael Green, writer THE GREEN LANTERN, Kings, Heroes, Smallville
11. Baby, it may be cold outside, but there’s “snow” excuse to miss this sale.
Still the best fest and brain blizzard forum in filmdom.
– Jim Hart, writer HOOK, BRAM STOKER’s DRACULA, CONTACT, TUCK EVERLASTING
12. The “One Upon a Time” Factor: Once upon a time, you did not have a badge, and it was sad. But then you took part in one of AFF’s Snowflake Sales and lived happily ever after.
Most of us live in a world of “Thou Shalt Not” — a world of rules and restrictions that limit how we think, behave, and even write. What AFF represents is the world of “Once Upon A Time — a world devoted to the endlessly liberating possibilities of storytelling. They should drape a banner above the lobby in the Driskill that proclaims: “It’s About The Story, Not The Glory”.
– Herschel Weingrod, writer TRADING PLACES, BREWSTER’S MILLIONS, TWINS, KINDERGARTEN COP
Don’t forget to keep an eye on your AFF emails and take advantage of our Snowflake Sales!
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