AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL OPENS 2014 FILM AND SCREENPLAY COMPETITIONS
AUSTIN, Texas—Dec. 10, 2013— Austin Film Festival (AFF) is pleased to announce that it is now accepting submissions for the 2014 Screenplay & Teleplay Competition and Film Competition. These AFF competitions often act as springboards for aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers eager to jump into the movie business.
AFF’s Screenplay & Teleplay Competition is one of the most respected and prestigious writing contests in the country with a rich history of launching careers. Brian Weakland, 2013 Drama Screenplay Winner for “Last Waltz of Vienna”, and Brian Siegele, 2013 Sci-Fi Screenplay Winner for “Lightspeed” both signed with Madhouse Entertainment after winning.
“Austin scripts are read and judged by top Hollywood screenwriters – professionals who appreciate good storytelling. There is nothing hollow about a win in Austin,” Weakland recently said.
“I signed with the reps of my dreams within weeks of the festival,” Siegle added, “and we are now working on packaging my winning screenplay as well as prepping new ideas.”
At the 2013 Festival, AFF presented two World Premieres from alumni of its screenplay competition: COFFEE, KILL BOSS by 2011 Semifinalist Sigurd Ueland and CAVEMEN by 2000 Semifinalist Herschel Faber. Also recently announced, Dan Shea, 2012 Comedy Screenplay Winner, had his winning script “The P.A.N.D.A War” optioned by Dirty Monty. Christopher Cantwell, a 2010 Finalist, recently had one of his pilot scripts Halt & Catch Fire ordered for series production by AMC. Rachel Long and Brian Pittman’s 2008 Semifinalist script “Stranded” (renamed to DAWN PATROL) was acquired by Enderby Entertainment and recently wrapped production with Daniel Petrie, Jr. as director.
AFF’s Film Competition provides an invaluable platform for filmmakers to showcase their craft among industry professionals, aspiring screenwriters and filmmakers and film-lovers. Known as “The Writer’s Festival,” for the past 20 years, Austin Film Festival prides itself in seeking out films that display strong written and visual storytelling. The 2013 festival featured 28 World Premieres and several US and North American premieres. Five features were picked up for distribution during the week of the festival, and another shortly after.
As an Academy Qualifier, the jury award winners for Narrative Shorts and Animated Shorts are eligible to be nominated for an Academy Award. Last year’s jury included Leigh Whannell, America Ferrera, Scott Neustadter, Mick Garris, David Lowery, and executives from Anchor Bay, Long Shot Factory, and Nickelodeon.
For more information on submitting a film or screenplay, please visit www.austinfilmfestival.com.
ABOUT AUSTIN FILM FESTIVAL
Austin Film Festival (AFF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to furthering the art, craft, and business of filmmakers and screenwriters. In addition to a robust list of year-round events, AFF is producing its 21st Annual Film Festival & Conference in 2014. AFF is known as a uniquely pro-artist and interactive idea exchange. Its uncommonly loyal following is due to the fact that the organization has spotlighted the minds and imaginations behind projects for two decades—a trend now picking up steam in the industry. As director and producer Ron Howard said, Austin Film Festival “is really about creativity, about trying to help people find their voice. You sense it. There’s a spirit of camaraderie that’s palpable.” AFF is a greenhouse for projects and a clubhouse for legendary and emerging artists.
Moviemaker Magazine named Austin the #1 city in which to be a moviemaker in 2013, as well as selecting AFF as one of the 25 Coolest Film Festivals around. In addition, AFF consistently receives accolades as Moviemaker’s Film Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.
Austin Film Festival is funded and supported in part by a grant from the Texas Commission on the Arts, City of Austin Economic Growth & Redevelopment Services Office/Cultural Arts Division believing an investment in the Arts is an investment in Austin’s future. Additional support is provided by KUT, KVUE, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences®, Alice Kleberg Reynolds Foundation, and Shweiki Media.
For press inquiries, contact Kristen O’Brien
kristengobrien@gmail.com
For competition inquiries, please contact Austin Film Festival at
info@austinfilmfestival.com
1-800-310-FEST or 512-478-4795