Participating in our Comedy Vanguard jury is Samantha Scupp, Head of Content at the distribution company FilmBuff. FilmBuff has been a great friend of AFF for many years and has picked up a variety of AFF’s films for distribution. They have a keen eye for quality films of all genres, and are especially successful at finding and celebrating feature comedies. Samantha has been instrumental in identifying, picking up, and championing many of FilmBuff’s films over the years. We can’t wait to take advantage of her expertise as part of our jury this year. Read more about Samantha below and check out all of our confirmed jurors here.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Lots of meetings, phone calls, emails and trying to watch as many films as possible on my second screen at the same time.
What’s the best part of your job?
I get paid to watch movies and talk to the people who made them. What could be better?
What’s your favorite movie and why?
The Breakfast Club, because I can identify with every character and it remains timeless.
Who’s your favorite writer and why?
Milan Kundera, because I flew through his oeuvre while I was living in Prague and absolutely fell in love.
What’s your favorite part about Austin Film Festival?
Admittedly, I’ve never been, but Austin is one of my favorite cities! The people, the vibe, the breakfast tacos…
What was your first job or worst job?
I skewered fruit for 9 hours/day when Edible Arrangements first opened and I was still in school.