Austin Film Festival: Schedule
I have been invited to the Austin Film Festival this year, so for those of you who will be in attendance, here is my schedule:
Friday, 9AM [Driskill Hotel, Citadel Room]: The Black List
Days after the one-year anniversary of the launch of the Black List online service, Franklin Leonard answers any and every question about how it works, best practices, and its future.
Friday, 10:45AM [Driskill Hotel, Ballroom]: The Unreliable Narrator
There are many different types of narrators, and in storytelling, they exist to provide a unique perspective or personal insight on the sequence of events that unfold. As an audience member, we have been trained to rely on them; to side with them; to learn and grow with them. But what happens when the narrator is not to be trusted? Some of the craftiest writers in cinema have mastered the ability to depict the unreliable narrator, resulting in a credibility that is compromised. Whether lies and mistruths are told as a result of exaggeration, personal gain, or an unbalanced state of mind, this level of storytelling can elevate a narrative. Join Jim Uhls (FIGHT CLUB), Jim Taylor (ELECTION), and John August (BIG FISH) as they dish out why this is such an effective mode of narration. We promise they’ll tell the truth. Moderated by Scott Myers.
Friday, 3:00PM [Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room]: Deconstructing Tootsie
TOOTSIE does what all great comedies should do: it finds truth and heart in what might otherwise be a silly or outlandish premise. With a rock-solid script, remarkable execution, and a sense of authenticity and humanity, TOOTSIE has come to be a cultural artifact that has grown rich with age. Panelists John Hamburg, Leslie Dixon and Scott Myers will deconstruct the romance of the film that exists on and off the page, and how TOOTSIE stands against the test of time as a heartfelt and moving comedy. Moderated by Greg Garrett.
Saturday, 3:45PM [Driskill Hotel, Maximilian Room]: Deconstructing Dog Day Afternoon
DOG DAY AFTERNOON is something of an American classic. Made in the golden age of crime dramas, its footprints can be seen in many of the greatest films that have come since. Brilliantly constructed by Frank Pierson, DOG DAY AFTERNOON serves as a wonderful case-study for screenwriters. Panelists Peter Craig and Robin Swicord will dissect this masterful crime-drama, revealing why it’s not a crime to tap into the DOG DAY AFTERNOON bank for writing inspiration. Moderated by Scott Myers.
The AFF is always a great event, but this year may take the cake with an incredible array of panels, speakers, honorees and screenwriting dignitaries. For the schedule, go here. List of speakers, go here.
As for me, between events I’ll be wandering around, so if you see me and are a fan of the blog, don’t hesitate to say hello.
I’m even going to try to do some sort of blogging throughout the day or at least that’s the plan. We’ll see how things shake out. At the very least, I’ll put up a post per day for anyone at the event so you can provide your summary of panels or whatever piques your interest there.
Finally if are interested in the craft of writing movies, you should plan on attending the Austin Film Festival Conference at least once in your life, as that is its focus: screenwriting. For more background on the AFF, go here.
Hope to see you there!
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