Playwriting Competition
underwritten by Sweetwood Creative
Deadlines
Regular: April 10 ($15)
Final: May 10 ($25)
As Austin Film Festival continues to grow and expand, our vision also widens with the addition of new avenues for storytellers. The inaugural Playwriting Competition is open to full-length stage plays and give playwrights a chance to explore our film and television conference. It will also allow film professionals to discover storytellers who have mastered the art and craft of stage drama.
AFF has always promoted story as the most important element of film and TV. So giving playwrights their own story exposure and a chance of crossover into film and TV only advances our mission. There are many other playwriting competitions out there, but AFF offers playwrights a broader access to successful writers and professionals in all the other related fields.
Plays that make the Final Round will get staged readings during the Conference. Advancing playwrights will have access to exclusive panels, workshops, roundtables, and unique networking opportunities with professionals in theatre, film, and television.
AFF understands the relationship between passion and writing. That’s why we have enormous respect for the many successful playwrights who made the seamless transition to film and TV – playwrights such as Tennessee Williams, Horton Foote, John Patrick Shanley, Tony Kushner and Beau Willimon. And that list grows exponentially with today’s widening viewer market.
So break a leg, ya’ll, and hobble on down to AFF. We promise it will be a standing-room-only kind of experience. But we also promise to find you a seat!
AFF has assembled a group of influential organizations and companies to partner this year’s Playwriting Competition. Sponsors will review and help determine the top scripts. We are proud to have the following sponsors and partners for 2017:
Playwriting Competition Underwritten by Sweetwood Creative
Austin based production company, Sweetwood Creative will be underwriting this year’s Playwriting Award. Sweetwood Creative, your Human Resources Department, produces original theatrical experiences, develops custom content and provides creative consulting. Sweetwood is dedicated to creating original theatrical experiences. Critically-acclaimed writing, world-class comedy and award-winning artists are at the foundation of every production. We offer impeccable service and experienced marketing support to each client and presenter.
Sweetwood also provides creative consulting and development for custom corporate events, videos, web series and television content that focuses on using humor to retain message. Sweetwood has created, written, produced and directed original entertainment for Columbia/Tristar, NBC Productions, ABC, CBS, PBS, Paramount Home Video, Ford Motor Co., Ernst & Young, NHL, Verizon, Con Agra Foods and Anheuser-Busch.
THE ULTIMATE RUNWAY
For over two decades, Austin Film Festival has been catapulting writers into life-changing careers. With one of the most noteworthy competitions among Hollywood tastemakers, AFF consistently yanks newcomers from the isolation of their desks and ushers them into the bustling world of film and television. Whether your dream is to sign a contract, land an agent, learn from an industry icon, or take home the coveted Bronze Typewriter Award, it’s simple: you can’t win if you don’t enter.
You know you want one. But, you can’t win if you don’t enter!
A MESSAGE FROM MATT DY,
COMPETITION DIRECTOR
Regardless, of gender, age, ethnicity, or background, AFF champions all writers and looks for a strong original voice above all. From the indie to the mainstream, we strive to ensure that unique, compelling stories rise to the top and get the recognition they deserve. We are invested in your success and want to help you grow as a writer whether or not you advance in the competition. If you have a story to tell, YOU are important to AFF. Send us your best and let your voice be heard!
Other Competitions
THE DEAL OF THE YEAR, EVERY YEAR
At AFF, when you win, you really win. Not only is there a cash prize and our unmistakable typewriter statuette—five pounds of awesome you can carry around—but you win alongside legendary figures as part of our annual Awards ceremony. Last year, our winning filmmakers received their awards next to Norman Lear, John Singleton, Brian Helgeland, and Chris Cooper. It simply doesn’t get better than that.
But wait, there’s more! Keep in mind that the Jury Award winners of our Narrative, Documentary and Animated Short categories officially qualify for an Academy Award®. Big things happen when you win our bronze typewriter, but you can’t win if you never enter.
Questions?
Having technical difficulties? Feel free to call (1.800.310.3378) or email our Screenplay Competition Administrative Coordinator, Gabbi: gabbi@austinfilmfestival.com
For all other general questions please contact the Screenplay Competition Director, Matt Dy: matt@austinfilmfestival.com or by phone at 512-478-4795.
I was thrilled to win at Austin. Since the competition, doors have started to open. My movie has a much better chance of getting made than it had before. But even if I hadn’t won, I would have had the equally valuable experience of the Conference itself. This is what sets Austin apart–the incredible opportunity to talk with and learn from the top professionals in the industry and the fabulously talented attendees. I really believe this is a learner’s business, and that’s what AFF understands so well.”
– Robert Rue, 2015 Drama Winner for Detroit
