Whether you fancy yourself a writer of film, television, podcasts, or plays, it all boils down to one key ingredient—the character. From leading ladies to antiheroes to full-blown villains, characters are the heart of any… Read More
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Tricks of the Trade: Writing for the Stage and Screen
Whether you’re in the business of film, television, theater, or new media, storytelling is at the heart of your craft. At Austin Film Festival, it’s our goal to champion writers across mediums, and help you… Read More
Tricks of the Trade: Crafting and Creating with Craig Mazin
As the writer of The Hangover Parts II & III, Identity Thief, and The Huntsman: Winter’s War and the co-host of the weekly screenwriting podcast Scriptnotes, AFF alum and 2019 confirmed panelist Craig Mazin has… Read More
Tricks of the Trade: Crafting Jokes for Film and Television
Comedy can be an intimidating—and often ruthless world to navigate. From sketch, to stand-up, to scripted films and TV series, there are countless styles of comedy, and finding the right format for your brand of… Read More
Tricks of the Trade: Writing for the Digital World
With the rise of new media platforms, there have never been more opportunities to get your stories out there. From independent web series to big budget streaming services, the digital space has become a mecca… Read More
Tricks of the Trade: Writing the Rom Com
A genre once-declared dead, the romantic comedy is back and bigger than ever, paving the way for new stories surrounding the hilarious, harrowing, and hopeful enigma that is the modern relationship. So what makes a… Read More
Tricks of the Trade: Writing for Animation
Like any successful film or television series, animation relies on the quality of its story. With so much creative freedom in the world you’re building, it can be tricky to keep your characters grounded and… Read More
Tricks of the Trade: Hollywood Tips & Tricks
Finding the time to work on your craft is never easy and maintaining that stamina after a setback can be even harder. Last week, Austin Film Festival headed to the heart of Los Angeles for… Read More
Tricks of the Trade: Storytelling with John Lee Hancock
A Texas-sized titan of the craft, John Lee Hancock has made a name for himself as both an esteemed writer and a formidable director in the industry. With credits like The Rookie, A Perfect World,… Read More