writing

Writers can be especially self-aware and hard on themselves, which is ironic because they must let go of that to allow free-flowing ideas. Of course this is easier said than done. Our great AFF panelists...  Read More

There may be instances when you want to throw away your script and never look back. For some reason, the story isn't working, the characters don't feel alive, dialogue does not seem natural, and you...  Read More

In the spirit of the holiday season, we've gathered some tips and tricks from our 2019 "Writing in a Winter Wonderland" panel on how to bring audiences together through the power of storytelling. 1. Timeless...  Read More

We know that every great screenplay begins with a great idea. But how do you know which idea to pursue? Don’t sweat it. Here’s some advice from past AFF panelists on how to open your...  Read More

Our 2022 script and film competitions open next Tuesday (December 7th)! In honor of our 29th year we’re looking back at advice from past Austin Film Festival panelists on how to identify your strengths and...  Read More

When some of the industry’s most accomplished writers all gather in the same room, it’s impossible to walk away without feeling motivated to run home and work on your next project. If you were unable...  Read More

This year at the 28th annual AFF Writers Conference we launched a new track of panels all about writing for video games. As the lines between filmmaking and game development continue to blur, we believe...  Read More

Playwriting and screenwriting are two different animals, and it can feel jarring when switching from one to the other. Both rely heavily on a structure, rich characters, and poignant conflict. But what about the action...  Read More

Outlines are a great tool when crafting your story. They allow you to construct and organize your ideas in a linear manner, pick relevant information essential to your story early in your process, and can...  Read More